Bell was classically trained as a musician, but as a teenager had sung with Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff, and Daryl Hall (of Hall & Oates fame). Bell's first big break in soul music came with Cameo Records in Philadelphia where he worked as a session player and arranger. In 1967, he was introduced to a local group called The Delfonics, producing two singles for them on subsidiary label, Moonglow. Bell brought a smooth, lush style to soul music and his production talents yielded several big hits for the group on the Philly Groove label, run by their manager Stan Watson. These included "La-La (Means I Love You)" and "Didn't I (Blow Your Mind This Time)," the latter nominated for a Grammy Award in 1970.
Bell had also joined the fast-growing record production company operated by Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff in Philadelphia, working as an arranger for acts such as Jerry Butler, Archie Bell & The Drells, The O'Jays and Dusty Springfield. He also arranged some of the early big hits, including the O'Jays' "Back Stabbers", on Gamble & Huff's own record label, Philadelphia International, which they launched in 1971. He also joined the two in setting up a music publishing company for their songs, Mighty Three Music.
The Thom Bell Sessions (internationally titled as The Thom Bell Sessions '77) is an EP recorded by Elton John in the second half of 1977, but was not released by MCA Records until June 1979. The project was a departure for John at the time. Up until that time, he had worked almost exclusively with lyricist Bernie Taupin and record producer Gus Dudgeon. Also, John's band was not used at these sessions.
This project brought Elton John together with R&B songwriter and producer Thom Bell, who had previously worked with such artists as The Stylistics, The Delfonics and The Spinners. Apparently, relations between the producer and the artist became difficult rather quickly. Although John was eager to work with one of the creators of the Philadelphia soul sound, recording sessions did not go smoothly and they ended before an entire album could be finished.
As Bell had recently relocated from Philadelphia to Seattle, the initial sessions were recorded at Kaye-Smith Studios - the top Seattle studio at that time. Additional overdubs were done back at Sigma Sound Studios in Philadelphia. Bell produced all the tracks and co-wrote one of the songs with his nephew, LeRoy Bell, and Casey James, who together comprised the popular singing duo Bell & James. Bell and James co-wrote the other songs in this set. The Spinners sang backing vocals on the project.
Elton John - 05- Are You Ready For Love - 1977 - Thom Bell Sessions Listening Sessions
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Listening sessions of Thom Bell Sessions album from 1977.
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published: 12 Mar 2011
ELTON JOHN | THE COMPLETE THOM BELL SESSIONS | 1989
ELTON JOHN | THE COMPLETE THOM BELL SESSIONS | 1989
published: 11 Sep 2024
03. Elton John - Shine On Through - 1977 - Thom Bell Sessions
Thom Bell Sessions - 1977
published: 18 Oct 2011
Elton John - Shine On Through (The Complete Thom Bell Sessions) 1979
From the Complete Thom Bell Sessions remastered album released in 1989. Original recordings began in the Autumn of 1977 before being remixed in January 1979.
Subsequently, 'The Thom Bell Sessions' were released to the US only as a 12"m with just Are You Ready For Love - Three Way Love Affair and Mama Cant Buy You Love and rose to a respectable #51 (considering it was not a full length studio album)
In 1989 the entire session was released onto disc for the first time and included the extended (rather bluesy) editon of Shine On though, which was already individually acclaimed as the opening track on 1978's A single Man. And also Country Love Song (The only song of the selection to be completely written by J.Jefferson).
This song was the only song on the album of which Gary Osbourne wrote...
published: 07 Sep 2010
Thom Bell- Solo Performance 1987, Los Angeles, Wiltern Theater
Famous songwriter-producer Thom Bell performs at a fundraiser in Los Angeles in 1987.
published: 20 Dec 2023
Elton John - 06- Three Way Love Affair - 1977 - Thom Bell Sessions Listening Sessions
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Listening sessions of Thom Bell Sessions album from 1977.
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Copyright - The original owner of this video, the Company and Elton John - Buy the album if you like this video. I´m not the original uploader of this file, but it dissapeared so i upload it again. Thanks whoever you are/were
published: 12 Mar 2011
05. Elton John - Are You Ready For Love - 1977 - Thom Bell Sessions
Thom Bell Sessions - 1977
published: 19 Oct 2011
Elton John - 04- Mama Can´t Buy You Love - 1977 - Thom Bell Sessions Listening Sessions
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Listening sessions of Thom Bell Sessions album from 1977.
If there´s any problem of copyright with this video, just send me a message and file will be deleted.
