Russell Thompkins Jr. is an American singer and songwriter, best known as the lead vocalist of the legendary soul group The Stylistics. He was born on March 21, 1951, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Thompkins started singing at a young age and formed The Monarchs, which later became The Stylistics, in the late 1960s.
As the lead singer of The Stylistics, Thompkins’ soaring falsetto voice became the group’s signature sound. The group produced a string of hits in the 1970s, including “You Are Everything,” “Betcha by Golly, Wow,” and “You Make Me Feel Brand New,” among others. Thompkins’ emotive and soulful vocals, combined with the group’s lush harmonies and smooth arrangements, made them a favorite of audiences worldwide.
Thompkins left The Stylistics in the early 2000s to pursue a solo career. He has released several albums, including “A Matter of Style” and “Forevermore,” showcasing his versatile vocal range and diverse musical influences. Thompkins has also collaborated with other artists, including the Grammy-winning jazz pianist George Duke.
Throughout his career, Thompkins has been recognized for his contributions to music, including induction into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame and the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame. He continues to perform and record music, inspiring new generations with his timeless vocals and soulful spirit.
1. “You Are Everything”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBZIa51_NYk
“You Are Everything” is a classic love song that was first recorded by The Stylistics in the 1970s. The song’s romantic lyrics express the depth of love and adoration that one person feels for another, describing them as everything they need in life. The song’s smooth and soulful melody, featuring the signature falsetto vocals of The Stylistics, adds to its emotional impact. “You Are Everything” has become a timeless classic, celebrated for its universal message of love and its ability to evoke strong emotions in listeners. It remains a popular choice for weddings and other romantic occasions.
2. “Betcha by Golly, Wow”
“Betcha by Golly, Wow” is a soulful R&B song performed by the American group The Stylistics. The track was released in 1972 as a single from their second album “The Stylistics”. The song’s production features lush orchestration, including sweeping strings and horns, providing a romantic and intimate atmosphere. The lyrics express a deep devotion and love for a significant other, with the title phrase “Betcha by Golly, Wow” becoming a memorable and iconic hook. The Stylistics’ harmonious vocals blend seamlessly, delivering the song’s message with sincerity and passion. “Betcha by Golly, Wow” is still considered a classic R&B love song, with its timeless melody and heartfelt lyrics.
3. “You Make Me Feel Brand New”
“You Make Me Feel Brand New” is a soulful ballad by American R&B group The Stylistics, featuring lead vocalist Russell Thompkins Jr. The song was written by Thom Bell and Linda Creed, and was released in 1974. The lyrics express deep affection and gratitude towards a lover who has renewed the singer’s faith in love and life. Thompkins’ soulful and emotive delivery, combined with the group’s smooth harmonies and orchestration, make the song a timeless classic. It became a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts and earning critical acclaim. “You Make Me Feel Brand New” remains a beloved love song and a staple of classic soul music.
4. “People Make the World Go Round”
“People Make the World Go Round” is a socially conscious and politically charged song by The Stylistics that was released in the 1970s. The song’s lyrics highlight the social and economic inequalities faced by many people in society, and call for greater unity and understanding between different groups. The song’s smooth and soulful melody, coupled with the powerful vocal performance of The Stylistics, creates a sense of urgency and emotion. “People Make the World Go Round” is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners today, serving as a reminder of the importance of empathy and social justice in our world.
5. “Break Up to Make Up”
“Break Up to Make Up” is a soulful R&B ballad performed by the American group The Stylistics. The track was released in 1973 as a single from their third album “Round 2”. The song’s production features a slow and melodic piano-driven arrangement, accompanied by smooth strings and horns. The lyrics express the struggle of a couple going through relationship challenges, with the chorus stating the necessity of breaking up to make up. The Stylistics’ emotive vocals deliver the song’s message with sincerity and conviction, making it a classic R&B ballad. “Break Up to Make Up” has remained a timeless song about the complexities of love and relationships.
6. “Stone in Love with You”
“Stone in Love with You” is a soulful love song by American R&B group The Stylistics, featuring lead vocalist Russell Thompkins Jr. The song was written by Thom Bell and Linda Creed, and was released in 1972. The lyrics express the deep love and devotion the singer feels towards their significant other, comparing it to a stone that cannot be moved. Thompkins’ emotive and soulful delivery, combined with the group’s lush harmonies and smooth instrumentation, make the song a standout in their discography. “Stone in Love with You” remains a beloved classic in the soul and R&B genres.
7. “Can’t Give You Anything (But My Love)”
“Can’t Give You Anything (But My Love)” is a classic love song by The Stylistics that was released in the 1970s. The song’s lyrics express the depth of love and devotion that one person feels for another, despite not having material wealth to offer. The song’s smooth and romantic melody, featuring the trademark falsetto vocals of The Stylistics, adds to its emotional impact. “Can’t Give You Anything (But My Love)” has become a timeless classic, celebrated for its message of true love and its ability to evoke strong emotions in listeners. It remains a popular choice for weddings and other romantic occasions.
8. “I’m Stone in Love with You”
“I’m Stone in Love with You” is a soulful love song performed by the American group The Stylistics. The track was released in 1972 as a single from their self-titled debut album. The song’s production features a lush orchestration, including sweeping strings, horns, and a lively rhythm section. The lyrics express the depth of love and affection the singer feels towards their significant other, with the memorable chorus stating “I’m stone in love with you”. The Stylistics’ harmonious vocals deliver the song’s message with passion and conviction, making it a timeless and romantic classic in the R&B genre.
9. “Let’s Put It All Together”
“Let’s Put It All Together” is an upbeat and catchy song by American R&B group The Stylistics, featuring lead vocalist Russell Thompkins Jr. The song was written by Thom Bell and Linda Creed, and was released in 1974. The lyrics encourage coming together to overcome obstacles and make a better world, with Thompkins’ soulful vocals and the group’s harmonies driving the message home. The song’s lively and joyful vibe, combined with its message of unity and positivity, make it a standout in The Stylistics’ discography. “Let’s Put It All Together” remains a beloved classic in the soul and R&B genres.
10. “You’ll Never Get to Heaven (If You Break My Heart)”
“You’ll Never Get to Heaven (If You Break My Heart)” is a soulful ballad by American R&B group The Stylistics, featuring lead vocalist Russell Thompkins Jr. The song was written by Thom Bell and Linda Creed, and was released in 1973. The lyrics express the singer’s warning to their lover, telling them they will not find happiness if they betray them. Thompkins’ emotive and soulful delivery, combined with the group’s lush harmonies and orchestration, make the song a standout in their discography. “You’ll Never Get to Heaven (If You Break My Heart)” remains a beloved classic in the soul and R&B genres.