The Stylistics are a soul music vocal group formed in 1968 and were composed of singers Russell Thompkins, Jr., Herb Murrell, Airrion Love, James Smith, and James Dunn.
After working locally for a number of years, the group was approached by Bill Perry who asked if they would be interested in recording.
Their first song “You’re a big girl now” was a success.
Hit veteran producer Tom Bell was contacted and was hired to produce the group’s first album. The album was entitled “The Stylistics” and from that album came “Stop, look, listen to your heart”, “You are everything” and “Betcha by golly wow”. The success of the first album was phenomenal for that time along with an unheard release of six singles in total.
Their next album “Round two” was just memorable but it was their third album “Rockin roll baby” to gave the group it’s first number 1 crossover hit, the breathtaking ballad “You make me feel brand new”.
Thom Bell stopped working with the Stylistics in 1974 and the split proved commercially difficult for the group in the U.S. but not in UK where they reached number one spot with “Can’t give you anything but my love”.
In 1980, James Dunn and James Smith departed due to conflicts over the direction of the group.
Love, Murrell, and Thompkins continued to tour until 2000, when Russell Thompkins, Jr. left the group, due to vocal problems.
He was replaced by Eban Brown with a new group member Van Fields.
The Stylistics teamed with veteran producer Preston Glass in 2009 and recorded the new album “That same way”, which was released in Europe and Asia in late 2009 and in the US in 2011. It was the group’s best album in a quarter century.
The Stylistics continue to tour regularly and actively around the world.
I truly love the Stylistics , I having been listening to them since the 70s . They are a dynamic group and have staying power. Younger folks should be so privileged to have the relationship with such talent as we have had all these many years with groups of their time . A premier group , one of our best
I loved this band their songs were fantastic. I wish that they still performed. I miss their music.. very talented singers.
This group is the best. I would always sing along with them, thinking I am part of the group. Love them very much.
Are all the stylisticsl living and where?
All alive and living in Philly
What clarity of voices. Love this group.
I Love they music , I feel Peace Love Free every time I listen
Are all the stylistics alive I know them when a couple of them if not all lived in mt airy pa
I was a young kid selling home improvements and knocked on either jimmy Dunn’s door or jimmy smith I was a kid, whichever one I spoke with invited in he was packing a suitcase on the floor as we spoke about him buying wall mirrors and a awning over his front door as we spoke he said I made the sale but he couldn’t buy until he got back from his business trip, I said great, so then I asked what do you do and he responded I work with a band I said oh which one and when he said the stylistics I shook I loved them then I looked up on his walls and they were covered with gold albums everywhere smh he bought a lot of things from me when he got back and we bonded he took me to their recording studio and he did that often now at 65 I don’t remember which one but I ended up meeting them all and not are they all very decent people they were famous and they took this young Jewish kid in there circle knowing I I loved them and the spinners who were incredible and one of my close friends plays the drums for the OJ’s for the last 7 years prior he was with BOY II MEN FROM THE BEGINNING THE OJ’s today are as good if not better than they were when they a mega group that said their bass play passed away last week my he rest in piece he was 73 and had retired as bass player 2 years ago
It was my fiance James Smith and yes he is very much alive and well. Thank you for your kind words he appreciates them very much and remember you also.
I was a maintenance manager at the apartment complex James smith lived at for years. I loved listening to his stories about his time with the group. Sadly I lost contact with him after he left the property. He’s a helluva guy. Have nothing but great things to say about him.
The Stylistics were one of my favorite groups. I sung their songs more than any other group while I was growing up..Their songs were soft and romantic. and realistic. Mr. Thom Bell was the best composer, producer ever in my book.
Lena Horne is looking to connect with A. Love……we met at the gas station….
What a class group…God gave them talent…and they used it world wide..God bless to them all..
Love, love, love these guys. The best!! They are truly unique. Just wish they could give concerts. I am sure they would sell out in no time!! Bless you guys!!
It would be nice some R&B groups from the 60’s and 70’s come back and do a concert engagement in Chicago. I am a fan of the Stylistic, Dells, Smokey Robertson and The Miracles, etc. May God Bless all R&B and Gospel groups. Sincerely, Brenda Burse.