An American soul singer and songwriter born in Memphis, Tennessee. He was one of the architects of the Stax-Volt sound and is probably best known for his 1961 debut single, You Don't Miss Your Water.

With Booker T. Jones, Bell wrote the song Born Under a Bad Sign, which became a signature song for blues musician Albert King and later recorded by Cream. Also, Bell's collaboration in 1968 with Judy Clay, yielded the memorable hit, Private Number.

Bell had several other US hists during the 1960s and 1970s.

In 1985, Bell founded the label Wilbe Records. His most recent album was released in 2006.