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Richard Bell - March 5 1946 - June 15 2007-
Keyboardist, songwriter and
producer Richard
Bell began his professional musical career in the
'60s as a member of
Ronnie Hawkins & the Hawks,
King Biscuit Boy aka Richard Newell with
Crowbar, and
Janis Joplin's Full Tilt Boogie Band. He is an accomplished musician, playing
with skill whether using the piano, organ, saxophone,
accordion, or other instruments. He has also lent his
voice for background vocals, offered material as a
composer, and worked on a number of albums as producer,
and on several film
soundtracks. He took over the piano chair in
The Band in 1991, after the death of Stan
Szelest, and has been a member of since then. Bell is heard on the
albums from the '90s, Jericho, where he
wrote the songs The Caves of Jericho, High on
the Hog, and Jubilation.
He was also the writer of Out
of the Wilderness from Colin Linden's,
Through the Storm Through the Night. Artists he has
played with, includes Bruce Cockburn, John
Sebastian,
Bonnie Raitt,
Paul Butterfield and Janis Joplin.
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Richard Bell - March 5 1946 - June
15 2007- It
is hard to put into words the passing of my dear friend Richard
Bell. He was one of the most soulful people I have ever had the
pleasure of meeting, both musically and spiritually. He had a
unique gifting to make you feel special, important, that you
were somebody of value and would listen intently to your point
of view. We all have much to learn from his example, especially
the writer here:). I am so honored and privileged to have worked
with him these past years and I will always sense his presence
on stage in the future.
Richard loved life, loved people and he sure loved playing the
Hammond B3 and piano and has left an incredible legacy on all
the records and videos he has performed on. Just look at some of
the folks he has performed with such as
Janis Joplin, King Biscuit Boy/Richard Newell, Ronnie Hawkins,
Robbie Lane, The Band, Burrirto Deluxe, David Wilcox, Colin
Linden and so, so many others. He never talked about his
exploits and when I was working on a new record with the Muscle
Shoals musicians recently, down in Alabama, they spoke highly
and fondly of Richard and his playing.
Johnny Sandlin was hoping to get Richard into his studio
for some sessions, likewise, Lance
Anderson and many others. His playing was special;
tempered by the fires of life, the dynamic of musical history
emerging in the 60's with all its political ramifications and a
desire to perform with every ounce of energy in him.
Richard had an understanding of the human condition with all its
wonders and failings and this is the crossroads of profound joy
and sorrow. This gave him the ability to play with such soulful
authority. It was God's gift to him and his gift to us and ours
to accept on behalf of Him. Richard I am thrilled with the music
we made together, the songs we wrote and the recent videos. You
are a hero of mine and I can only pray to be half as brave as
you have been. We love you Brother and I know you are in a much
better place right now and I will see you soon. Our condolences
to Richard's beautiful family and friends. God bless, my friend. |
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"It was just a giant
bubble. It was amazingly wonderful. I don't think anybody ever
realizes what's occurring when you're doing it. I enjoyed it
very much. I'm really happy I had her in my life, she was a
phenomenal woman". he states about his time with Janis.
After Joplin passed on the band moved to Woodstock, New York,
and soon dissolved. Bell remained in Woodstock and did a lot of
session work, primarily with Paul Butterfield and John
Sebastian. From there he went on to live in Georgia and Alabama,
working as a studio musician. Bell eventually returned to his
native Canada. "I'd been away for 20 or so years and my mother
and father were getting on and I was missing my sister's
children growing up." Musical friend Colin Linden helped
re-establish Bell in Toronto. Bell played a lot with Linden and
together they worked with Bruce Cockburn. Richard remains much
in demand as a session player and producer, recording with
Big Bill Morganfield, the son of
Muddy Waters
and most recently he produced and played on 'Soulsville', Danny Brooks
latest release for
HIS House Records.
-photo by Eddy B |
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Mp3- Richard Bell's
production of
Souled Out
‘n Sanctified from the
Soulsville CD. |
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