The Stylistics are the definition of Philadelphia Soul. The legendary group was created from two groups called The Percussions & The Monarchs whose members combined together, and the rest was history. The original members were Russell Thompkins Jr, James Smith, Airrion Love, James Dunn and Herbie Murrell.

The group’s catalog is legendary as f*ck. It has been appreciated by the best of the best. Literally. From Michael Jackson to Phyllis Hyman & Norman Connors, to Mary J. Blige to Diana Ross & Marvin Gaye…they’ve covered and sampled their work.

The 70s:

Albums Released: The Stylistics, Round 2, Rockin’ Roll Baby, Let’s Put It All Together, Heavy, Thank You Baby, You Are Beautiful, Fabulous, Once Upon a Juke Box, Sun & Soul, Wonder Woman, In Fashion, Love Spell, The Lion Sleeps Tonight.

the group recorded “You’re a Big Girl Now,” in 1970, which became a local hit for them! They eventually signed to a bigger label, & the rest is history 🙌🏾

The group eventually started collaborating with Thom Bell, & although he was unimpressed at first..he agreed to work with the group due to the fact that he believed in Russell’s distinctive voice.

The hits stuck like grits when Bell tagged on his frequent collaborator Linda Creed (RIP!) Their string of hits during this period transcended them to the top of the charts, & as legendary musicians.

Thom Bell stopped working w/ The Stylistics In 74, & it showed tremendously in their work. Their work however was still it.

The 80s:

Albums Released: Hurry Up This Way Again, Closer Than Close, 1982, Some Things Never Change, A Special Style.

The title track to their album “Hurry Up This Way Again” was a huge R&B hit for our boys.

The 90s:

Albums Released: Love Talk, Christmas, Love Is Back in Style.

Their material from the 90s is lowkey slept on. 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

The 00s:

Albums Released: N/A.

The 10s:

Albums Released: That Same Way.

the guys still got it on their last studio album 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

The Stylistics will forever reign supreme for being one of the best bands of all time. The Philadelphia soul genre is nothing without them. They deserve their flowers and then some. -MJ.