The Stylistics

In 1980 (see 1980 in music), several members departed, and the remainder continued performing for the next two decades, and are still a popular live draw. In 2004 Ali Farka Toure became mayor of Niafunke. They left Avco for H&I and the Stylistics' popularity rapidly declined in the US, though their British popularity continued for the rest of the 70s. Toure is noted as the mentor to popular Malian musician Afel Bocoum. They struggled hard to find producers who could come up with the right material, and partnerships with Hugo & Luigi and Van McCoy were notably unsuccessful. He reappeared in 1999 with Niafunke, a more traditional album focusing on African rhythms and beats. Just as with The Delfonics, The Stylistics were to some extent a vehicle for Bell's own creativity. Toure usually sings in one of several African languages, as on his breakthrough album, Ali Farka Toure, which established his reputation in the world music community. 1994's Talking Timbuktu, a collaboration with Ry Cooder, sold promisingly well in western markets, but was followed by a hiatus from releases in America and Europe.

The group split with Thom Bell in 1974, and the split proved devastating commerically to the group. As the first African bluesman to achieve widespread popularity on his home continent, Toure is often known as "the African John Lee Hooker". Their hits from this period included "Betcha by Golly, Wow", "I'm Stone in Love with You", "You Make Me Feel Brand New" "Stop, Look, Listen To Your Heart" and "You Are Everything". Ali Farka Toure (born 1939 in Niafunke, Mali) is an African blues singer and guitarist, known throughout the continent as one its most famous performers. The bittersweet lyrics from Creed were a key factor in creating hugely memorable music. Bell imported the sweet soul techniques he had perfected with the Delfonics and his arragmements worked perfectly with Thompkins' falsetto.

Signing to Avco Records, the Stylistics began working with producer Thom Bell, who had already produced a catalogue of hits for The Delfonics, and songwriter Linda Creed. They had their first hit in 1971 (see 1971 in music) with "You're a Big Girl Now". They formed in 1968 (see 1968 in music) and comprised Russell Thompkins Jr, Herb Murrell, Airrion Love, James Smith, and James Dunn. The Stylistics are one of the most well-known Philadelphia soul groups of the 1970s.