Russell Thompkins Jr. Interview On The Stylistics, Working With Thom Bell, and Career Highlights
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- čas přidán 25. 07. 2019
- In this intimate sit-down, Kevin Curtin interviews Russell Thompkins Jr. of The Stylistics. In this conversation, Russell talks about working with Thom Bell on some of the greatest records of all time, and so much more!
Thanks to Russell Thompkins Jr. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.
Curtin Call- Episode 25 (Shot at The Thompkins Residence in Philly, July 21st, 2019)
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"Hurry up this way" and "People Make the World Go Round" are my favorite Stylistics songs!
What a privilege to meet this living legend.
It was an honor! A memory I’ll cherish till the day I die 🙏🏻👏🏻
Thanks for watching!
He's got amazing voice xxxxxxxxxx
@@CurtinCall thank you Mr Curtain for such a nice laid back interview. Fans like to learn the "living side" of a performer as well as the flip sides of records. 🎶❣🎶
Imagine gettin the opportunity/pleasure to be in the band
The Voice of an Angel,bless him a true legend.
Truly one of the greatest singers ever. An Iconic voice.
I've been fortunate enough to meet Russell twice. What a truly nice gentleman! It was such a thrill for me. What a talent!
~ It is obvious from this wonderful interview that Russell is a class act . ☺👍
Mr. Thompkins is truly one of the greats. He has recorded some truly beautiful songs. Have been a fan since I was a child. 60's and 70's music some of the best ever. Those music and variety shows back then were amazing. There will never be anything like it again. I hope these legends know how much we love them.
I was 6 when I first heard "You Make Me Feel Brand New" come on the radio and I froze and listened with astonishment at Russell's voice! He made such a huge impact on me, vocally and I made my first record at 14 years old. I LOVE this LEGEND!!
One of the best singing groups of our time the stylistics were the song I was listening to when I first got my grind slow dance on at 14, years old & learned how to tongue kiss "break up to make up' beautiful moments & memories 🤔😇🎧
Thanks Russell thompkins
Always fascinated by Russell's falsetto; growing up without seeing him actually thought he was female, but I was very young! Seems a lovely guy, amazing voice
One of my main influences as a vocalist and artist
What a beautiful smile when russel smile love you
So true. He has a beautiful smile.
A voice of voices, TIMELESS.
Voice of an angel. Part of my philly history!
Agreed! One of the best voices of ALL TIME! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
"The greatest singer in music history".....you said it Kevin Curtain. That might be a stretch...but he is probably among the top 10 in his R&B/ Soul category... Not only his beautiful strong falsetto...but he also has a beautiful natural singing voice. His 55 year history in music, his stamina on tours, his caring for others and his friendliness also are admired. He reaches for improvement in his performances always. I Loved this interview. He is a Great man surrounded by great performers on stage! 🎶🎤🎶
You and me BOTH!
This dude is on my Mount Rushmore of Great falsetto lead singers, right behind Eddie Kendricks. Love this dude.
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
I think Russell is the BEST! I love his range!
Russuell Thompkins Jr. Is behind no one.
I agree Russell is a far better falsetto than Eddie , Russell has a broader falsetto vocal range and Eddie sings slightly off key . Eddie was a decent falsetto but mostly over rated
@@marvintaylor5332 that's a crazy statement. Russell is great for sure, but better than Eddie? That's funny 😂.
Actually, there are 4 songs by the stylistics that make me cry,,, happy tears of course, god bless you Russell....
I'm glad you liked my comment,,, it's really nice to meet such wonderful people online, please stay safe and god bless you...
How I love this man. I grew up listening to The Stylistics. He was always my favorite. My family all know me by playing their albums to death.
One of the best singers of all time!! And a great man too!
Thanks for watching! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
My brothers laugh at me about it. They knew how much I loved Russell's heavenly voice.
@@valeriewhite3542 hey Valerie. Seems we walk the same path on youtube. Both Russell fans. Catch him as guest singer with AWB ( Average White Band) group famous for last 50 years. He sang " A Love of Your own".... he killed it. You will love it. Nancy. 🎶🎤🎶
Nice interview. Full of details on the history of the Stylistics and how their music evolved. Glad Mr. Thompkins gave you the opportunity. I remember hearing many of these songs on the radio back in the day.
Thank you so much! Appreciate you watching, glad you enjoyed it. 👏🏻
- Agree. One of the best interviews 👌
Yes indeed, Phyllis Hyman did SLAY "Betcha By Golly Wow". DOPE!!!!
He has a beautiful voice one of my favorite singer. Matter fact me and my husband went to there concert at the Greek theater.
One of the best interviews,by a great man.
Thank you for watching Peter!!
Brilliant voice special talent
This is a masterpiece
I was just listening to I have you you have me, and the 1st time that I heard that song was in 1980, I must have played it 20 times. 😊.
