Philadelphia soul songwriters and producers included Bobby Martin, Thom Bell, Linda Creed, Norman Harris, Dexter Wansel, and the production teams of McFadden & Whitehead and Gamble & Huff of Philadelphia International Records
Philadelphia International Records
Philadelphia International Records is an American record label based in Philadelphia. It was founded in 1971 by the writer-producer duo, Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff, along with their long time collaborator Thom Bell. It was famous for showcasing the Philadelphia soul music genre th…
Who created the Philly soul sound?
Thom Bell, another producer at the label, helped create the ballad sound of Philly Soul with the Delfonics' late-Sixties hits, and would later move to other labels and oversee big hits in the style with the Stylistics and the Spinners.
Who was the original producer of soul music?
Producers Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff, and Thom Bell created a silky soul sound that resulted in a string of hit records early in the decade and the disco beat was popularized by MFSB drummer Earl Young. Listed below are 18 tracks that were Philly creations, then several more inspired by the same sound and production techniques.
Who was the founder of the 70s pop genre?
The main architects of the genre were Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, the producers and songwriters who ran the Philadelphia International Label. Their songbook from the early 1970s includes classic such as "Me and Mrs Jones", "If You Don't Know Me by Now" and "Love Train."
What is Philadelphia Soul Music called?
Philadelphia soul, sometimes called Philly soul, the Philadelphia sound, or TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia), is a genre of late 1960s–1970s soul music characterized by funk influences and lush instrumental arrangements, often featuring sweeping strings and piercing horns.
Who was part of the Philadelphia sound?
50 years ago, the sound of Philly Soul was born out of the legendary Philadelphia International Records. With the talents of The O'Jays, Patti LaBelle, Teddy Pendergrass, The Three Degrees, McFadden & Whitehead, and others, the label rewrote the standards of soul music. To celebrate all P.I.R.
Who were the producers with Philadelphia International that made the hits for Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes and the O Jays?
They included Bobby Martin, Norman Harris, Thom Bell, Ronnie Baker, Vince Montana and, later, Jack Faith and John Usry. Gamble and Huff worked as independent producers with a series of artists in the late 1960s and early 1970s, including Jerry Butler, Wilson Pickett and Dusty Springfield.
What musical properties define the sound of Philadelphia Philadelphia Soul?
It has many of the defining characteristics of the Philadelphia International sound: a lively, danceable beat with a pulsating rhythm, a highly polished arrangement with lush strings and crisp, punctuating horns, all wrapped in a sophisticated multilayered production.
What was the gamble Huff Bell group that had hits with songs like Back Stabbers and Love Train?
the O'JaysThat same year, the O'Jays came out with two Gamble and Huff hits: “Love Train” and “Back Stabbers,” making them one of the most popular performing groups in the country.
Who created the Philly Sound?
Philadelphia International Records is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, so we thought we'd talk to its founders, Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff. These two Grammy-winning producers and songwriters co-founded the label in November 1971 and helped to bring the sound of the city to life and to the rest of the world.
What happened to Philadelphia International Records?
Philadelphia International Records at 309 S. Broad Street will be replaced by the 47-story SLS Hotel. It may be Record Store Day, but today Philadelphia says goodbye to a piece of music history with the demolition of the Philadelphia International Records building along the Avenue of the Arts.
What is the Philadelphia sound in music?
Philadelphia soul, sometimes called Philly soul, the Philadelphia sound, Phillysound, or TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia), is a genre of late 1960s–1970s soul music characterized by funk influences and lush instrumental arrangements, often featuring sweeping strings and piercing horns.
Who owns the Philadelphia soul?
Trifecta Sports and EntertainmentPhiladelphia SoulPersonnelOwner(s)Trifecta Sports and EntertainmentGeneral managerBeau BellHead coachClint Dolezel18 more rows
Are the spinners Philly soul?
