Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular Music

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

BELL, Madeline

(b 23 July '42, Newark NJ) Singer. Sang in gospel group age 14, UK-based after visit with Black Nativity show '62. Became cabaret singer on club circuit '63, signed with EMI; met Dusty Springfield at '65 New Year's Eve party for UK TV pop show Ready Steady Go!; did many sessions, signed with Philips: fine LPs Bell's A Poppin' '67, Doin' Things '68; single 'I'm Gonna Make You Love Me' was no. 26 in '68 US chart. Joined session group Blue Mink '69, turned into full-time group on success of first single 'Melting Pot'. Still with them, signed RCA solo contract: Comin' Atcha arr./prod. by John Paul Jones '73. One other LP on Pye This Is One Girl '76; continued as session singer, also broadcast with BBC Radio Orchestra/Radio Big Band. Singles with David Martin on Deb: 'East Side West Side', 'I'm Not Really Me Without You' '82. Still touring and pleasing fans; at Ronnie Scott's in London '98.