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Thom Bell, Building the Sound of Philadelphia Producer, composer and arranger Thom Bell was one of the prime originators of the Sound of Philadelphia, creating hits with the Delfonics such as "La La La Means I Love You" and "Didn't I Blow Your Mind." Bell was born in Jamaica and moved to Philadelphia at age 5. He planned to become a classical conductor, but in his early 20s, he was signed by Cameo Records to create a Philadelphia version of Motown.

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Thom Bell, Building the Sound of Philadelphia

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Thom Bell, Building the Sound of Philadelphia

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Producer, composer and arranger Thom Bell was one of the prime originators of the Sound of Philadelphia, creating hits with the Delfonics such as "La La La Means I Love You" and "Didn't I Blow Your Mind." Bell was born in Jamaica and moved to Philadelphia at age 5.

Bell planned to become a classical conductor, but in his early 20s, he was signed by Cameo Records to create a Philadelphia version of Motown. Aside from his work from the Delfonics, Bell produced the Stylistics' debut album, worked with the O'Jays and the Spinners, and later went on to collaborate with solo artists including Johnny Mathis, Bob Marley and Elton John. This year, Hall was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

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