Copyright - The original owner of this video, the Company and Elton John - Buy the album if you like this video. I´m not the original uploader of this file, but it dissapeared so i upload it again. Thanks whoever you are/were
published: 12 Mar 2011
Mama Can't Buy You Love
Provided to YouTube by Universal Music Group
Mama Can't Buy You Love · Elton John
The Complete Thom Bell Sessions
℗ 1979 Mercury Records Limited
Released on: 1989-01-01
Associated Performer, Recording Arranger, Producer, Conductor: Thom Bell
Studio Personnel, Mixer: Clive Franks
Studio Personnel, Mixer, Associated Performer, Vocals, Piano: Elton John
Composer Lyricist: Casey James
Composer Lyricist: Leroy Bell
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Listening sessions of Thom Bell Sessions album from 1977.
If there´s any problem of copyright with this video, just send me a message and file will be deleted.
Copyright - The original owner of this video, the Company and Elton John - Buy the album if you like this video. I´m not the original uploader of this file, but it dissapeared so i upload it again. Thanks whoever you are/were
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Listening sessions of Thom Bell Sessions album from 1977.
If there´s any problem of copyright with this video, just send me a message and file will be deleted.
Copyright - The original owner of this video, the Company and Elton John - Buy the album if you like this video. I´m not the original uploader of this file, but it dissapeared so i upload it again. Thanks whoever you are/were
From the Complete Thom Bell Sessions remastered album released in 1989. Original recordings began in the Autumn of 1977 before being remixed in January 1979.
...
From the Complete Thom Bell Sessions remastered album released in 1989. Original recordings began in the Autumn of 1977 before being remixed in January 1979.
Subsequently, 'The Thom Bell Sessions' were released to the US only as a 12"m with just Are You Ready For Love - Three Way Love Affair and Mama Cant Buy You Love and rose to a respectable #51 (considering it was not a full length studio album)
In 1989 the entire session was released onto disc for the first time and included the extended (rather bluesy) editon of Shine On though, which was already individually acclaimed as the opening track on 1978's A single Man. And also Country Love Song (The only song of the selection to be completely written by J.Jefferson).
This song was the only song on the album of which Gary Osbourne wrote the lyrics. (In my opinion I prefer this version!)
From the Complete Thom Bell Sessions remastered album released in 1989. Original recordings began in the Autumn of 1977 before being remixed in January 1979.
Subsequently, 'The Thom Bell Sessions' were released to the US only as a 12"m with just Are You Ready For Love - Three Way Love Affair and Mama Cant Buy You Love and rose to a respectable #51 (considering it was not a full length studio album)
In 1989 the entire session was released onto disc for the first time and included the extended (rather bluesy) editon of Shine On though, which was already individually acclaimed as the opening track on 1978's A single Man. And also Country Love Song (The only song of the selection to be completely written by J.Jefferson).
This song was the only song on the album of which Gary Osbourne wrote the lyrics. (In my opinion I prefer this version!)
Are you looking for Elton John stuff...?
https://www.ebay.es/sch/m.html?_odkw=&_ssn=captain_fantastic_82&_armrs=1&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l1313&_nkw=el...
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Listening sessions of Thom Bell Sessions album from 1977.
If there´s any problem of copyright with this video, just send me a message and file will be deleted.
Copyright - The original owner of this video, the Company and Elton John - Buy the album if you like this video. I´m not the original uploader of this file, but it dissapeared so i upload it again. Thanks whoever you are/were
Are you looking for Elton John stuff...?
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Listening sessions of Thom Bell Sessions album from 1977.
If there´s any problem of copyright with this video, just send me a message and file will be deleted.
Copyright - The original owner of this video, the Company and Elton John - Buy the album if you like this video. I´m not the original uploader of this file, but it dissapeared so i upload it again. Thanks whoever you are/were
Are you looking for Elton John stuff...?
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Listening sessions of Thom Bell Sessions album from 1977.
If there´s any problem of copyright with this video, just send me a message and file will be deleted.
Copyright - The original owner of this video, the Company and Elton John - Buy the album if you like this video. I´m not the original uploader of this file, but it dissapeared so i upload it again. Thanks whoever you are/were
Are you looking for Elton John stuff...?
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Listening sessions of Thom Bell Sessions album from 1977.
If there´s any problem of copyright with this video, just send me a message and file will be deleted.
Copyright - The original owner of this video, the Company and Elton John - Buy the album if you like this video. I´m not the original uploader of this file, but it dissapeared so i upload it again. Thanks whoever you are/were
Provided to YouTube by Universal Music Group
Mama Can't Buy You Love · Elton John
The Complete Thom Bell Sessions
℗ 1979 Mercury Records Limited
Released on...
Provided to YouTube by Universal Music Group
Mama Can't Buy You Love · Elton John
The Complete Thom Bell Sessions
℗ 1979 Mercury Records Limited
Released on: 1989-01-01
Associated Performer, Recording Arranger, Producer, Conductor: Thom Bell
Studio Personnel, Mixer: Clive Franks
Studio Personnel, Mixer, Associated Performer, Vocals, Piano: Elton John
Composer Lyricist: Casey James
Composer Lyricist: Leroy Bell
Auto-generated by YouTube.
