UPPER CHICHESTER — The falsetto voice is instantly recognizable: high, pure and timeless.
For more than five decades, Russell Thompkins Jr. has defined the sound of Philadelphia soul. In April, that unmistakable voice that floated through radios, record players and concert halls around the world, will return home.
On Sunday, April 12, Thompkins will perform at the Chichester High School Theater, 3333 Chichester Ave., joined by his group, The New Stylistics.
The show promises a blend of beloved classics and fresh collaborations, including a special appearance by Deborah Benton, a tribute artist honoring Dionne Warwick, and the popular Tommy Cono, The Voice of Tribute.
In a recent interview with the Daily Times, Russell Thompkins Jr talked about his love for his fans, his passion for music, and how he stayed grounded and focused throughout his life. Russell Thompkins Jr and The New Stylistics will perform in a special show at Chichester High School in April. (PEG DEGRASSA/ DAILY TIMES)
From North Philly to the world stage
Born and raised in North Philadelphia’s Brewerytown neighborhood, Thompkins’ journey began long before international tours and gold records. As a teenager, he sang in school and local groups, including The Monarchs, one of the early formations that would evolve into The Stylistics.
“The Monarchs played at my high school prom,” Thompkins remembers, with a smile.
His father was a singer, so music was always around him and his talent became obvious at a young age.
Thompkins had a knack for remembering the words and tunes of all kinds of songs. As as a child, Thompkins would sit in front of the television memorizing and performing commercial jingles, amazing his family with both his song retention and singing ability.
Even as a high school student, he was immersed in performance, sometimes doing homework in the basement of the Cadillac Club while singing five shows a night.
After high school, reality set in. Thompkins took a job driving a forklift at a popcorn factory. He married at just 18, and like many young couples, he was focused on building a life. Then came a turning point.
Two weeks into that job, an opportunity arose for him and his bandmates with a performance opportunity in Rhode Island. Torn between responsibility and ambition, Thompkins leaned on his wife’s advice.
“My wife told me, ‘Follow your dream,’ ” he remembers.
Thompkins did and everything changed. He never looked back.
“When we came home from that gig, we were local stars,” Thompkins recalls.
Russell Thompkins Jr. admiring the plaque that recognizes the original Stylistics, located on the Philadelphia Music Alliance Walk of Fame on the Avenue of the Arts. (COURTESY OF RUSSELL THOMPKINS JR.)
Rise of a signature sound
By the early 1970s, The Stylistics had become one of the defining groups of their era.
Working with producer Thom Bell and songwriter Linda Creed, the group crafted a run of hits that showcased Thompkins’ unmistakable falsetto.
The group had hit after hit, with most placing high on the Billboard Hot 100 charts, including “You Are Everything” (1971), “Stop, Look, Listen To Your Heart” (1971), “Betcha by Golly, Wow” (1972), “I’m Stone in Love with You” (1972), “Break Up to Make Up” (1973), “Rocking’ Roll Baby” (1973), “You’ll Never Get to Heaven If You Break My Heart” (1973), and “You Make Me Feel Brand New” (1974). “Break Up to Make Up” skyrocketed to No. 1 on the pop charts in 1973.
The success was staggering: Top 10 hits, international tours, and a sound so distinctive it influenced artists around the world, including the Bee Gees.
Barry Gibb once told him directly: “You inspired us. We wanted to sing like you.”
Yet, even at the height of fame, Thompkins remained grounded.
“It was a job,” he said. “I didn’t have time to think more than that. I would get up and go to work. Sure, I love my job, but it was still a job at the end of the day. That’s what made me stay grounded.”
That mindset, he says, came from his upbringing.
“We were always trying to put food on the table,” Thompkins shared. “It was the way my parents raised us. To this day, I’m still that North Philly boy who is proud to bring Philly around the world.”
Thompkins graduated from Philadelphia High School of Agriculture and Horticulture, where he sang in the Philadelphia All- City Choir. He and his wife Florence were married for 55 years before she passed, and recently he celebrated a year and a half wedding anniversary with his wife, Janice Freeman-Thompkins.
“Russell’s fame never went to his head,” commented Freeman-Thompkins, who knew Thompkins for several decades before marrying him. “He is humble in every way. He always loved meeting his fans when he was out on the road. I saw him stand in the rain, more than once, to sign albums and pose for pictures with his fans!”
Learning from legends
Early in his career, Thompkins gained valuable experience touring with James Brown. In 1970, he left on a 35-day tour opening for the legendary performer, traveling from Chicago to Alabama and beyond.
