William Bell is one of the foundational figures of Southern soul. As a pioneering voice of the Stax-Volt sound, Bell helped shape the emotional, gospel-infused brand of R&B that defined the Memphis music scene. While he never achieved the same commercial fame as peers like Otis Redding or Sam & Dave, Bell’s influence as a songwriter, performer, and label stalwart is undeniable.
His signature track, “You Don’t Miss Your Water,” became a landmark in soul history, blending heartache with Southern gospel roots. With a career spanning over six decades, Bell has remained a vital force in soul music, earning respect across generations.
| Full Name | William Yarborough (stage name: William Bell) |
|---|---|
| Born | July 16, 1939 – Memphis, Tennessee, USA |
| Genres | Soul, R&B, Southern Soul |
| Primary Label | Stax Records |
| Other Labels | Mercury, Peachtree, Wilbe |
| Signature Song | “You Don’t Miss Your Water” (1961) |
| Biggest Hit | “Tryin’ to Love Two” (1977) – #1 R&B, #10 Pop |
| Duets | “Private Number” with Judy Clay (1968) |
| Key Albums | The Soul of a Bell (1967), Coming Back for More (1977), New Lease on Life (2006) |
| Honors | R&B Pioneer Award, Georgia Music Hall of Fame |
| Notable Covers | Billy Idol, Cream, Otis Redding, Chuck Jackson |
Early Life and Musical Roots
William Bell was born William Yarborough on July 16, 1939, in Memphis, Tennessee. He later adopted “Bell” as his stage name to honor his grandmother, Belle.
Bell was drawn to music from a young age. He sang in church, performed in school talent shows, and took early inspiration from vocal harmony groups. His professional journey began when he joined the local vocal group The Del Rios, who backed R&B legend Rufus Thomas on some of his early recordings. This connection gave Bell his first real taste of the music industry.
Signing with Stax and “You Don’t Miss Your Water”
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In 1961, Bell became one of the first solo male vocalists signed to Stax Records, the emerging Memphis label that would soon rival Motown in influence. His debut single was “You Don’t Miss Your Water,” which he wrote himself. Released on the Volt subsidiary, the song was slow, soulful, and deeply emotional—qualities that would come to define the Stax sound.
The song reached No. 95 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it a modest national hit. More importantly, it established Bell’s identity as a sensitive, narrative-driven artist. His ability to fuse soul with country balladry helped “You Don’t Miss Your Water” stand out at a time when fast-paced R&B dominated the charts.
The song later gained more attention when Otis Redding recorded a version in 1965 for his Otis Blue album. It has since become one of the most covered soul ballads of all time, with versions by The Byrds, Peter Tosh, and Brian Eno.
A Key Contributor to Stax
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Bell stayed with Stax throughout the 1960s and early 1970s. Though his singles rarely broke into the pop Top 40, he was a steady hitmaker on the R&B charts and a prolific songwriter. His first substantial R&B hit came in 1966 with “Share What You Got (But Keep What You Need),” which reached No. 15 on the R&B chart.
In 1967, he released his first album, The Soul of a Bell. One of its highlights, “Everybody Loves a Winner,” became another R&B success. The album showcased Bell’s maturing voice and included his earliest collaborations with Booker T. Jones, the renowned keyboardist and arranger from Booker T. & the MG’s.
Bell also spent two years in the military, which temporarily paused his career. He returned to the charts with songs like:
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“Every Day Will Be Like a Holiday” (1967) – No. 33 R&B
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“I Forgot to Be Your Lover” (1968) – No. 45 pop, No. 10 R&B
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“A Tribute to a King” (1968) – A heartfelt memorial to Otis Redding, reaching No. 16 R&B
Bell and Booker T. also co-wrote “Born Under a Bad Sign,” which became a signature hit for Albert King and was famously covered by Cream in 1968.
“Private Number” – A Chart-Topping Duet
In 1968, Bell teamed up with Judy Clay for the duet “Private Number.” The romantic ballad reached No. 17 on the R&B chart and No. 75 on the pop chart in the U.S., but it performed even better in the UK, where it peaked at No. 8.
The success of “Private Number” overseas helped grow Bell’s international fan base. It remains one of his most recognizable songs and showcased his ability to harmonize beautifully with a female partner.
“Tryin’ to Love Two” – His Biggest Hit
After Stax collapsed in 1975, Bell signed with Mercury Records. He released the album Coming Back for More in 1977, which featured his biggest hit to date: “Tryin’ to Love Two.”
Co-written with Paul Mitchell, the song reached:
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No. 1 on the Billboard R&B chart
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No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100
The track gave Bell his only Top 10 pop hit, firmly establishing him as a commercial force, if only briefly. Its smooth blend of funk and soul resonated with both R&B audiences and mainstream listeners.
Founding Wilbe Records and Later Work
As major label interest declined, Bell turned to independent ventures. He started his own record labels—Peachtree and Wilbe—to maintain creative control.
In the 1980s, Bell focused on writing, producing, and recording new material. Albums like Passion (1986) and On a Roll (1989) were moderately successful, particularly in the UK, where Northern Soul and classic R&B retained strong followings.
His 2006 release New Lease on Life, issued through Wilbe Records, received critical praise for its warmth and maturity. It reflected Bell’s enduring ability to deliver emotionally honest soul music.
Legacy and Honors
Though never a chart-topping superstar, William Bell is considered one of the most influential songwriters and vocalists of the Southern soul era. His contributions helped define the Stax-Volt sound, known for its raw, gospel-influenced emotion and tight arrangements.
He has received numerous accolades, including:
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R&B Pioneer Award from the Rhythm and Blues Foundation
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Induction into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame
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Recognition from the Smithsonian Institution for contributions to American music
In 2012, Bell performed at a sold-out concert at Lincoln Center, sharing the stage with other soul legends. His participation reminded audiences that his voice, style, and stories were still relevant and powerful.
Influence on Other Artists
Bell’s songwriting has been widely covered. Notable examples include:
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“Any Other Way” – Covered by Chuck Jackson, becoming a Hot 100 hit in 1963
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“Born Under a Bad Sign” – Covered by Cream, Jimi Hendrix, and others
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“I Forgot to Be Your Lover” – Transformed by Billy Idol into the Top 10 hit “To Be a Lover” in 1986
These reinterpretations prove Bell’s writing transcended time, genre, and geography.
Still Active in the 21st Century
Bell remains involved in music, performing and releasing material into his seventies and eighties. His legacy is now widely recognized not just for his hits, but for helping to lay the foundation for modern soul and R&B.
He embodies the soul of Memphis—a sound forged in heartache, hope, and rich musical tradition.