Archie Bell (singer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Archie Bell
|
|
|---|---|
Archie Bell (lower right)
|
|
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Archie Lee Bell |
| Born | September 1, 1944 (age 80) Henderson, Texas, U.S. |
| Genres | Soul, funk, blues, country |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, songwriter |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | 1961–present |
| Associated acts | Archie Bell & the Drells, Jerry Bell |
Archie Lee Bell (born September 1, 1944) is an American singer. He is best known as the lead singer of the famous group Archie Bell & the Drells. He has also had a successful career as a solo artist.
Contents
About Archie Bell
Archie Bell was born in Henderson, Texas, United States. His parents were Langston and Ruthie Bell. He is the second oldest of seven brothers.
His family includes some well-known people. His brother Ricky Bell was a football player for USC and the NFL. Another brother, Jerry Bell, was a world karate champion. Jerry also sang in the bands New Birth and the Dazz Band. Archie is also related to the record producer, Thom Bell.
Archie's Music Journey
Archie Bell started singing in Houston night clubs when he was just ten years old. He was inspired to become a singer after watching performances by Jackie Wilson and Sam Cooke. In 1956, while he was in junior high school, he formed his own group called The Drells.
Archie Bell became famous around the world with The Drells. Their biggest hit song was "Tighten Up". After The Drells broke up in 1980, Archie started his solo career.
He released one solo album called I Never Had It So Good in 1981. For the next twenty years, he continued to perform with The Drells sometimes. In the 1990s, the group included musicians from an Atlanta-based band called The Rockerz.
More recently, Archie Bell has explored different types of music. He has recorded a blues album. He has also recorded some country music, as he really loves that style. A country music producer named Tommy Allsup asked Archie to sing "Warm Red Wine." This song appeared on an album with other famous singers like Glen Campbell and Tanya Tucker. On May 5, 2021, Archie Bell had a stroke, which affected the right side of his body.
His Songs and Albums
Here are some of the songs and albums Archie Bell has released:
Singles with Archie Bell & The Drells
- "Tighten Up" – Atlantic 2478 [1968]
- "I Can't Stop Dancing" – Atlantic 2534 [1968]
- "Love Will Rain on You" / "Do The Choo Choo" – Atlantic 2559 [1968]
- "There's Gonna Be A Showdown" – Atlantic 2583 [1968]
- "Soul City Walk" – TSOP ZS8 4774 [1975]
Solo Album
- I Never Had It So Good – Becket 013 – 1981