Very cool and nice show Russel 😎 Loved every minute of it seen you live in Stockton California at the Bob Hope theater and it was great 👍👍👍
Amazing vocalist.
I think I remember in a book about James Brown where Brown said Little Richard (Rip) once told him, "James you the *_onliest_* man I know that's got everything." Also I can't remember who James Brown was talking to but he reportedly said 'one of the keys to success was hair and teeth.' Now to hear Thompkins say the same thing is kind of funny.
I think James Brown cared about his teeth and shoes. His hair was great too. Little Richard and James Brown have both died now very sad and Michael Jackson and BB King are gone from us.
James Brown told Russell about hair and teeth...to always have them nice...The Stylistics were actually taken on a whirlwind few months tour with James Brown as his opening act. 9 days straight night of performing.... And 1 day rest then another 9 days performances and so on for few months. Really wore them down physically and hard on Russells vocal cords he said. But what James Brown told him about the hair stuck with him. They all had HUGE afros at the time. Which they downsized big time. 🎶🎤🎶
Great interview. The interviewer left no stone unturned and Russell seemed to enjoy sharing his life story as much as I enjoyed listening to it.
Thanks for watching, happy you enjoyed it! 👏🏻
What a great interview! The Stylistics are one of my all time favorites and some of those songs they recorded are incredible. Glad they are making a Carpenters cover album! Definitely looking forward to that!
Thank you so much. Russell is a good man and a great friend! One of the greatest singers of all time.
Thanks again for watching!
I've loved this man since I was 12years old. You'll always be the original voice of the Stylistics. The may have a copy person sounding like you? But he's nothing like you! You're 2nd to none, your wife is a lucky woman she gets to be in your presence daily and gets to hear you sing!! I'm your devoted fan infinity!
I should really start at the beginning with this, i work at the clarion hotel here in my home town, and Laura, a coworker was able to get you are beautiful on cd for me, and there is a song on there that makes me cry,,, happy tears, of course, maybe russell can guess which one is, ok ok!!! I'll tell you. It's track 9 if you are there!!!! That song is so beautifully done, i can't help but cry each time i hear it... That said, as always keep up the good work and God bless you Russell....
He was a singer that I will always Respect. And love
.I am right as Rain ...like ur as right as Rain.....
This was a wonderful experience opportunity ❤
Thank you for watching!!!
Thank you for this interview!
Thank you for watching! Appreciate it. 🙏🏻
What an absolutely great interview!! I was totally mesmerized the whole time! Thank you! Oooooh, the great Russell Tompkins 💙 Yesss! Kudos to Interviewer also!👏👌
Thank you for watching! So happy you enjoyed it. Love and Peace! 💙✌🏻
It is rare that an icon of an artist is so articulate interesting bright and nice. I think this is a great interview with an amazing artist.
Eddie had some nerve..wow!
This is a really cool interview!!
Thank you for watching!! Glad you enjoyed it! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Loved the Russel Thomkins show ❤
Love Russell's voice always. RIP Thom Bell a true music great 12/22/2022
Sorry guys, if you are there really makes me cry, you know,,,, happy tears, and run to you is just fantastic, also i love the way i plead guilty starts off, da da dada da da/ da da dada da da, it really brightens my day, god bless you Russell...
Awesome interview! Russell Thompkins Jr. is a really down to earth and grounded person. I've met him him a few times and he real humble Brother. If their Town or City get your tickets and be there, you will enjoy yourself. May G-d reward Mike Abdullah Beaton (Stylistics former lead guitar player) with Mercy and Paradise.
Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed it!
@@CurtinCall Is it possible you can do an interview with the remaining members of a group from Philadelphia called "The Futures?" They were once with Philadelphia International Records and their are two Brothers James and John King, Frank Washington are the surviving members. Harry McGilberry and Kenny Crew are deceased (may they RIP). I hope you are able to get the two Brothers because they are the original members of The Futures. Please let me know if you have made progress! Thank you for interviewing these musical legends!
