Russell Thompkins Jr. Interview On The Stylistics, Working With Thom Bell, and Career Highlights 

Yes, most definitely a legend

What a privilege to meet this living legend.

Very cool and nice show Russel 😎 Loved every minute of it seen you live in Stockton California at the Bob Hope theater and it was great 👍👍👍

Loved the Russel Thomkins show ❤

"Hurry up this way" and "People Make the World Go Round" are my favorite Stylistics songs!

I was just listening to I have you you have me, and the 1st time that I heard that song was in 1980, I must have played it 20 times. 😊.

I've been fortunate enough to meet Russell twice. What a truly nice gentleman! It was such a thrill for me. What a talent!

I love this interview. Its a honor to listen to him. I would love to meet him so down to earth. Yes, your voice will go down in history for being great.

The Voice of an Angel,bless him a true legend.

Russell, ! Is my Hero.

Russell,! Like no other, !

What a beautiful smile when russel smile love you

Truly one of the greatest singers ever. An Iconic voice.

Very nice man is Russell.

Tell Russell I understand. I was a staff-writer at H&L Records when the Stylistics were there. When he said he wanted to shoot himself over some of what Hugo & Luigi were giving them, I know it first hand. One day, Russell, my writing partner Giorge Pettus and I were in Landy McNeal's office listening to takes of what we had recorded earlier in the day for a group named the Softones. After we finished, Russell looked at me and said "that's the shit we're supposed to be doing." And he was absolutely right. Hugo & Luigi were talented in their own right and nice cats, but they were out of their depth trying to do what we were doing. Some of what they gave Russell and the guys to sing was damned embarrassing. Ask Russell about "Shame and Scandal in the Family." lol

I was 6 when I first heard "You Make Me Feel Brand New" come on the radio and I froze and listened with astonishment at Russell's voice! He made such a huge impact on me, vocally and I made my first record at 14 years old. I LOVE this LEGEND!!

It is rare that an icon of an artist is so articulate interesting bright and nice. I think this is a great interview with an amazing artist.

A fascinating interview. Thanks for sharing this. I've loved the Stylistics since You Make Me Feel Brand New in 1974 when I was 13.

Nice interview. Full of details on the history of the Stylistics and how their music evolved. Glad Mr. Thompkins gave you the opportunity. I remember hearing many of these songs on the radio back in the day.

Russell my all time greatest falsetto in universe ""PERIOD ❤

I grew up listening to The Stylistics the Legendary Russell Thompkins I was just listening to you the Best of the Stylistics much 💘 love you and the group My youngest son is named after you his 👨 dad is a huge fan he met you once

A voice of voices, TIMELESS.

Thank you for this interview!

Voice of an angel. Part of my philly history!

This dude is on my Mount Rushmore of Great falsetto lead singers, right behind Eddie Kendricks. Love this dude.

"The greatest singer in music history".....you said it Kevin Curtain. That might be a stretch...but he is probably among the top 10 in his R&B/ Soul category... Not only his beautiful strong falsetto...but he also has a beautiful natural singing voice. His 55 year history in music, his stamina on tours, his caring for others and his friendliness also are admired. He reaches for improvement in his performances always. I Loved this interview. He is a Great man surrounded by great performers on stage! 🎶🎤🎶

He really the best of all the falsettos that ever sang a tune.

Yes indeed, Phyllis Hyman did SLAY "Betcha By Golly Wow". DOPE!!!!

One of my main influences as a vocalist and artist

I’m a Super Fan! Still!❤

How I love this man. I grew up listening to The Stylistics. He was always my favorite. My family all know me by playing their albums to death.

Always fascinated by Russell's falsetto; growing up without seeing him actually thought he was female, but I was very young! Seems a lovely guy, amazing voice

One of the best interviews,by a great man.

Gosh Thom Bell and Linda Creed were writing songs relating specifically to the life issues for Russell. Great minds working together!

This is a masterpiece

He truly is one of the greatest singers of all time , When I was a kid I thought he from the 20s or 30s

This was a wonderful experience opportunity ❤

Actually, there are 4 songs by the stylistics that make me cry,,, happy tears of course, god bless you Russell....

