User:Jerry Bell (R & B Artist)
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</gallery> R&B Artist Background:

Jerry Bell's passion for music emanates from early vocal training while growing up between Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and West Palm Beach, Florida in a musical family; a family that has produced Gold and Platinum records for nearly two decades. During his formative years in West Palm Beach Jerry emerged from a three man singing group called the Delusions;  . The band who backed them at that time was called the Miami Ocean Liners who later became KC and The Sunshine Band.

Jerry’s vocal range is superb as he precisely delivers each sultry note. He is a two time Grammy Award Winner, former lead vocalist of the famed groups "The New Birth" which he was invited to join the group by the founding members; Tony Churchhill, James Baker and Austin Lander. He enjoyed his experiences he had with The New Birth from 1973 to 1979. They enjoyed such hits as "It's Been Such A Long Time", "Mr. Dream Merchant" and "Wildflower."

His next endeavor was with Motown's "The Dazz Band"; 1983 as one of the lead vocalists! Philip Bailey, Ralph Johnson of Earth Wind & Fire. Bailey and Johnson produced the band's first album and knew the band needed another vocalist so they ask Jerry to join the band. Jerry's smooth, sensual vocals have helped to create these groups most powerful hits such as "Let it Whip", "Joystick", "Knock Knock", "Swoop", "Heartbeat" and "Invitation to Love."

Jerry also was a solo artist for MCA in 1980, with his album entitled; "Winter Love Affair". Jerry is back again and better than ever now signed with Lotus Records/Bungalow/Universal Music Group.

Currently, Jerry has a Hit Single with his reproduced updated version of The New Birth classic from 1973; "It's Been Such A Long Time." This also reflects the title of Jerry's Album and now his 2017 Album You Don't Know What Love Is.

Jerry is a lead vocalist who has also done background vocals for Marvin Gaye, Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, The Main Ingredient, The Delfonics, The Spinners, McFadden and Whitehead, The O'Jays, Stevie Wonder, The Jacksons, The Gap Band, Michael Wycoff, Jean Carne, LTD, Lenny Williams, Joe Sample, Yarbrough and Peoples, The Intruders, The Moments, and Blue Magic.

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Jerry Bell comes from a great musical background within his own immediate family. His family began with the matriarch, his beloved mother Mattie Bell, a Gospel singer, whom Jerry inherited her mighty vocals. Jerry has an older brother whom he looked up to while growing up. Archie of Archie Bell and the Drells, who are known for their R&B Pop hits such as "Tighten Up", "I Just Can't Stop Dancing", "There's Gonna Be A Showdown", and "Let's Groove."

 

Then there is Thom Bell who is Jerry's cousin who produced such songs as "Stop, Look & Listen", "People Make the World Go Round", "You Make Me Feel Brand New", "La La Means I Love You", "Didn't I Blow Your Mind", "You Are Everything" and "Break Up To Make Up." Thom has also produced such groups as, The Delfonics, Stylistics, The Spinners, Blue Magic, Archie Bell and The Drells, and Dionne Warwick.

 

Jerry has another famous cousin; Robert "KOOL" Bell of the famed group Kool and the Gang; with such hits as "Ladies Night", "Jungle Boogie", "Hollywood Swinging", and "Get Down On It." Al Bell, another cousin, started a record label called STAX which featured yet another cousin, William Bell with “ I Forgot To Be Your Lover.” Then there is Leroy Burgers from Black Ivory, “You’re What’s Been Missing From My Life”, “Surrender”, “Don’t Walk Away”, “It’s Time To Say Goodbye”.




:BRIEF PROFILE OF JERRY BELL AND THE NEW BIRTH

New Birth, originally called the Nite-Liters, was formed by Tony Churchill and Harvey Fuqua. In 1975, Tony Churchill, James Baker, and Austin Lander asked Jerry Bell to join the group. Jerry sang for New Birth off and on until 1979.

New Birth is known for its hits Been Such a Long Time, Wild Flower, and Coming From All Ends, and I Can Understand It.

New Birth has been signed to RCA Records, Buddha Records, Warner Bros., and later Ariola Records. Despite the turnover within the group, the members who flowed through New Birth remain some of the greatest players and singers. The classic soul sounds of New Birth are unmistakable, capturing a rare bracket of musicians and vocalists who will never be forgotten.

THE NEW BIRTH MEMBERS ARE:

Tony Churchill (Tenor Sax, Vibes, Background Vocals)
Melvin Wilson (Lead Vocals, Percussion)
Leslie Wilson (Lead Vocals, Percussion)
Anne Bogan (Lead Vocals, Background Vocals)
Londee Loren (Lead Vocals, Background Vocals)
Bobby Downs (Lead Vocals, Background Vocals)
Carl McDaniel (Lead Guitar, Background Vocals)
Robin Russell (Drums, Percussion)
Leroy Taylor (Bass Guitar)
Austin Lander (Baritone Sax, Background Vocals)
Alan Frey (Lead Vocals, Congas)
James Baker (Keyboard, Drums, Trombone, Tuba)
Jerry Bell (Lead Vocals, Background Vocals)
Charlie Hearndon (Lead Guitar)
Robert Jackson (Trumpet, Background Vocals)
Joseph Porter III (Background Vocals, Percussion)
Jimmie McKenny (Keyboard, Clarinet)
Calvin Bennet (Saxophone)

In 1974, the group issued their hit album, It's Been a Long Time, which spawned the hits including the title track and their cover of the psychedelic single "Wild Flower", which became a top ten hit in the UK singles chart. After the release of their sixth RCA album, Comin' From All Ends, the group split from RCA, Fuqua and their management company and signed with Buddah.

New Birth's Buddah debut, Blind Baby, featured the group's only number-one R&B single, a cover of the Jerry Butler classic, "Dream Merchant". After the release of the 1977 album, Behold The Mighty Army, the Wilson brothers split from the group following in-fighting and growing tensions in the group.

The group returned in 1979 James Baker, Tony Chruchill and Austin Lander introduce Jerry Bell as their new lead vocalist with Platinum City and in 1982 with the I'm Back' album. Leslie Wilson had left the group to replace Jeffrey Osborne in LTD. And Jerry Bell left the group in 1981 to become the lead vocalist for Motowns Dazz Band.

Year Title Chart Positions
U.S. Pop Singles U.S. Black Singles
1971 "It's Impossible" #52 #12
1971 "K-Jee" #39 #17
1972 "(We've Got to) Pull Together" - #27
1972 "Blind Baby" #49 #24
1972 "I Don't Want to Do Wrong" - #41
1973 "I Can Understand It" #35 #4
1973 "Until It's Time For You to Go" #97 #21
1974 "I Wash My Hands of the Whole Damn Deal, Part I" #88 #46
1974 "It's Been a Long Time" #66 #9
1974 "Wildflower"