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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZBELL, Archie and the DrellsUS soul vocal quartet. Original lineup: Bell (b 1 Sep. '44, Henderson TX), James Wise (b 1 May '48), Willie Pernell (b 12 April '45), all from Houston. Met in high school mid-'60s, entered talent shows, had regional hit 'She's My Woman' '66; signed to Atlantic '67, had nationwide no. 1 with 'Tighten Up', followed by hits 'I Can't Stop Dancing', 'There's Gonna Be A Showdown', all '68. Lee Bell (b 14 Jan. '46, Houston) added '69. Had more danceable hits and remained popular act, but no more top 40 pop chart entries in USA; made no. 11 UK with 'Here I Go Again' '72 whereupon 'Showdown' issued there and reached top 40 '73. Switched to Philadelphia International, made top ten UK '76 with 'Soul City Walk', top 50 '77 with 'Everybody Have A Good Time'. LPs Tighten Up, There's Gonna Be A Showdown '68--9, Dance Your Troubles Away '76 made Billboard charts; Archie made solo LP I Never Had It So Good '81. Best-of Tightening It Up on Rhino. |