The Stylistics at the Big Dome Thursday night
Almost 40 years later, Philadelphia soul group The Stylistics is still around to serenade their fans with their sleek sound. Decades after, when other bands came and went, the group is still here to sing their soulful hits. What made them stick around?
“That’s the most important thing, if you believe and have faith in what you do. It’s not gonna happen overnight. It’s also being at the right place at the right time with what you do. So you have to stick with it and care about it,” said Herbie Murrell, one of the members of the quartet in a press conference Wednesday at Crowne Plaza.
“I think it’s because in the beginning, we were giving great music that people can identify with all over the world,” Airrion Love said.
The Stylistics, had straight Top 10 hits from 1971-1974 including “Betcha by Golly, Wow” “Stop, Look, Listen (To Your Heart),” “You are Everything,” I’m Stone in Love with You,” Break Up to Make Up,” and “You Make Me Feel Brand New.”
Formed in 1968, The Stylistics was originally composed of lead Russell Thompkins Jr., Herbie Murrell, Airrion Love, James Smith and James Dunn. When the original group disbanded in the 80s, Love, Murrell and Thompkins continued to tour until 2000 and brought in new members, Harold Eban Brown and Van Fields. Jason Sharpe of Heatwave replaced Fields last year.
Murrell said the transition was “easy” with the new members, and even called Sharpe “a great fit” to the group.
The Stylistics will perform all their hits Thursday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, with special guests Rico J. Puno and Elizabeth Ramsey. The show is produced by That’s NTertainment Productions and ABS CBN. Tickets are available at ticketnet.com.ph or call 911-5555.
