ThisIsRnB is recognizing the great impact and contributions to the R&B genre since 1971 by Philadelphia’s own Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff affectionately known as Gamble and Huff.
This year marks 50 years of great music and production by the dynamic duo along with phenomenal songwriter, storyteller and lyricist Mr. Tom Bell. Together, they have groomed some of the finest raw soulful talent the world has ever seen and heard under the Philadelphia International Records label. Producing mega superstars is what they do with smash-hit artists, The O’Jays, Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes, Teddy Pendergrass, Phyllis Hyman, Lou Rawls, Patti LaBelle, Billy Paul, The Three Degrees, McFadden & Whitehead and, the labels own homegrown band, MFSB. MFSB featured some of the most prolific songwriters, producers and engineers including Dexter Wansel, Bobby Martin and Joe Tarsia.
The world is all abuzz about the news that Kenneth Gamble intends to present ‘The Sound Of Philadelphia” radio station which will feature music from the label’s artists as well as stories from Gamble, special guests and more. The launch date for broadcasting is set to begin later this month. Mark your calendars this is gonna be the start of something amazing. In addition to the radio station, a fantastic 50 year anniversary celebration is underway making available archival releases and treasured projects. An eight CD box set with a special selection of past and present music, and, an anthology box set through a Philly Sound repertoire will be offered to commemorate Philadelphia International Records.
A re-mix of the hit makers, McFadden and Whitehead’s classic smash hit, “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now” is expected to be released this year. The celebration is going to be a groundbreaking event for real R&B lovers.
As we continue to celebrate African American History everyday, we say Congratulations and thank you Mr. Gamble and Mr. Huff for 50 awesome years of making and creating exceptional R&B music.