Thom Bell, Grammy-winning music producer, writer and director, has died at the age of 79.
In particular, he contributed to perfecting the Sound of Philadelphia dating back to the 1970s with the inventive orchestral arrangements of hits such as I’ll Be Around Spinners and Betcha by Golly, Wow Stylistics.
Thom Bell’s wife, Vanessa Bell, said he died Thursday at his home in Bellingham, Wash., after a long illness.
Originally from Jamaica and living in Philadelphia as a child, Thom Bell drew inspiration from the classical influences of his youth and his favorite composers such as Oscar winner Ennio Morricone to bring a certain cinematic breath to the gospel-style harmonies of the Spinners bands. , Stylistics, Delfonics and many more.