THE Stylistics, originally formed in Philadelphia in 1966 from two groups - The Percussions and The Monarchs are now on a UK tour with two of its original members and they’ll be appearing locally next month.

When members from each group were drafted or went on to further their education, the remaining members under the guidance of their English teacher Beverly Hamilton joined forces and changed the name to The Stylistics.

After working locally for a number of years, the group was approached by Bill Perry who asked if they would be interested in recording.

Their first song You're a Big Girl Now was recorded at Virtue Recording Studio, a local studio in Philadelphia. This song was written by the group guitarist at the time, Robert ‘Doc’ Douglas and road manager, Marty Bryant.

The sessions cost Perry a little over $500.00 to produce and was released locally. It was soon picked up in the tri-state area and before long, it became a number one hit in Philadelphia and a few other cities. Perry was interested it promoting the record national but didn't have the resources.

After the record’s success Avco wanted to naturally follow up with an album release. Hit veteran producer Tom Bell was contacted and was hired to produce the group's first album.

The album was entitled The Stylistics and from that album came Stop, Look, Listen to your Heart, You Are Everything and Betcha By Golly Wow.

The success of the first album was phenomenal for that time along with an unheard release of six singles in total. The ball continued to roll with the release of their second album entitled Round Two. The Stylistics were becoming known as the Philly group with the sweet love songs.

Herbert Murrell and Airrion Love are the remaining original members of The Stylistics Friends since junior high school, Herb and Airrion have managed to keep their institution of 70's music alive. It was thought to be the end of the Stylistics following the departure of their original lead singer, but as in life - the show must go on.

To prove it The Stylistics will be appearing at Redditch’s Palace Theatre on October 27, and they will be a little further north on November 2 when they go to Wolverhampton’s Grand Theatre.