The Stylistics: A Journey Through Triumphs and Trials

The Stylistics, one of the most celebrated soul groups of the 1970s, captivated audiences with their smooth love songs and emotional performances.

Known for hits like “You Make Me Feel Brand New” and “Betcha by Golly, Wow,” the group enjoyed immense success but also faced significant challenges along the way.

Behind the glamour of their musical achievements lay a story filled with personal struggles, financial disputes, and unexpected departures that ultimately shaped their legacy in the music industry.

The Early Days: Formation and Struggles

The Stylistics originated in Philadelphia, where the members, initially high school students, formed two separate singing groups: The Percussions and The Monarchs.

Both groups performed at talent shows at Benjamin Franklin High School, showcasing their musical talents. However, as time went on, some members left for college, while others were drafted to serve in Vietnam.

This shift left both groups with fewer members, prompting a creative solution from a school teacher who suggested merging the remaining members into one group.

The newly formed group needed a name, and Robert Douglas, a guitar player, proposed “The Stylistics.”

This name perfectly encapsulated their artistic vision and set the stage for their future success. With talent, passion, and a name, the group was ready to make their mark, but they needed a hit song to launch their career.

The Breakthrough: Signing with Bill Perry

In the early days of their career, The Stylistics signed a deal with Bill Perry, a local record executive who discovered them while they were performing at a club.

Perry saw potential in the group and offered them the opportunity to record a song. Excited by the prospect, the group jumped at the chance. Fortunately, Robert Douglas had written original material that they could use, and they quickly headed to the studio.

The recording session was low-budget, costing around $500, but it marked the beginning of their journey in the music industry.

After recording, they embarked on their first tour in Newport, Rhode Island, where they received thrilling news from their families: their song was playing on the radio in Philadelphia. The group was ecstatic; their hard work was finally paying off.

Bill Perry released the song under his label and later made a deal with Avco Records, a larger company. Avco paid Perry $10,000 for the rights to the song, but unfortunately, the group never saw any of that money.

The only member who continued to earn royalties was Robert Douglas, as he was the songwriter. Despite this setback, the exposure helped The Stylistics gain recognition, and their music began to spread beyond Philadelphia.

The Rise to Fame: Collaborating with Tom Bell

Following their initial success, The Stylistics signed with Avco Records, which allowed them to work with Tom Bell, one of the best producers in Philadelphia.

Bell played a crucial role in shaping their sound, helping them record classic hits like “Stop, Look, Listen (To Your Heart),” “You Are Everything,” and “Betcha by Golly, Wow.”

The latter, written by the talented Linda Creed, showcased her heartfelt and romantic lyrics, perfectly aligning with the group’s style.

As The Stylistics gained popularity, they became known as the Philadelphia R&B love song group, thanks to their soft, emotional music.

However, their success did not come without challenges. The group experienced lineup changes, and Russell Tompkins Jr., the lead singer whose voice was integral to their sound, eventually decided to leave.

Russell’s departure was not sudden; it had been brewing for some time due to various pressures and personal issues.

During a performance in Cleveland, Ohio, he shocked the audience by walking off stage mid-song, telling the band manager, “That’s it, I’m done.” The rest of the group was left reeling, trying to comprehend what had just happened.

The Transition: Finding a New Lead Singer

Fortunately, The Stylistics had been preparing for this possibility. They had met a singer named Evan Brown, whose voice was similar to Russell’s.

Knowing that Russell might leave, they had asked Evan to be ready to step in. Within a week, The Stylistics were back on stage with their new lead singer, Evan Brown.

Initially, the audience was disappointed not to see Russell, whose unique voice had become synonymous with the group’s sound.

However, as soon as they heard Evan sing, acceptance began to grow. The group’s goal was to maintain their signature sound, believing that as long as they could replicate the essence of their records, their fans would stay loyal.

Internal Struggles and Tensions

Despite the new lineup, tensions began to rise within the group. Russell had previously expressed his reluctance to sing certain songs, citing fatigue and a desire to move in a different direction.

This refusal created friction among the band members, leading to a quiet distance that grew over time.

While there were no dramatic arguments, the underlying issues became increasingly apparent. The group felt the pressure of maintaining their identity while navigating the challenges of the music industry.

Despite the difficulties, they managed to remain friends, with no grudges held against Russell for his departure.

Russell later explained that his decision to leave stemmed from a combination of personal struggles, including financial issues and the stress of touring.

He had always worked hard, but the pressures of the music industry were taking a toll on him. Eventually, he reached a breaking point and made the difficult choice to step away from performing.

The Stylistics’ Continued Evolution

After Russell’s departure, The Stylistics continued to record and perform, but the dynamics had changed.

The group faced challenges in maintaining their original sound while adapting to new musical trends.

They experimented with different styles, including disco and pop, in an attempt to stay relevant. However, many longtime fans were disappointed, feeling that the group was straying from the soulful sound that had initially captured their hearts.

Amid these changes, legal battles also emerged. Some former members claimed they were not compensated fairly for their contributions, leading to confusion and disputes over the group’s legacy.

Despite the ups and downs, The Stylistics remained committed to their music and to each other.

As the years went by and the original members aged, singing high notes and delivering smooth harmonies became increasingly difficult.

While some fans appreciated that the remaining members continued to perform, others felt that the quality of their sound had diminished. However, the group persevered, determined to keep their music alive.

A New Beginning: The Formation of a New Stylistics

In the midst of these challenges, Russell Tompkins Jr. began to contemplate a return to music. After years of separation, he reconnected with former bandmates and discussed the possibility of forming a new group.

This time, the focus was not on fame or money but on the passion for making music that brought joy to themselves and their fans.

With the encouragement of fellow musicians, Russell decided to move forward with the project. He formed “Russell Tompkins Jr. and the New Stylistics,” marking a fresh start for the group.

This new iteration allowed him to take control of the direction of the music without the pressures that had previously weighed him down.

The goal was clear: to stay true to the original sound that had made them famous. The group carefully studied their old records, practicing diligently to ensure they captured the essence of their classic hits.

Russell wanted fans to know exactly who they were watching on stage, emphasizing that this was a new beginning for The Stylistics.

The Legacy of The Stylistics

As The Stylistics celebrated their 50th anniversary in the music industry in 2018, they reflected on their remarkable journey.

The milestone was acknowledged at venues throughout the year, and the remaining members continued to perform, keeping the legacy of The Stylistics alive.

Despite the challenges they faced, including lineup changes and evolving musical styles, the group remained committed to their craft.

They understood the importance of their music in the lives of their fans and strived to continue delivering the heartfelt performances that had defined their careers.

The Stylistics’ music has reached audiences worldwide, transcending language barriers and cultural differences.

Their timeless sound continues to resonate, and their influence can be felt in the work of contemporary artists. As they move forward, The Stylistics remain a testament to the power of perseverance, creativity, and the enduring impact of music on the human experience.

In conclusion, the journey of The Stylistics is one marked by both triumph and adversity. From their humble beginnings in Philadelphia to their rise as a soul music sensation, the group’s story is a reflection of the challenges faced by many artists in the industry.

Through it all, they have maintained their passion for music and their dedication to their fans, ensuring that their legacy will continue for generations to come.