Archie Bell & The Drells

Philadelphia Soul and Funk Pioneers

Soul vocal group from Houston, Texas. Active from 1967 to 1980. They released three albums at Atlantic and four at Philadelphia International Records. Archie Bell formed the group while at high school and after their first local hit at Houston, "Tighten Up", Atlantic offered them a contract, in 1967. Initially the line up consisted of James Wise (2), Willie Pernell, L.C. Watts, Cornelius Fuller. In 1969 they started a successful career at Philadelphia International Records. After breaking up, Archie Bell released a solo album at Becket Records. The group went on performing. During the 1990s the line-up included Steve "Stevie G." Guettler (guitar, vocals), Jeff "JT" Strickler (bass guitar, vocals), Steve Farrell (guitar, vocals), Mike Wilson (keyboards, vocals) and Wes Armstrong (drums, vocals).