Awesome interview. Russell is definitely legendary and has brought me joy with the classics songs I always loved. Thank you guys for this. 👍🏾😎
My pleasure! Same here! Thank you for watching. Happy you enjoyed it! 👏🏻👏🏻
Yes, most definitely a legend
When Russell talks about his vocal on Stone In Love With You he means the last chorus before the end where his vocal slightly cracks on ‘I guess it’s true cause I’M stone in love with you’. Hardly noticeable but a true perfectionist for his artistry xx
I grew up listening to The Stylistics the Legendary Russell Thompkins I was just listening to you the Best of the Stylistics much 💘 love you and the group My youngest son is named after you his 👨 dad is a huge fan he met you once
I JUST LOVE THIS INTERVIEW ONE OF MY FAVORITE RUSSELL THOMPKINS JR. TRULY ONE OF THE BEST TO EVER DO IT SUCH A BEAUTIFUL VOICE ALWAYS LOVE THEIR BEAUTIFUL MUSIC LIVING LEGEND THERE WILL NEVER BE ANOTHER LIKE HIM CLASS ACT THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS INTERVIEW LOVE HEARING WHERE IT ALL BEGIN😊❤👍🎼🎶🎵👏
Thank you for watching, I’m so happy you enjoyed it 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
@@CurtinCall YOUR WELCOME AIWAYS LOVED HIS BEAUTIFUL VOICE FROM THE FIRST TIME I HEARD IT THE ORIGINAL NO REPLACING ONE OF A KIND😊❤
There's only one..RUSSELL THOMPKINS JR. !!!!
A fascinating interview. Thanks for sharing this. I've loved the Stylistics since You Make Me Feel Brand New in 1974 when I was 13.
Thanks for watching!
great interview... Russell cool guy~ people make the world go round....i have that first album..big girl now~
Best falsetto ever.
Tell Russell I understand. I was a staff-writer at H&L Records when the Stylistics were there. When he said he wanted to shoot himself over some of what Hugo & Luigi were giving them, I know it first hand. One day, Russell, my writing partner Giorge Pettus and I were in Landy McNeal's office listening to takes of what we had recorded earlier in the day for a group named the Softones. After we finished, Russell looked at me and said "that's the shit we're supposed to be doing." And he was absolutely right. Hugo & Luigi were talented in their own right and nice cats, but they were out of their depth trying to do what we were doing. Some of what they gave Russell and the guys to sing was damned embarrassing. Ask Russell about "Shame and Scandal in the Family." lol
I am so glad that he want his music to sound like the original, because I have been to a lot of concerts and a lot of groups they sound terrible because they don't care, but Russell care's and you can tell.
Gosh Thom Bell and Linda Creed were writing songs relating specifically to the life issues for Russell. Great minds working together!
Russell, ! Is my Hero.
Great interview, great singer...nuff said..
Mr Thompkins no disrespect but that heavenly given voice of yours demands the clothing to fall off women! Its incredibly irresistible! May God continue to bless you with such a beautiful voice!
I knew of a guy back in the day who took a woman to a Stylistic concert who said "I got lucky that night, I let him do the work for me."
Well done. Cheers.
WHAT A GENTLEMAN. I MET HIM AND I TOOK A PICTURE WITH HIM.
Love you russel i learn so much about you
Russell my all time greatest falsetto in universe ""PERIOD ❤
Legend ❣
He really the best of all the falsettos that ever sang a tune.
Beautiful voice! Not bad on the eyes either!
He truly is one of the greatest singers of all time , When I was a kid I thought he from the 20s or 30s
great interview !!!!
Thank you for watching Mike, glad you enjoyed it! 🙏🏻👍🏻
Stylistics were very big in the U.K. between 1971 and 1977 and more so than in the U.S. I would like to have heard Russell talk a little more about the Van McCoy years and how the music was made including the Thank You Baby and Fabulous albums. Russell looks so well and comes over as a very articulate and insightful person and he’s truly one of the great voices of all time. Thank you Russell and all the wonderful songwriters and musicians the music is timeless and a big part of my growing up in England xx
Russell,! Like no other, !
I love loved loved The Uptown Theater!! We would see soooo many groups there and enjoyed seeing the Stylistics!!!
Legendary place!
Fabulous interview!!
Thank you for watching John!
Legend!
Great interview! On a day after the passing of the great Thom Bell, this was good!
Thanks for watching. RIP Thom Bell, one of the greatest of all time!
yes !!... phyllis hyman is my favorite betcha by golly wow too other than the original.
Actually Connie Stevens did the original version of betcha by golly wow but it was titled keep growing strong instead in 1970
What a voice
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Thanks curtin call.
Just a fantastic interview. The Stylistics are of course one of the great, great vocal groups ever. By the way, Bob James covered You're as right as rain, in a brilliant way.
Thanks for watching!!
A true great
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Very nice man is Russell.
~ A really great interview. Like two friends visiting . 💕👋
Thanks so much glad you enjoyed it!!
@@CurtinCall - Thank YOU for such a great interview 👍🎶
Love you russel
OK. I went and listened to 'I'm Stone in Love With You' all the way to the end, but heard nothing out of place. Now I want to know what bothered Russell. HA! Great interview!
Thanks for watching! I can’t seem to figure it out myself, it’s a perfect song!
I did too a few times. Can't find anything at all in it....except perfection
🎶🎤🎶
Uma belíssima voz
Sorry guys, the songs hugo and luigi wrote for the stylistics are my favorite, infact, there are 5 or 6 h n l stylistics song's that make me cry, happy tears! Please stay safe and as always god bless you....
