Philly Soul
The song “Break Up to Make Up” was written by Thom Bell, Linda Creed, and Kenneth Gamble. It was a single as well as a cut on Round 2, the 1972 album from The Stylistics. The song went to #5 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and R&B Chart. It also went to #34 in the U.K. The recording sold more than one million copies and earned an RIAA gold record. Ah, the sounds of Philadelphia soul!
The Stylistics formed in Philadelphia, PA, in 1968 from two groups, The Percussions and The Monarchs. Russell Thompkins Jr., James Smith, and Airrion Love came from the Monarchs, and James Dunn and Herbie Murrell came from the Percussions. Their hits were mostly ballads, featuring Thompkins’ falsetto and great harmony and arrangements. They were especially big during the early 1970s, with songs such as “Stop, Look, Listen,” “Betcha by Golly, Wow,” and “You Make Me Feel Brand New.” Personnel has changed over the years, and they continue to tour and perform.