Artist page

Phil Terrell, born and raised in Wilmington, NC, later moved to Jersey City, NJ, where he completed high school. He had early connections to music, working with Robert "Kool" Bell, the son of boxer Ronald Bell, in the band Kool & the Flames, which would eventually evolve into Kool & the Gang. Terrell's smooth vocals and charming looks were well-suited for the group's most successful era, but he left before they achieved fame. Terrell is also related to Winfred Lovett of the Manhattans, occasionally singing with them prior to their signing with Carnival Records. He filled in for the group's original member George "Smitty" Smith when needed, and was considered as a replacement after Smith's passing, although Gerald Alston ultimately took the role. In his recording career, Terrell released two singles for Carnival: "I'm Just a Young Boy" b/w "I'll Erase You (From My Heart)" in 1965, and "Love Has Passed Me By" b/w "Don't You Run Away" in 1966, both backed by the Manhattans. Unfortunately, Carnival's promotional efforts were insufficient, and the songs did not resonate with the urban radio audience of the time. Despite this, Terrell's singles have gained popularity among Northern soul fans. After his music career, he became a school teacher and later an administrator.

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