40 Years of The Sound of Philadelphia

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Kenny Gamble, left, and Grammy winner Billy Paul at the recent Philadelphia International Records Family Reunion held at the Dell Music Center. Photo by Jeff Price
Kenny Gamble, left, and Grammy winner Billy Paul at the recent Philadelphia International Records Family Reunion held at the Dell Music Center. Photo by Jeff Price

Special to the NNPA from The Philadelphia Tribune

There was a warm feeling of family and fellowship at the Dell Music Centers recent tribute concert honoring The Sound of Philadelphia and the 40th anniversary of Gamble & Huffs Philadelphia International Records.

At a festive We Are Family Family Reunion/VIP reception held for Sound of Philadelphia alumni before the concert, legendary drummer Earl Young, who was the rhythmic foundation of countless hits on the PIR label, was happy to be reunited with artists such as Billy Paul and Russell Thompkins, as well as Gamble and Huff. Other members of the Philadelphia International Records (PIR) family who were in attendance include songwriter/producer Bunny Sigler, producer Dexter Wansel and longtime PIR attorney Phil Asbury, as well as members of the Soul Survivors, who recorded the first Gamble & Huff hit, Expressway to Your Heart. Its great to bring back memories the recording sessions, a lot of the musicians, but it goes to show you how powerful this music is, because theyve come out here anyway, no matter how hot it is, because its hot! said Leon Huff.

Russell Thompkins, beloved lead singer of the Stylistics, is grateful for the opportunity that Gamble & Huff have given to all the Philadelphia artists. When I first started working, after Youre a Big Girl Now, I was doing things with [composer/producer] Tommy Bell, Thompkins recalled. A lot of the things that Gamble and them were doing contributed to my music with Tommy Bell, especially since they were the background singers for some of the first songs we did. They have always contributed to my group, and then in 1980, we did four albums on the TSOP label. So hes always been a part of my life, musically.

Following the intimate Family Reunion, fans braved the sweltering temperatures to hear an evening of musical tributes to Gamble & Huff, hosted by WDAS radio personality Patty Jackson, and featuring The Jones Girls, Jean Carne, the Delfonics, the Stylistics and Jerry Butler. Those in attendance include 107.9 WRNB air personality Lady B, gospel harpist Jeff Majors and legendary disc jockey Sonny Hopson, formerly of WHAT.

As the cavalcade of hits began, I was happy to discover that everyone was in fine voice as fans were treated to R&B/Soul classics such as You Gonna Make Me Love Somebody Else, Free Love, Dont Let It Go to Your Head, Ready Or Not (Here I Come), La La Means I Love You, Didnt I Blow Your Mind This Time? and You Make Me Feel Brand New.

Midway through the concert, a video package recapping Gamble & Huffs amazing career was presented, followed by reflections by the Soul Survivors and Helen Scott of the Three Degrees, the group which often provided background vocals for PIR recordings. The presentation ceremony was conducted by Deputy Mayor Michael Deberadinis, Recreation Commissioner Susan Slawson, City Councilwomen Jannie Blackwell, Marian Tasco and Donna Reed Miller, as well as City Councilman Curtis Jones Jr. who had the pleasure of presenting two beautiful trophies to the honorees.

The Stylistics then gave a stellar performance, featuring the seductive hits Stop, Look, Listen, and Stone in Love With You as well as Betcha By Golly Wow, and the highest compliment that I can pay to lead singer Russell Thompkins is that the group sounded just like the record, which is very important to R&B fans. The evening ended with romantic classics rendered by beloved balladeer Jerry Butler, appropriately nicknamed The Ice Man by legendary disc jockey Georgie Woods. All in all, it was an entertaining and fitting tribute to Gamble and Huff, who were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2008, receiving the inaugural Ahmet Ertegun Award.

During a private moment with Gamble, he said, Some of these people, I see them from time to time, and it just brings to my mind some the people that are not here that have passed on, that played an important role in what were doing. So God bless all of them, and its just amazing what time will do.

As the presentation of awards and honors continue, the impact of the music of Gamble & Huff is unmistakable, both globally and locally. Its been a tremendous experience just to be with Gamble and Huff in these rewarding years, for all the things they have done, and the hard work, said Leroy Glenn, a valued long-time employee in the Gamble & Huff organization. I was associated with Mr. Kenny Gamble throughout the years. I can go all the way back to 15th and Christian. That was the area where he came from. Actually, he came from West Philly, but he came into South Philly, and Mr. Huff, I always have admired such an outstanding musician and pianist. You dont know! Its just a tremendous experience just to be among those guys!

Kimberly C. Roberts

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