The music world is in mourning just before Christmas, with the passing of iconic producer and songwriter Thom Bell. The Jamaican-born Grammy-winning music producer and songwriter, best known as one of the architects of the 1960s and 1970s soul songs collectively known as 'The Sound of Philadelphia, passed away Thursday at 79 in Bellingham, Washington. The musician's death was confirmed by his attorney Michael Silver, though no cause of death was given. R.I.P.: The music world is in mourning just before Christmas, with the passing of iconic producer and songwriter Thom Bell Death: The Jamaican-born Grammy-winning music producer and songwriter, best known as one of the architects of the 1960s and 1970s soul songs collectively known as 'The Sound of Philadelphia, passed away Thursday at 79 in Bellingham, WashingtonBell was born in Kingston, Jamaica but moved to West Philadelphia with his family, where he quickly honed his musical gifts.He received his first drum kit at just 4 years of age, and met future collaborators Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, who he performed with as teenagers along with Daryl Hall of Hall & Oates fame. He worked as a staff writer and touring conductor for Chubby Checker, before working at Cameo Records in Philadelphia as a session player and arranger.
