Russell Thompkins, Jr.

Russell Allen Thompkins Jr. (born March 21, 1951) is an American Philadelphia soul singer, best known as the original lead singer of the vocal group The Stylistics and noted for his high tenor, countertenor, and falsetto vocals. With Russell as lead singer, The Stylistics had 12 straight Top 10 Billboard R&B singles, and 5 gold singles from 1971 through 1974.

Early years Born in Philadelphia, Thompkins was introduced to music by his father and started singing formally in school. During high school, Thompkins was a member of a local vocal group called the Monarchs who defeated another group called the Percussions in a talent show at Benjamin Franklin High School.

Career In 1970, the Stylistics recorded "You're a Big Girl Now", which soon became a regional hit for Sebring Records. The larger Avco Records soon signed the Stylistics, and the single eventually climbed to number seven on the R&B charts in early 1971. Avco approached record producer Thom Bell to work with the group.

In 2004, Thompkins started a new group, The New Stylistics Featuring Russell Thompkins Jr., with Raymond Johnson, James Ranton, and Jonathan Buckson. They continued to tour and were featured on the DVD Old School Soul Party Live!, which was part of the PBS My Music series. James Ranton left the group for health reasons but the group continued as a trio.

In 2007, Thompkins along with Ted Mills (original lead singer of Blue Magic) and William Hart (original lead singer of The Delfonics) teamed up to record an album entitled, All The Way From Philadelphia, under the name The 3 Tenors of Soul, on Shanachie Records.

As of 2026, The New Stylistics Featuring Russell Thompkins Jr. were still performing and touring.

In 2023, Rolling Stone ranked Thompkins at number 142 on its list of the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time.

Discography With The Stylistics Further information: The Stylistics discography

Other projects Russell Thompkins Jr.: Matter of Style - 2002 (album) The 3 Tenors Of Soul: All The Way From Philadelphia - 2007 (album) Russel Thompkins Jr.: Between Love Songs - 2018 (album) Russel Thompkins Jr.: The Lost Love Songs - 2025 (album) Recorded 1997