Though The Spinners popularized, and came to embody, the lush sound of Philly Soul in the 1970s, they got their start in Detroit at Motown, in 1954.
What happened to Gamble and Huff?
Today, Kenneth Gamble continues to write, often with Leon Huff, and Philadelphia International continues. He still lives in South Philadelphia, and remains active in his community.
What happened to Mfsb?
MFSB formed in 1971 and disbanded in 1985, three years after Teddy Pendergrass' car accident, which left him paralyzed.
Who did Gamble and Huff produce?
Throughout the 1970's, the duo wrote for Lou Rawls, The Three Degrees, Dee Dee Sharp, Nancy Wilson, Shirley Jones and the Jones Girls, Third World, Archie Bell and the Drells and many more. In 1976, Gamble and Huff produced and co-wrote songs for the Jacksons' first two post-Motown albums.
Who were the members of Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes?
Teddy Pendergra...Harold MelvinSharon PaigeLloyd ParksDavid EboLead VocalsJerry CummingsHarold Melvin & the Blue Notes/Members
Who were the singers in the Blue Notes?
David EboGil SaundersJohn AtkinsHarold Melvin & the Blue Notes/Singers
Where is Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes from?
Philadelphia, PAHarold Melvin & the Blue Notes / Origin
Who were the original members of Harold Melvin & the Bluenotes?
Early years The group formerly known as The Charlemagnes took on the name "The Blue Notes" in 1954, with a line-up consisting of lead singer Franklin Peaker, Bernard Wilson, Roosevelt Brodie, Jesse Gillis, Jr., and Harold Melvin.
What is the sound of Philadelphia?
John Oates: All of a sudden, the Sound of Philadelphia is worldwide. No doubt about it. It was totally unique. It didn’t sound like Motown or the R&B in New York or Chicago. It wasn’t the sound coming out of Memphis. Gamble and Huff, with the help of people like Tommy Bell, really created something new. It was a unique combo of African American music and English classical influence. The string arrangements. The orchestra touches. And really, the sound is a reflection of the city itself. They somehow captured what the streets of Philadelphia sounded like. I hear “Back Stabbers” and I hear Philadelphia.
What were the songs of the 1970s?
No matter where you were in the country, you couldn’t avoid their songs in the 1970s — love ballads such as “Me and Mrs. Jones” and “If You Don’t Know Me By Now,” or dance hits like “Back Stabbers” or “TSOP” (a.k.a. the Soul Train theme song). The music, dubbed the Sound of Philadelphia, was played by an intensely talented pool of session musicians and orchestra players known as MFSB, which stood for “Mother Father Sister Brother.” But it wasn’t just about a sound. There was also an unmistakable feeling. This music and the message captured Philadelphia so perfectly that the songs resonate today just as much as they did back then.
When did PIR start?
In 1971 , a lyrically gifted singer-songwriter from South Philly and a classically trained pianist from Camden launched Philadelphia International Records (PIR), a Black-owned hitmaking label that would write for and produce world-famous acts including the O’Jays, Teddy Pendergrass and the Jacksons.
Where was Patti LaBelle in 1985?
Patti LaBelle in 1985 at Live Aid in Philadelphia’s JFK Stadium. Photograph by Ebet Roberts/Redferns/Getty Images
Who are Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff?
Fifty years after founding their legendary Philadelphia International Records, Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, with friends and collaborators from Thom Bell to John Oates to Patti LaBelle, look back on the musical partnership that came to define the city.
Who is Patti LaBelle?
Patti LaBelle, singer; released three albums with PIR, including 1981’s The Spirit’s In It, which includes her masterful interpretation of “Over the Rainbow”: I first met Kenny, I think, when I was 15 or 16. I’m bad with dates. But he had friends on my block at 58th and Washington. He was always visiting them.
Who is Thom Bell?
Thom Bell, arranger, Philadelphia International Records; producer of the Spinners, the Stylistics and the Delfonics: My mother made me learn piano. And I was brought up very classically oriented, from the harp to the French horn. I knew about it all.
