The original members of The Stylistics underwent several changes over the years, with some leaving for solo careers or due to personal reasons, and others passing away.
The Stylistics, a renowned soul music vocal group that rose to fame in the 1970s, originally consisted of lead singer Russell Thompkins Jr., Herbie Murrell, Airrion Love, James Smith, and James Dunn. Over time, the group experienced various lineup changes, which is not uncommon in the music industry.
Russell Thompkins Jr., known for his distinctive falsetto voice, left the group in 2000 to pursue a solo career. He was replaced by Eban Brown, who himself was later replaced by Harold “Eban” Brown. James Smith departed in the late 1980s, and James Dunn left in the early 1980s due to health issues.
The remaining original members, Herbie Murrell and Airrion Love, continued to perform with the group, bringing in new members to maintain the quintet format. The Stylistics have continued to tour and perform with a changing lineup, although none of the replacements have become as well-known as the original members.
Sadly, James Dunn passed away in 2011, marking a significant loss for the group’s legacy. Despite these changes, The Stylistics have left an indelible mark on the soul and R&B genres, with their music continuing to be celebrated by fans around the world. The group’s legacy is carried on through their timeless hits and the ongoing performances by the current lineup.