William Bell, born in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1939, is a seminal figure in American soul music. As the first male solo artist signed to Stax Records, he played a pivotal role in shaping the "Memphis Sound." His 1961 debut single, "You Don't Miss Your Water," became one of Stax's first major hits. Bell's songwriting prowess is evident in classics like "Born Under a Bad Sign," co-written with Booker T. Jones, and "I Forgot to Be Your Lover," later covered by Billy Idol. His duet "Private Number" with Judy Clay achieved international acclaim. In 2016, Bell's album "This Is Where I Live" earned him a Grammy for Best Americana Album, reaffirming his enduring influence in the music industry. ([williambellmusic.com](https://williambellmusic.com/bio?utm_source=openai))