Born in Shreveport, Louisiana, he began singing in local clubs.
[1] He first recorded, with backing group the Casanovas, on the single "It's Not That Easy", released on the local Murco label in 1967.
[2] The recording has subsequently become regarded as a classic of Southern soul and has featured on several compilation albums.
Two later records followed for Murco, "You're Gonna Miss Me" with The Beltones, and "Action Speaks Louder Than Words", before Bell moved to the Silver Fox and House of Orange labels where some of his recordings were produced by Wardell Quezergue.
[3] Bell died in 2004 while living in Shreveport's Cedar Grove neighborhood.