“I got the foundation of what it’s like to go on such a massive tour,” he said. “To this day, I never saw anyone perform quite like James Brown. He was amazing.”
He also shared stages with icons like The Temptations and The Beach Boys, and credits DJs like Georgie Woods and “The Geater with the Heater” Jerry Blavat for helping elevate the group early on.
Career keeps evolving
After 35 years on the road with The Stylistics, Thompkins stepped away in 2000. Not long after, he formed the group Russell Thompkins Jr. and The New Stylistics, continuing to perform the catalog he helped create.
The New Stylistics include vocalists Raymond Johnson, who also performed in the original Stylistics, and Jonathan Buckson.
Thompkins, who Rolling Stone classified as one of the 200 best singers in the world, continues to sing lead vocals.
He returned to school, taking music courses in the 1980s and later studied at Settlement Music School, from 2000 to 2003, to learn piano and deepen his understanding of music theory.
“I always wanted to grow in my knowledge of music,” the singer said.
Since he left the original Stylistics, he has recorded solo albums, toured internationally, and continued building his legacy.
“Every five minutes, a Stylistics song is played somewhere in the world,” Thompkins remarked.
His travels have taken him across Europe and beyond, including a memorable moment jogging through a park in New Zealand.
“I went to introduce myself to someone, and he said, ‘I know exactly who you are,’ ” Thompkins said. “That blew my mind, that someone recognized me in New Zealand. Music is amazing in what it does for everyone.”
Thompkins shared another poignant moment from his travels.
“We were performing in Budapest and the people were chanting ‘America, go home,’ when we first arrived,” Thompkins recalled. “After our concert, the people changed: they cheered and cheered for us! Music had changed things.”
Still performing, still connecting
At 57 years into his career, Thompkins continues to tour regularly, recently performing in Texas, Colorado, New York and beyond. His most recent show was in Detroit.
“Fans love the music and the nostalgia of our shows,” Thompkins expressed. “Our Detroit show was fantastic. It seemed like every person there sang our songs with us and knew the words of every song!”
His weekly rehearsals with The New Stylistics remain a constant, as does his commitment to delivering the authentic sound fans remember.
He also takes pride in the details, from choreography to wardrobe. With two closets full of costumes, a room dedicated to shoes and accessories, and designs by Jesse Harris, Thompkins says the visual presentation is as important as the music.
And yes, the group still dances.
“The other guys can really dance,” he said with a laugh.
Russell Thompkins Jr., center, and The New Stylistics include Raymond Johnson, right, as well as vocalist Jonathan Buckson. (COURTESY OF RUSSELL THOMPKINS JR)
Show rooted in nostalgia
The upcoming Chichester performance will feature all the classic Stylistics hits, along with a fresh twist: duets with Deborah Benton that echo the style of Dionne Warwick collaborations.
Promoter and host of the April 12 show, Joe Staffieri, believes the show’s appeal is universal.
“Music is amazing in that it connects everyone and elevates everyone’s mood,” Staffieri said.
For Thompkins, it has always been not just about the music, but also about the fans and the experiences and opportunities that the music brought to his life.
As a member of the original Stylistics, one of the core artists that created the Philadelphia Sound, Thompkins has a wall covered with gold and platinum records at his home.
He was awarded a bronze plaque on the Philadelphia Music Alliance Walk of Fame on the Avenue of the Arts in 1994. Last year, he and The Stylistics were given a plaque on the Atlantic City Walk of Fame.
“The opportunities that came with my music career have surpassed anything that I could have ever dreamed of,” Thompkins shared. “I had a chance to see the world through my music,” he said. “And I’ll tell you one thing: This world is beautiful.”
If you go
Who: Russell Thompkins Jr. and The New Stylistics
When: 3 p.m. Sunday, April 12; doors will open at 2 p.m.
Where: Chichester High School Theater, 3333 Chichester Ave., Upper Chichester.
Other performers: Tommy Cono, The Voice of Tribute; Jay Gentile and Deborah Benton, a Dionne Warwick tribute artist.
How to go: Tickets are $40 for general admission and $45 for VIP. For tickets, call Joe Staffieri at 610-745-2672.
Concert promoter Joe Staffieri, left, of Delaware County, with Russell Thompkins Jr., lead vocalist in The New Stylistics. The performance is April 12 in Upper Chichester. (PEG DEGRASSA/ DAILY TIMES)