The Stylistics

The Stylistics land at Royal & Derngate, Northampton, on 18 November 2026. Formed in Philadelphia in 1968 from the Monarchs and the Percussions, the group helped define the Philadelphia soul sound with lush orchestration, smooth vocal blends and finely drawn melodies. Early on, their partnership with producer-arranger Thom Bell and lyricist Linda Creed set the template: elegant strings, steady groove and a high-register lead weaving through close harmonies.

That run produced songs many listeners still know by heart: Stop, Look, Listen, You Are Everything, Betcha by Golly, Wow, People Make the World Go Round or You Make Me Feel Brand New, carried by albums like The Stylistics, Round 2 and Rockin’ Roll Baby. Later, with Hugo & Luigi and Van McCoy, the group leaned into lighter R&B and pop-soul shades, without losing their focus on melody and group harmony.

On stage today, The Stylistics continue around founding members Airrion Love and Herb Murrell, joined by Jason Sharp. Expect a set built on those hallmark harmonies, the Philadelphia polish and a catalogue made for sing-alongs and slow burns alike, from satin ballads to mid-tempo grooves, all delivered with the ease of a band that has lived inside these songs for decades.