Archie Lee Bell, born on September 1, 1944, in Henderson, Texas, is an American musician and songwriter renowned for his work in the genres of soul, funk, blues, and country. Raised in Houston, Texas, Bell was the second oldest of seven brothers in a family that included notable figures such as NFL player Ricky Bell and singer Jerry Bell. His early exposure to music began in Houston nightclubs at the age of ten, inspired by performers like Jackie Wilson and Sam Cooke.

In 1956, while still in junior high school, Bell formed the group The Drells, which later became known as Archie Bell & the Drells. The group gained international fame with their hit "Tighten Up," a song that emerged from a dance created by band member Billy Butler. "Tighten Up" was a major success, topping both the Billboard R&B and pop charts in 1968 and earning a gold disc for selling over a million copies.

Bell's career continued after his military service, during which he was stationed in Germany and suffered a leg injury in a truck accident. Following the breakup of The Drells in 1980, Bell pursued a solo career, releasing the album "I Never Had It So Good" in 1981. He continued to perform with various line-ups of The Drells and expanded his musical repertoire to include blues and country, recording a blues album and collaborating with country producer Tommy Allsup.

Despite a stroke in 2021, Archie Bell remains a celebrated figure in the music world, known for his contributions to the evolution of funk and soul music. His legacy includes a lasting impact on Texas music history, with "Tighten Up" being recognized as one of the greatest Texas songs and one of the earliest funk hits.