The Stylistics

Philadelphia’s The Stylistics arrive in Cardiff on 31 October 2026 at the New Theatre, Park Place. Born in 1968 from the meeting of the Monarchs and the Percussions, they helped shape Philadelphia soul with a blend of orchestral soul, subdued R&B and vocal pop, originally driven by Russell Thompkins Jr.’s falsetto and Thom Bell’s arrangements, with lyrics by Linda Creed. This period remains defined by classics such as Stop, Look, Listen; You Are Everything; Betcha by Golly, Wow; People Make the World Go Round; and You Make Me Feel Brand New, released between 1971 and 1974.

After the end of their collaboration with Bell, the group shifted toward a lighter pop-soul—at times bordering on disco—under the direction of Hugo & Luigi and Van McCoy, while retaining the harmonic imprint that defines their identity. Today, The Stylistics revolve around founding members Airrion Love and Herb Murrell, accompanied by Jason Sharp. On stage, their repertoire spans the early Philly soul era and later material, moving between lead-voice ballads, tight harmonies and relaxed grooves, with a sense of melody that connects every phase of their career.