What is the Philadelphia Soul?
The Philadelphia Soul were a professional arena football team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and competed in the Arena Football League (AFL). The Soul made five ArenaBowl appearances, winning their first appearance ( 2008 against the San Jose SaberCats) and losing their next two appearances ( 2012 and 2013 both to the Arizona Rattlers ). The Soul won in their fourth appearance, against the Rattlers in 2016, winning 56–42. They also won in their fifth appearance in 2017 against the Tampa Bay Storm, winning 44–40.
What was the Soul's record in 2016?
In 2016, the Soul finished the regular season with a 13–3 record, the best in the American Conference. In the playoffs, they first defeated the Tampa Bay Storm, then the Jacksonville Sharks, to claim the American Conference Championship. In ArenaBowl XXIX, they defeated the National Conference Champion Arizona Rattlers 56–42 to claim their second AFL Championship.
How many wins did the Soul have in 2005?
In 2005, the Soul began the season by beating the Austin Wranglers 66–35. However, after five games, the Soul had two wins and three losses, which led to the firing of head coach Michael Trigg . The Soul made Tony Graziani the highest-paid player in Arena League history.
Who did the Soul defeat in 2006?
In 2006, the Soul began 2–0. They went 2–0 against division rival Dallas Desperados (who finished a league best 13–3), and finished the season at 9–7 and earned their first playoff berth through the wild card. In their wild card playoff game, the Soul defeated the Austin Wranglers in Austin, 52–35.
Who replaced Graziani?
However, after another good start, once again Graziani was injured. He was replaced by Matt D'Orazio. Unlike previous years, in 2008 the Soul backup was able to keep the team going. He played well enough that when Graziani was healthy once more, the coaching staff decided to allow D'Orazio to keep the starting job.
Is the Philadelphia Soul Foundation eco friendly?
Former President Bill Clinton joined Soul majority owner Jon Bon Jovi on stage to announce a project that would rehab 15 townhouses in North Philadelphia. Scheduled to open in November 2007, the homes will also be eco-friendly, not only saving money for its new tenants, but improving the environment as well.
Did the Soul beat the Rattlers?
The two teams faced off in back-to-back ArenaBowls in 2012 and 2013. The Rattlers would win both games. The Soul would finally beat the Rattlers in ArenaBowl XXIX in 2016. Following that season, the Rattlers moved to the Indoor Football League, ending the rivalry.
What was the Philadelphia sound in the 1970s?
The creation of PIR led the Philly Sound to musical dominance during the 1970s. As young people began looking for something besides the Beatles and the protest songs of the sixties, they heard what they liked coming out of music from Philadelphia. It was a new sound being played in the dance clubs in New York and Philadelphia, and now being brought to air waves via PIR. The sound was disco, which mixed the Philadelphia soul sound with pop and funk. The music always featured an irresistible dance beat.
What was the number one song of the 1972 PIR?
PIR’s second year in business, 1972, was huge for the company. Billy Paul’s jazz-influenced “Me and Mrs. Jones” reached #1 on both the R and B and pop charts and won a Grammy for Billy Paul. That same year, the O’Jays came out with two Gamble and Huff hits: “Love Train” and “Back Stabbers,” making them one of the most popular performing groups in the country.
What was the name of the music hall of fame that Gamble and Huff were inducted into?
By the 1990s, Gamble and Huff were being honored and inducted by many organizations, among them the Philadelphia Music Foundation Walk of Fame, the National Academy of Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.
When did Gamble and Huff start their own label?
In 1971 , Gamble and Huff created a new label: Philadelphia International Records (PIR). The label was set up in connection with Mighty Three/Assorted Music, the music publishing company run by Gamble, Huff, and another Philadelphia producer, Thom Bell. Shortly after this, they were approached by record producer Clive Davis, who was well-known for spotting new talent. Davis was then with CBS Records and offered PIR a distribution deal.
