Archie Bell was born September 1, 1944 in Henderson Texas. He graduated in 1965 from Phillis Wheatley High School in Houston, Texas. Archie Bell began singing at the age of three.
Archie Bell and The Drells was formed in 1961. In 1968 "Tighten Up" became a number one hit record of R&B and Pop. Between late 1969 and 1979, the hits continued to come: "I Cant Stop Dancing," "There's Gonna Be A Showdown," "Girl You're Too Young," "I Could Dance All Night," "Soul City Walking," "Let's Groove," and "Glad You Could Make It."
Growing up in a family of 8 brothers (including the late All-American football great Ricky Bell, and recording artist as well as World Karate Champion Jerry Bell, music was in no short supply. Both musically and otherwise, Archie is quick to point out that his greatest inspiration has always been his mother. Mrs. Bell was a gospel singer. The line-up in the Drells were: Lee bell, James Wise, Billy Butler, Joe Cross, Willie Pernell, Lucious Larkins. Archie is still to this day performing world-wide.