Provided to YouTube by Universal Music Group
Mama Can't Buy You Love · Elton John
The Complete Thom Bell Sessions
℗ 1979 Mercury Records Limited
Released on: 1989-01-01
Associated Performer, Recording Arranger, Producer, Conductor: Thom Bell
Studio Personnel, Mixer: Clive Franks
Studio Personnel, Mixer, Associated Performer, Vocals, Piano: Elton John
Composer Lyricist: Casey James
Composer Lyricist: Leroy Bell
Auto-generated by YouTube.
Are you looking for Elton John stuff...?
https://www.ebay.es/sch/m.html?_odkw=&_ssn=captain_fantastic_82&_armrs=1&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l1313&_nkw=elton&_sacat=0
Listening sessions of Thom Bell Sessions album from 1977.
If there´s any problem of copyright with this video, just send me a message and file will be deleted.
Copyright - The original owner of this video, the Company and Elton John - Buy the album if you like this video. I´m not the original uploader of this file, but it dissapeared so i upload it again. Thanks whoever you are/were
From the Complete Thom Bell Sessions remastered album released in 1989. Original recordings began in the Autumn of 1977 before being remixed in January 1979.
Subsequently, 'The Thom Bell Sessions' were released to the US only as a 12"m with just Are You Ready For Love - Three Way Love Affair and Mama Cant Buy You Love and rose to a respectable #51 (considering it was not a full length studio album)
In 1989 the entire session was released onto disc for the first time and included the extended (rather bluesy) editon of Shine On though, which was already individually acclaimed as the opening track on 1978's A single Man. And also Country Love Song (The only song of the selection to be completely written by J.Jefferson).
This song was the only song on the album of which Gary Osbourne wrote the lyrics. (In my opinion I prefer this version!)
Are you looking for Elton John stuff...?
https://www.ebay.es/sch/m.html?_odkw=&_ssn=captain_fantastic_82&_armrs=1&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l1313&_nkw=elton&_sacat=0
Listening sessions of Thom Bell Sessions album from 1977.
If there´s any problem of copyright with this video, just send me a message and file will be deleted.
Copyright - The original owner of this video, the Company and Elton John - Buy the album if you like this video. I´m not the original uploader of this file, but it dissapeared so i upload it again. Thanks whoever you are/were
Are you looking for Elton John stuff...?
https://www.ebay.es/sch/m.html?_odkw=&_ssn=captain_fantastic_82&_armrs=1&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l1313&_nkw=elton&_sacat=0
Listening sessions of Thom Bell Sessions album from 1977.
If there´s any problem of copyright with this video, just send me a message and file will be deleted.
Copyright - The original owner of this video, the Company and Elton John - Buy the album if you like this video. I´m not the original uploader of this file, but it dissapeared so i upload it again. Thanks whoever you are/were
Provided to YouTube by Universal Music Group
Mama Can't Buy You Love · Elton John
The Complete Thom Bell Sessions
℗ 1979 Mercury Records Limited
Released on: 1989-01-01
Associated Performer, Recording Arranger, Producer, Conductor: Thom Bell
Studio Personnel, Mixer: Clive Franks
Studio Personnel, Mixer, Associated Performer, Vocals, Piano: Elton John
Composer Lyricist: Casey James
Composer Lyricist: Leroy Bell
Auto-generated by YouTube.
Bell was classically trained as a musician, but as a teenager had sung with Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff, and Daryl Hall (of Hall & Oates fame). Bell's first big break in soul music came with Cameo Records in Philadelphia where he worked as a session player and arranger. In 1967, he was introduced to a local group called The Delfonics, producing two singles for them on subsidiary label, Moonglow. Bell brought a smooth, lush style to soul music and his production talents yielded several big hits for the group on the Philly Groove label, run by their manager Stan Watson. These included "La-La (Means I Love You)" and "Didn't I (Blow Your Mind This Time)," the latter nominated for a Grammy Award in 1970.
Bell had also joined the fast-growing record production company operated by Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff in Philadelphia, working as an arranger for acts such as Jerry Butler, Archie Bell & The Drells, The O'Jays and Dusty Springfield. He also arranged some of the early big hits, including the O'Jays' "Back Stabbers", on Gamble & Huff's own record label, Philadelphia International, which they launched in 1971. He also joined the two in setting up a music publishing company for their songs, Mighty Three Music.
On my 26th day of being alone I Hung out of the window by the telephone. I heard the Trees calling out your name And I wondered in the forest of becoming insane. In what is right and what is wrong There will always be weak and always be strong Dona nobis… pachem, Does the Bell ring for one of them? And Why does it toll in this Time Of Need? Can I smash the phone and go back to sleep To swim in the ocean of the people’s tears, That was made for us over a million years? We wonder through the fields of insufferable weeds, we watch for the people coming out to feed. They feed on rocks and they feed on blood, But only the strong have faith on love. Between what is short and what is long There will always be weak and always be strong, There will always be strong in every thing