Brilliant voice special talent

Great interview. The interviewer left no stone unturned and Russell seemed to enjoy sharing his life story as much as I enjoyed listening to it.

Amazing vocalist.

What an absolutely great interview!! I was totally mesmerized the whole time! Thank you! Oooooh, the great Russell Tompkins 💙 Yesss! Kudos to Interviewer also!👏👌

What a great interview! The Stylistics are one of my all time favorites and some of those songs they recorded are incredible. Glad they are making a Carpenters cover album! Definitely looking forward to that!

great interview !!!!

I think I remember in a book about James Brown where Brown said Little Richard (Rip) once told him, "James you the *_onliest_* man I know that's got everything." Also I can't remember who James Brown was talking to but he reportedly said 'one of the keys to success was hair and teeth.' Now to hear Thompkins say the same thing is kind of funny.

He has a beautiful voice one of my favorite singer. Matter fact me and my husband went to there concert at the Greek theater.

Awesome interview. Russell is definitely legendary and has brought me joy with the classics songs I always loved. Thank you guys for this. 👍🏾😎

He was a singer that I will always Respect. And love .I am right as Rain ...like ur as right as Rain.....

Eddie had some nerve..wow! This is a really cool interview!!

Best falsetto ever.

Legend ❣

I've loved this man since I was 12years old. You'll always be the original voice of the Stylistics. The may have a copy person sounding like you? But he's nothing like you! You're 2nd to none, your wife is a lucky woman she gets to be in your presence daily and gets to hear you sing!! I'm your devoted fan infinity!

Love you russel i learn so much about you

What a voice

A true great

Awesome interview! Russell Thompkins Jr. is a really down to earth and grounded person. I've met him him a few times and he real humble Brother. If their Town or City get your tickets and be there, you will enjoy yourself. May G-d reward Mike Abdullah Beaton (Stylistics former lead guitar player) with Mercy and Paradise.

Fabulous interview!!

Sorry guys, if you are there really makes me cry, you know,,,, happy tears, and run to you is just fantastic, also i love the way i plead guilty starts off, da da dada da da/ da da dada da da, it really brightens my day, god bless you Russell...

The greatest falsetto ever number 2 is bobby debarge.

Well done. Cheers.

Great interview, great singer...nuff said..

When Russell talks about his vocal on Stone In Love With You he means the last chorus before the end where his vocal slightly cracks on ‘I guess it’s true cause I’M stone in love with you’. Hardly noticeable but a true perfectionist for his artistry xx

I should really start at the beginning with this, i work at the clarion hotel here in my home town, and Laura, a coworker was able to get you are beautiful on cd for me, and there is a song on there that makes me cry,,, happy tears, of course, maybe russell can guess which one is, ok ok!!! I'll tell you. It's track 9 if you are there!!!! That song is so beautifully done, i can't help but cry each time i hear it... That said, as always keep up the good work and God bless you Russell....

great interview... Russell cool guy~ people make the world go round....i have that first album..big girl now~

I JUST LOVE THIS INTERVIEW ONE OF MY FAVORITE RUSSELL THOMPKINS JR. TRULY ONE OF THE BEST TO EVER DO IT SUCH A BEAUTIFUL VOICE ALWAYS LOVE THEIR BEAUTIFUL MUSIC LIVING LEGEND THERE WILL NEVER BE ANOTHER LIKE HIM CLASS ACT THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS INTERVIEW LOVE HEARING WHERE IT ALL BEGIN😊❤👍🎼🎶🎵👏

WHAT A GENTLEMAN. I MET HIM AND I TOOK A PICTURE WITH HIM.

Legend!

Mr. Thompkins is truly one of the greats. He has recorded some truly beautiful songs. Have been a fan since I was a child. 60's and 70's music some of the best ever. Those music and variety shows back then were amazing. There will never be anything like it again. I hope these legends know how much we love them.

They a couple of songs from those mercury albums in fashion and love spell that teddy randazzo produced that were good your the best thing in my life and one night affair

Beautiful voice! Not bad on the eyes either!

