RUSSELL THOMPKINS, Jr. , Collection — New music: 2020! Below, Russell joins forces with legendary BRIAN WILSON of THE BEACH BOYS for one special evening.
Russell Thompkins Jr. of the Stylistics – joining Brian and the band tonight singing “Don’t Worry Baby.”
Posted by Brian Wilson on Saturday, September 28, 2019
A MATTER OF STYLE
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF GREAT MUSIC FROM ONE OF THE GREATEST VOCALISTS OF ALL TIME: RUSSELL THOMPKINS JR.
As a matter of style, Russell Thompkins Jr., the original lead singer for 70s supergroup The Stylistics, is second to none! His gut-wrenching rendition of the popular song in all its generic forms is not only music to our ears: his delicately nuanced interpretation of sensitive lyrics has catalyzed many a powerful love story. Unforgettable tunes like “Betcha By Golly Wow,” which is sensational hit for the times, has, to this day, never stopped selling. And the classic love ballad “You Make Me Feel Brand New” is brand-spanking new to a younger generation of music lovers in the summer of 2023 who’ve discovered a never-ending world of popular and R&B music from the vocal master — Russell Thompkins Jr. Artists such as Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Tony Braxton, and Michael McDonald have been so moved by Russell’s golden voice they’ve been inspired to either remake or include the emotive single “Stop, Look, Listen (To Your Heart)” to their concert set lists. Other timeless sound sculptures from his near inexhaustible vault, “You Are Everything,” and “Break Up to Make Up,” two heart-wrenching ballads seem to put words in mouths of the unrequited while mirroring Russell’s’ near-matchless touch of romanticism. The evocatively moving track “I’m Stone in Love With You” stirs the embers of the soul as sparks of endless love shower lover’s possessive domain. Think of it: His unmistakable chops embrace so many premier hits we can yack about them from now till night’s end. Expressing heartfelt feelings in his nearly 50 years in show business, Russell reflected: “It’s been fun, and I never lost my love for music and the songs we made popular. I’m proud of the things we accomplished.” Though the original group of Stylistics have gone through personnel changes, Russell continues to carry the torch for the primetime ensemble. Since their first album in 1971, his New Stylistics have not missed a step. Whether concerts or recordings, the sound of Russell Thompkins Jr. and The New Stylistics in 2023 continue to attract a growing number who long for the music that never fades. Look for Russell to collaborate with other great legendary acts like Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys as they treat audiences to a blend of sweet Philly soul and pop, rock, and other musical extractions. While it can be said that life is unpredictable, Russell Thompkins Jr.’s endless sound is as sure as tomorrow.
Below: Russell Thompkins Jr. sings lead on “Don’t Worry Baby” with Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys — 2020.
Below: Russell Thompkins Jr. sings lead on “Don’t Worry Baby” with Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys — 2020.
including possesses one of the most significant voices in the pantheon of pop, rock, and R&B music. Spanning more than five seamless decades. His vocal apparatus, echoing his uniquely chiseled sound, is free of gimmickry and is of such dimension that it, at times, “borders the exotic.” Add to this, his platinum-selling hits couching the greatest of the Philly Sound, have been copied or covered by perennial archetypes, including Johnny Mathis, Prince, and Phyllis Hyman. A virtual hit factory, songs like “Betcha By Golly Wow,” a sensational hit for the times, has never stopped selling. And the classic love ballad “You Make Me Feel Brand New” is new to a younger generation of music lovers in 2023 who’ve discovered a never-ending world of popular and R&B music. Artists such as Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Tony Braxton, and Michael McDonald have been so moved by Russell’s golden voice they’ve been inspired to either remake or include the emotive single “Stop, Look, Listen (To Your Heart)” to their concert set lists. “You Are Everything,” and “Break Up to Make Up,” two heart-wrenching ballads seem to put words in mouths of the unrequited while mirroring Russell’s’ near-matchless touch of romanticism. And the deeply moving track “I’m Stone in Love With You” stirs the embers of the soul as sparks of endless love shower lover’s domain. Think of it: His unmistakable chops embrace so many premier hits we can yack about them till night’s end. Expressing heartfelt feelings in his nearly 50 years in show business, he reflected: “It’s been fun, and I never lost my love for music and the songs we made popular. I’m proud of the things we accomplished.” Though the original group of Stylistics have gone through personnel changes, Russell continues to carry the torch for the primetime ensemble. Since their first album in 1971, his New Stylistics have not missed a step. Whether concerts or recordings, the sound of Russell Thompkins Jr. and The New Stylistics in 2023 continue to attract a growing number who long for the music that never fades. Look for Russell to collaborate with other great legendary acts like Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys as they treat audiences to a blend of sweet Philly soul and pop, rock, and other musical extractions. While it can be said that life is his major, music is without question his minor as Russell Thompkins Jr. continues to his timeless music far and wide!
Below: Russell Thompkins Jr. sings lead on “Don’t Worry Baby” with Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys — 2020.
Above: Brian Wilson, Russell Thompkins Jr., and The Zombies blend Beach Boys harmonies with sweet Philly soul.
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