Russell Thompkins Jr.: My Surprising Discovery About “Betcha By Golly, Wow”

Russell Thompkins Jr.: My Surprising Discovery About “Betcha By Golly, Wow” Music has a way of surprising us, and sometimes, history unfolds right before our eyes. Join me as I take you back to the night I attended a legendary show at the Atlanta Civic Center, featuring The Chi-Lites and The Stylistics. With backstage passes from my cousin, Marshall Thompson of The Chi-Lites, I was excited to witness R&B greatness—but I had no idea I was about to experience a revelation. As The Stylistics—featuring Herb Murrell and Airrion Love—took the stage, the familiar melody of "Betcha By Golly, Wow" began to play. I had always known the song through Phyllis Hyman’s beautiful rendition, but in that moment, I realized I was standing just feet away from the original voices who first brought it to life. It was a surreal moment of musical discovery. In this heartfelt story, I reflect on the legacy of The Stylistics, their unforgettable sound, and the unexpected way I learned the true origins of a song I loved. If you're a fan of classic R&B and soul music history, you won’t want to miss this one!