Album Notes

James Bell

Singer Songwriter Producer

Born in Leland, Mississippi, moved to Indianapolis, Indiana at age 11.
While in the military was stationed in Friedburg, Germany,(“in same platoon”) with Elvis Presley. We became good friends and often sang songs together with Elvis playing guitar. Bell was the vocalist for a German R&B band during this period.
August 1968 Bell became lead vocalist with The Highlighters Band in
Indianapolis, Indiana. In 1969 Bell wrote and recorded “The Funky 16 Corners”. This song quickly claimed the # 1 spot on local charts and started a new dance craze of the same name. In the year 2001 it was reissued by Stones Throw Records, Los Angeles, California and Jazzman
Records, London, England thus becoming the first record ever re-released by two different companies on opposite sides of the Atlantic Ocean. Again it rapidly claimed the # 1 spot, (on the Funk charts) and remained there 18 weeks.
Two other songs written by James Bell in 1969 and recorded with the Highlighters Band gained International success on the Northern Soul charts. ”Amazing Love” and “The Love of My Girl”. All are collectors items with “Amazing Love” selling for $1200.00 while “The Love of MY Girl” and “The Funky 16 Corners” originals sell for $2000.00 US dollars
Per copy.
Bell performs regularly in Europe 0n the Northern Soul and the Funk scene. He is one of the artist featured in the Indiana Historic Society ‘s
Soul and Funk exhibit for 2005. Bell performed in the Indiana Jazz Festival
The first 4 years of it’s conception. A versatile performer Bell was the Male
Vocalist with the Jimmy Coe Orchestra from 1970 to 2004.
Bell has performed on shows with Garland Green, Issac Hayes, Phil
Perry. Don Gardner, Little Johnny Taylor, Baby Washington, Ruby Winters,
Rufus Thomas, and many others.
This CD is his contribution to Southern Soul. I believe this to be one of the few CD’s ever where every song could be pulled as a hit single.
Enjoy !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Go to www.threediamondsrecords.com for Discography.