In 1966, "The Stylistics" was formed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, through the merging of two rival high school singing groups, "The Percussions" and "The Monarchs." After several members left for military service or higher education, the remaining singers, under the guidance of their English teacher, Beverly Hamilton, united and officially adopted the name "The Stylistics." After performing locally for a few years in the Pennsylvania tri-state area, the group caught the attention of Bill Perry, a local record executive. Bill offered them a chance to record in a studio, and the group eagerly accepted. Their dream was becoming a reality. In 1970, they recorded "You're a Big Girl Now," written by guitarist Robert “Doc” Douglas and road manager Marty Bryant at "Virtue," a local Philly studio. With a budget of just over $500, Bill Perry financed the recording, which was released in their hometown. The song quickly gained popularity, becoming a #1 hit in Philadelphia and several other cities along the East Coast. Bill sought to promote the song nationwide, but lacking the resources, he struck a deal with Avco Records. While Bill reportedly earned over $10,000 from the deal, the group themselves did not receive any payment from the contract. Following the success of "You're a Big Girl Now," Avco Records pushed for the group's first album, produced by veteran Philly producer Tom Bell. Titled simply "The Stylistics," the album featured timeless hits like "Stop, Look, Listen (To Your Heart)," "You Are Everything," and "Betcha By Golly Wow." The album's success was extraordinary, producing six hit singles and earning Grammy Award nominations. With their talent firmly established, the group released their second album, "Round Two," solidifying their reputation as the creators of the "Philly sound" with their signature sweet love songs. Decades later, after numerous albums, CD releases, and lineup changes, original members Herbert Murrell and second lead Airrion Love, who have been friends since junior high, continue to tour the world, sharing the legacy of "The Stylistics." Among their many honors, the group has a brass plaque on the Philly Walk of Fame and is featured in an exhibit at the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C.