My favorite is "only for the children" written by Thom Bell and the late Linda Creed. RIP Linda Creed.
@@ferdinandfrancis9673 i have that song! It's on rock n roll baby, thank you for the reply, please be safe and god bless you...
Great
Just an awesome interview. Love the energy and interaction! Love you Russell, very fond memories!
Betcha my golly wow....Russ is right.....Phyllis Hyman stuck her foot in that song....the best remake EVER hands down. Love the Stylistics...and that's what is missing from a lot of today's music, it has no style....just vulgar and overly sexual without any class or style or anything...crap!
Could this be the end
Country living
Pieces
Peek a boo
Payback is a Dog
And I'll see you no more
All Stylistics sleepers. Some of my favorites
That's only a handful. The Stylistics has recorded a lot of great songs, than the one that you've mentioned. Their self titled debut album: The Stylistics, every song on that album was a hit, especially the long version of: People Make The World Go Round.
Good stuff, and the time goes by so quickly! Any reason why Thom Bell moved on? My guess is "money," but, I've never heard why he stopped working with Russell. Thank you!
Gee, I got a "Like" and not a reply. Oh well...
It’s a good question.... and I’d like to know the answer too...
@@mistergeorgie Apparently it was a "payment of royalties" issue, so Bell decided to move on. It looked like the Stylistics might weather the storm, as "Let's Put It All Together" was a great song that they had success with, but, the writing was on the wall...
Probably time he was busy producing the spinners at the time he had to turn away some artists the spinners was biggest group he worked with the Delfonics were the first he worked with other artists in between Little Anthony and imperials New York City Ronnie Dyson Dionne Warwick and later on Denice William's
Wow Jaysinger that’s deep. Tell us more.i am a 74 year invalid that pursues music of all venue.
The Wynne Ballroom.54th and Arlington.My old neighborhood.
God Bless you ,John Hawkins....I am 78 year old shut in invalid also. CZcams music ,concerts, interviews fill my evening hours too. Hang in there and take care of you. 🎶🎸🎶
Hey Kevin, is there any way that you can discuss more about the talents of Linda Creed? Her background prior to her collaboration with Thom Bell, during and after Thom Bell. I'd love to learn more about her as a vocalist/songwriter/lyricist. I understand that she was from Ambler, PA. While I lived in Philly (upper Northeast) off Cottman Ave, I once met a fellow who was a Banker whom handled the non-profit organization for breast cancer. Every since, the music of the Stylistics, which was the first time that I saw Creed's name appearing on the LP's cover and label, I'd always wonder she must be a genius. There will never be another like Linda Creed. I hope you're able to respond. Thanks so much!
I’d love to learn more about her myself, John. I know from my conversations with Russell, she was a lovely lady. One of the greatest songwriters of all time! I’d love to discuss this more with Thom Bell someday. Would be great to hear from him directly on Linda, and their history together writing these timeless songs.
Personally, I've never knew Linda Creed as being a vocalist. She was known and had gained most of her notoriety as a lyrists/songwriter and collaborator with Thom Bell.
Does anyone know why Russell doesn't like the end of "I'm Stone in Love with You"? I've listened to this song for 50 years and can't find any mistakes! Also, I didn't know He was so young during those days. He was only 20-22 during the first 3 albums. Amazing! Great Interview!
Thanks for watching!!
I heard in the end of Stone in Love With You lol. 99.9999% is still legendary lol. My favorite songs of the 70s.
🎶~ I cannot hear a wrong note anywhere ... ❔
@@jamescalifornia2964 I'm a music producer so I pay attention to the smallest detail and his voice dried out for a fraction of a fraction of a fraction of a millisecond while on that last note lol.
@@cwilliams383 - Just for fun I will listen again. Thom sure did nice arraignments. _'People Make The World Go `Round ´_ is my favorite.
They a couple of songs from those mercury albums in fashion and love spell that teddy randazzo produced that were good your the best thing in my life and one night affair
Did you ever meet bobby rydell
Did was ever on Dick Clark American Bandstand
The greatest falsetto ever number 2 is bobby debarge.
My favourites are Ebony Eyes and Pieces
Actually, russ did infact sing a whole lot of h and l songs, and beautifully if i may add, i plead guilty, run to you, I'm sorry. Put a little love away, and if you are there being some of my favorites. P.s thank you Russell and God bless you...
Russell did you ever meet natlalie Cole the daughter of Nat King Cole
we met in self serv 100 yen laundry Roppongi Tokyo in 80's washing our underwear
One little fact-check... Right at the end from about 1:23 - Russell says he sang Rainy Days and Mondays is same key as Karen Carpenter B flat or maybe C. He was not sure.
The key for the Carpenters is E flat major.