Highlighting: The Music and Production of Gamble and Huff/Philadelphia International Records

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Produced by: 
KBOO
Air date: 
Thu, 02/12/2015 - 8:00pm to 10:00pm
Gamble and Huff! Spring Drive Special!
Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff are two of the most prolific songwiters we have come to experience, and when together, they have created some of the most recognizable sounds you will ever hear.  Based in Philadelphia, they gave birth to the Philadelphia International label, and made a home for the string-laden and percussive sound; cranking out memorable tracks by Patti LaBelle, the Jacksons, Lou Rawls, Billy Paul, the O'Jays, the Three Degrees (pictured) and so many more. 

Not only was 'Philly soul' a sound; it was also a movement.  The label and its artists encompassed a wide range of human experiences, from love to loss to socio-political consciousness.  Gamble's non-musical work seemed to drive the lyrical content in many ways, for instance, leading to tracks and albums such as the 'Clean Up The Ghetto' project. 

As we recognize the brilliant songcraft and production of this duo, we (of course) do this in the name of community radio.

(Photo Credits:  From Nationaal Archief, the Dutch National archives, and Spaarnestad Photo.)

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