A Golden Comeback: The Stylistics Return To Carnegie Hall 50 Years Later

In a stunning celebration of musical legacy, The Stylistics took the stage at Carnegie Hall, marking half a century since they first stole hearts at the historic venue. Fans gathered at the New York City theater on a mild Friday night (Oct. 11), eager to relive the magic of a group that defined an era. The Silent Generation and Baby Boomers filled the atmosphere from floor to balcony seats, chit-chatting about “the good ole days” and how a Stylistics song soundtracked a moment in their life. As a Millennial, I soon learned that the soul group was more than just a quintet-turned-trio that my mom would blast through our house on a calm Saturday afternoon. Their music embodied that first love, heartbreak, childbirth, marriage, divorce, and much more.

Stepping into the iconic venue felt like stepping into the heart of a living masterpiece. The domed ceiling, rows of crimson velvet seats, elegant arcs, and detailed architecture echoed the memories of countless performances witnessed. The eggshell walls, met with vintage renewed woodwork, took over the entire space as the belly of the beast is where every star shined bright, and every voice echoed. In the theater, that night was where the past and present merged. Whispers of Sissieretta Jones’ voice, Duke Ellington’s ivory strokes, and Booker T. Washington’s boisterous voice seemed to still linger within the walls—putting me right in the middle of yesteryear and today.

“The very first time we did it, I must admit it was a frightening situation. And I say frightening in the sense of the prestige of the venue itself with all the greats that have played Carnegie Hall,” Herbie Murrell, original Stylistics member, told VIBE. “To perform a completely sold-out show and seeing all the folks out there, it was a frightening situation. But it was also a situation where if you don’t have that nervousness about going on stage, then why do it? Once we hit that stage and the crowd just went off, it was a beautiful thing.”

When speaking about returning to the prestigious venue 50 years later for their In Falling in Love with My Girl Tour, he added, “So it’s just the anticipation of going out doing what you do, and hopefully the songs that the people are anxious to hear, they enjoy it.”

As the lights lowered, the audience erupted in applause, welcoming the legendary group with open arms. Dressed in their signature suave attire, The Stylistics dressed to the nines in shimmering red and black tuxedos, exuding a swag that was smoother than leather, proving that time has yet to diminish their charm. With only Airrion Love, Herb Murrell, and Jason Sharp performing, the trio kicked off the night with their timeless classic, “People Make The World Go Round,” immediately transporting the crowd back to the ‘70s, where romance and smooth melodies were everything.

Throughout the evening, the band showcased a flawless blend of nostalgia and passion, performing hits like “Betcha by Golly, Wow” and “I Can’t Give You Anything (But My Love).” Each song was met with a wave of sways, cheers, and beloved fans, intertwining their voices with the rich harmonies of the group. Midway through the show, the group took a moment to reflect on their journey as Murrell announced, “Fifty years ago, we dreamed of moments like this. Thank you for keeping our music alive.” The heartfelt sentiment resonated throughout the hall, serving as a reminder of the connection between artists and their supporters.

The evening was punctuated by powerful solos that showcased each member’s vocal prowess. The band seamlessly transitioned between ballads and upbeat tracks, keeping the energy going. “You Make Me Feel Brand New” was a standout moment. The audience swayed in unison, basking in the emotional depth of the lyrics.

As the concert neared its conclusion, The Stylistics exited the stage before returning to deliver an unforgettable encore. Their final performance of “Rockin’ Roll Baby” had everyone on their feet, dancing and celebrating the legacy of a group that still has influence today. The Stylistics bellowed their last notes and the live band faded as the crowd erupted into applause—a testament to the group’s enduring impact. 

Although 50 years have passed, the magic of their music remains as powerful as ever, proving that true artistry knows no bounds of time. For those lucky enough to witness this historic night, it was more than a concert; The show was a celebration of love, life, and the unforgettable power of song.