When did Gamble and Huff win their first Grammy?
Despite the big names and gold records and Grammys for some of their performers, it took until 1989 before Gamble and Huff themselves won their first Grammy. The award was for Simply Red’s interpretation of the Melvin and the Blue Notes’ classic, “If You Don’t Know Me by Now.“
When did the Jackson family leave Motown?
In 1976, the Jackson family left Motown to record with PIR. Gamble and Huff wrote some of their songs, but the brothers were also elated to be able to contribute to the creative process. They had not been able to do that at Motown.
Is Kenny Gamble still with Leon Huff?
Leon Huff and Kenny Gamble are still together today. They both have their separate passions. For Leon Huff, its being near his family while continuing to stay close a piano so he can produce the music he loves. Kenny Gamble dedicates his time to giving back to his neighborhood. He also supports other worthy causes he feels strongly about.
What was the sound of Philadelphia in the 1970s?
The Sound of Philadelphia in the 1970s was the bridge between Memphis soul and international disco and between Detroit pop and Hi-NRG (high energy; the ultrafast dance music popular primarily in gay clubs in the 1980s). African-American-run Philadelphia International Records was the vital label of the era; its sound was a timely mix ...
Who were the founding fathers of the Philadelphia International Records?
The founding fathers were Philadelphian Kenny Gamble and New Jersey-born Leon Huff, writer-producers who had made their way through ...
Who were the founding fathers of the Delfonics?
The founding fathers were Philadelphian Kenny Gamble and New Jersey-born Leon Huff, writer-producers who had made their way through the collapsing Philadelphia music industry of the 1960s. They were reinforced by singer-turned-writer Linda Creed and writer-arranger Thom Bell, who had helped create the sound of the Delfonics at ...
Who produced the Philly Soul song?
Warwick, who desperately needed a hit, was still unimpressed by the song, which was no Gamble-Huff number. Producer Thom Bell, the other crucial component of the Philly Soul sound, convinced her that she'd just recorded a #1 smash. She had. 05. of 10.
Who sang the Philly Soul?
Dionne Warwick (e) had made her career in the early '60s singing the elegant, sophisticated ballads of a young songwriter named Burt Bacharach, so she was a natural for the silky—but never slick—sound of Philly Soul.
Who wrote the song "Meet (ing) every day at the same cafe"?
Written by Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, arguably Philly Soul's greatest songwriters, this gently tortured ballad talks about two forbidden lovers "meet (ing) every day at the same cafe," which is exactly what Gamble and Huff based it on: they observed a man meeting a woman at their favorite eatery, even playing the same songs on the jukebox, a quirk which also made it into the lyrics. Was that what these two were up to? Something illicit? The songwriting team never found out. But it gave them a theme so controversial and yet universal it became a worldwide smash; at home, it also got them a #1 pop and R&B hit, two million records sold, and a Grammy to boot.
Who was smooth on Bring It On Home to Me?
Smooth vocalists just seemed to gravitate to the sound of Philadelphia in the early '70s. So Lou Rawls, who was smooth enough to trade vocals with Sam Cooke on "Bring it on Home to Me," was probably inevitable for the sound's next career save. Gamble and Huff to the rescue again, except that this time, they rode in with an unusual rhumba-like beat that only erupted into a disco gallop in the chorus. The label wanted Rawls bad, not only agreeing to write a song specifically tailored to his basso profundo croon but going along with his suggestion to cut the whole thing live in the studio!
Who was Teddy Pendergrass?
Teddy Pendergrass was the quintessential sexually tortured lover man, not just in this subgenre but arguably in all of soul. Which may explain why the Blue Notes' biggest hit was its most pained, allowing Teddy to grab listeners and shake them into submission. Gamble and Huff wrote it for the Dells, but then the group's drummer—the drummer, of all people—stepped up and became a star. Taking advantage of one of the slowest tempos in American radio history, Teddy bellows and staggers like a mortally wounded man. Which is sort of the point.