I am so glad that he want his music to sound like the original, because I have been to a lot of concerts and a lot of groups they sound terrible because they don't care, but Russell care's and you can tell.

I love loved loved The Uptown Theater!! We would see soooo many groups there and enjoyed seeing the Stylistics!!!

Stylistics were very big in the U.K. between 1971 and 1977 and more so than in the U.S. I would like to have heard Russell talk a little more about the Van McCoy years and how the music was made including the Thank You Baby and Fabulous albums. Russell looks so well and comes over as a very articulate and insightful person and he’s truly one of the great voices of all time. Thank you Russell and all the wonderful songwriters and musicians the music is timeless and a big part of my growing up in England xx

Did was ever on Dick Clark American Bandstand

Great interview! On a day after the passing of the great Thom Bell, this was good!

Good stuff, and the time goes by so quickly! Any reason why Thom Bell moved on? My guess is "money," but, I've never heard why he stopped working with Russell. Thank you!

~ A really great interview. Like two friends visiting . 💕👋

Did you ever meet bobby rydell

Uma belíssima voz

yes !!... phyllis hyman is my favorite betcha by golly wow too other than the original.

OK. I went and listened to 'I'm Stone in Love With You' all the way to the end, but heard nothing out of place. Now I want to know what bothered Russell. HA! Great interview!

Love Russell's voice always. RIP Thom Bell a true music great 12/22/2022

Just a fantastic interview. The Stylistics are of course one of the great, great vocal groups ever. By the way, Bob James covered You're as right as rain, in a brilliant way.

Love you russel

There's only one..RUSSELL THOMPKINS JR. !!!!

Sorry guys, the songs hugo and luigi wrote for the stylistics are my favorite, infact, there are 5 or 6 h n l stylistics song's that make me cry, happy tears! Please stay safe and as always god bless you....

Could this be the end Country living Pieces Peek a boo Payback is a Dog And I'll see you no more All Stylistics sleepers. Some of my favorites

Hey Kevin, is there any way that you can discuss more about the talents of Linda Creed? Her background prior to her collaboration with Thom Bell, during and after Thom Bell. I'd love to learn more about her as a vocalist/songwriter/lyricist. I understand that she was from Ambler, PA. While I lived in Philly (upper Northeast) off Cottman Ave, I once met a fellow who was a Banker whom handled the non-profit organization for breast cancer. Every since, the music of the Stylistics, which was the first time that I saw Creed's name appearing on the LP's cover and label, I'd always wonder she must be a genius. There will never be another like Linda Creed. I hope you're able to respond. Thanks so much!

One little fact-check... Right at the end from about 1:23 - Russell says he sang Rainy Days and Mondays is same key as Karen Carpenter B flat or maybe C. He was not sure. The key for the Carpenters is E flat major.

Russell did you ever meet natlalie Cole the daughter of Nat King Cole

Wow Jaysinger that’s deep. Tell us more.i am a 74 year invalid that pursues music of all venue.

Great

Mr Thompkins no disrespect but that heavenly given voice of yours demands the clothing to fall off women! Its incredibly irresistible! May God continue to bless you with such a beautiful voice!

Does anyone know why Russell doesn't like the end of "I'm Stone in Love with You"? I've listened to this song for 50 years and can't find any mistakes! Also, I didn't know He was so young during those days. He was only 20-22 during the first 3 albums. Amazing! Great Interview!

I heard in the end of Stone in Love With You lol. 99.9999% is still legendary lol. My favorite songs of the 70s.

Just an awesome interview. Love the energy and interaction! Love you Russell, very fond memories! Betcha my golly wow....Russ is right.....Phyllis Hyman stuck her foot in that song....the best remake EVER hands down. Love the Stylistics...and that's what is missing from a lot of today's music, it has no style....just vulgar and overly sexual without any class or style or anything...crap!

we met in self serv 100 yen laundry Roppongi Tokyo in 80's washing our underwear

Actually, russ did infact sing a whole lot of h and l songs, and beautifully if i may add, i plead guilty, run to you, I'm sorry. Put a little love away, and if you are there being some of my favorites. P.s thank you Russell and God bless you...

My favourites are Ebony Eyes and Pieces