The Stylistics have been around since 1970 and are still going strong. Indeed, they have a UK tour lined up this Autumn/Winter (see our news story). However, the lead singer on all of the group’s best-known singles, RUSSELL THOMPKINS JR. is no longer a member! He quit in 2000 for a solo career (though he still works from time to time as Russell Thompkins Jr and the New Stylistics).
Confusing! Well just a little; but what’s not confusing is that Russell possesses one of the most distinctive falsetto voices in the whole canon of soul music and you can enjoy that magnificent voice on a brand new single – ‘Say Hello’ which has just won release via the MoPhilly International Record label. And that label name is a clue to the sound – yep, you’re right, this Thompkins-fronted ‘Say Hello’ is a delicious slice of contemporary Philadelphia soul with its roots deep in that city’s musical heritage.
The song was written by Melvin & Mervin Steals alongside their business partner McKinley Jackson, so you know right away we’re talking real soul quality. You’ll also know that that team wrote The Spinners’ ‘Could It Be I’m Falling In Love’ and this new song has many of the elements that made that one such a classic. The cherry on the cake, though, is Mr. T’s wonderful voice – a throwback to the golden days of the Stylistics’ hits.
RUSSELL THOMPKINS JR: ‘Say Hello’ out now. Learn more @ www.stealsbrosclassics.com