Who sang the spinners?
Spinners ' lead singer Bobby Smith was also a natural fit, although it was the group's secret weapon and one of soul's best-ever ad-libbers, Phillipe Wynne, who actually sang her out at the end of the song. Warwick, who desperately needed a hit, was still unimpressed by the song, which was no Gamble-Huff number.
Did Philly Soul have more airplay than pop?
Though it was considered by purists to be Soul music 's first sellout move, the rise of Philly Soul actually resulted in more R&B airplay than pop smashes, proving that R&B had grown up and become sophisticated while keeping its doo-wop heart. Vocal groups from Philly (and Detroit, and occasionally elsewhere) found in the genre a perfect outlet ...
What is the Philadelphia sound?
As told by Gamble, Huff and Bell, all now spirited in their late 70s, this is the story of the Philadelphia sound, a.k.a. Philly soul. To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the label’s founding, Legacy Recordings and Warner Chappell Music will engage in a year-long celebration that includes reissues of some of the brand’s most cherished works as ...
Who sang the song "The Philadelphia Sound"?
Smith’s single was somewhat endemic of other first efforts from PIR, which included songs by Bobby Bennett, Dick Jensen and Johnny Williams.
Why was radio the big thing back then?
The disc jockey had the power of the airwaves. It was a great time because the disc jockey was so entertaining. To distribute PIR, Gamble and Huff initially approached Atlantic Records, which passed on the offer.
Why was Thom Bell different from Gamble and Huff?
Thom Bell: I was different from Gamble and Huff because I was a writer and an arranger. Everything just fell together. We didn’t plan for things to not fall together. It just melded together. It was one of those times in which everything was right.
What instruments did Huff play?
In elementary school and in junior high school, I was a drummer in marching band. I became familiar with French horns, xylophones, timpani — all the instruments included in an orchestra I became in love with. Gamble did the same thing.
When did PIR start?
PIR didn’t really find its groove until 1972. At the label, Gamble and Huff resumed working with some of its familiar team of musicians, such as vibraphonist Vince Montana, drummer Earl Young, bassist Ronnie Baker, percussionist Larry Washington and guitarists Norman Harris and Bobby Eli, along with newcomers like pianist/organist Lenny Pakula and guitarist T.J. Tindall. Eventually this cadre of in-house musicians, paired with Don Renaldo’s strings and horns, would be called MFSB.
When did Gamble and Huff meet?
From there, Gamble and Huff got together. They became songwriters together. They met in the elevator [of Philly’s Shubert Building] in 1968. I was always one step behind them. They had written the song “Cowboys to Girls” [recorded by the Intruders]. I, in turn, had “La-La — Means I Love You.”
What is Philadelphia soul?
Philly soul, also known as the Philadelphia Sound, was a genre of soul music which started in the late 1960s but reached its peak in the first half of the 1970s. It was characterized by funk influences and lush, smooth instrumental arrangements. The main architects of the genre were Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, the producers and songwriters who ran the Philadelphia International Label. Their songbook from the early 1970s includes classic such as "Me and Mrs Jones", "If You Don't Know Me by Now" and "Love Train." The next most influential producer was Thom Bell, who produced the Stylistics. The genre was the main bridge between the Motown sound and disco. While predominantly an African-American genre, Philadelphia denizens Hall & Oates were an exception. They mixed 70s rock elements with Philly soul string arrangements. [These singles are listed in the order of my personal preference.]
What genre is Hall and Oates?
The genre was the main bridge between the Motown sound and disco. While predominantly an African-American genre, Philadelphia denizens Hall & Oates were an exception. They mixed 70s rock elements with Philly soul string arrangements. [These singles are listed in the order of my personal preference.] ADVERTISEMENT.
