Artist:Archie Bell & The DrellsSong:Tighten Up
Album:Tightening It Up: The Best Of Archie Bell & The Drells
Archie Bell & The Drells are best known for their 1967 #1 hit Tighten Up but they also had hits in the 70s with producers Gamble & Huff. This comp is probably the best way to get all their songs. Archie Bell was born Sept. 1, 1944 in Henderson, TX and grew up in Houston. His brothers included Dazz Band lead vocalist Jerry Bell and NFL running back Ricky Bell. Mom sang gospel and Archie grew up singing in church. He formed Archie Bell & The Drells as a teen and was discovered by DJ Lee Frazier and signed to his Ovid label. They started recording and Archie was drafted into the Army and went to Vietnam. While on leave, they recorded the Bell written Tighten Up. It became a big hit locally and was picked up for national distribution by Atlantic and was a #1 R & B and pop hit. Bell was stationed in Germany so he was replaced on tour though the Army relented and let him return occasionally. He was discharged April 1969. Bell got together with Philly Soul producers Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff and they had some dance hits on the TSOP label in the 70s. The group still performs but hasn't recorded for years. This Rhino comp covers all their recordings but you can also get Tighten Up on Atlantic various artists comps including the soundtrack for the 2007 film Talk To Me. Here's Archie Bell & The Drells performing Tighten Up in 1967.
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