Russell Thompkins, Jr.

Russell’s soaring falsetto embodied the best of the Philadelphia Soul ballad. As front man for the Stylistics, Russell scored hits with songs like “Betcha By Golly Wow”, Break Up to Make Up” and “You Make Me Feel Brand New”. They were one of the most successful groups of the early 1970s. Russell, formerly of the Monarchs, formed the Stylistics in 1968 with members of another group, the Percussions. They were taken under the wing of producer Thom Bell who was instrumental in creating their signature sound. Every song he produced for them was a top ten R&B hit, including perennial favorite, “You Are Everything”. It only takes a few notes to recognize Russell’s skin-tingling voice. He continues performing to this day.