Russell Thompkins Jr.’s distinctive falsetto was the driving force and backbone of the original Stylistics, earning them, among other awards, seven gold albums and five gold singles, eight platinum albums, four platinum singles and more.
Additionally, the group earned a Grammy nomination in 1974 for “You Make Me Feel Brand New,” a plaque on the Philadelphia Walk of Fame in 1994, as well as various other awards and trophies from around the world.
As the group’s original lead singer, his unforgettable voice was heard on all of their biggest hits, including “Betcha by Golly Wow,” (Thompkins personal favorite), “You Make Me Feel Brand New,” “You Are Everything,” and so many more.