The Stylistics - Same

Coincidence

Having mentioned the falsetto singing of Teddy Thompson in the previous post, as well as a cute [I thought so] reference to The Stylistics, it was an apt coincidence to tune in a few minutes ago to an 'Old Grey Whistle Test' airing on BBC 4 as part of their weekend reggae celebration. I just caught the end of that recording of a reggae concert at the Edinburgh Festival, and The Pioneers were singing 'Papa Was a Rolling Stone' in beautiful harmonies and a perfect falsetto lead.

I loved The Stylistics and the tenor falsetto of Russell Thompkins, Jr., and saw them perform sometime in the 70s at the Gaumont Theatre in Ipswich. I don't care how smooth and smoochy and saccharine the songs, I squeaked aloud then and can do so now to the wonderful 'Stop, Look, Listen [To Your Heart], 'Betcha By Golly, Wow', 'You Make Me Feel Brand New', and 'You Are Everything' [the first and fourth songs made brilliant again by the Diana Ross and Marvin Gaye partnership].

And they wore their turquoise suits.