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Bell Bros.

Alex and Leroy Bell came from Florida, with the former being the musical leader of the family duo, playing the guitar and taking the main vocal parts on their discs. Their first single for Don Robey’s Sure Shot label was the lively midpaced “Not Your Kind Of Love” but this was eclipsed by the excellent deep sides on their subsequent 45s. “Pity Me” is a classic southern deep ballad, beautifully simple in its construction, so compelling in its effect.  The interplay between piano and guitar is exquisite, the horns superbly judged and the call and response singing of the brothers quite brilliant. The hook has you singing it for days. One of the very best soul duo recordings.

Almost at that level was their third single. “Throw Away The Key” was cut in Memphis and the production values typically high. Another stunning deep side this, full of good things like the guitar fills, and the horn charts, but especially the harmonies and vocal interplay. I could listen to music like this forever.

Alex Bell passed away in 1988.

I'm pretty certain the trio of Bell Brothers on Quali-Bell and Bell O'Soul are a different act. Can anybody confirm this?

Thanks as always to Pete Nickols for his research and the Duke/Peacock ad.

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