Just this past March we put this little gem of a collection on your radar—and today we have one to send to one of you. Some background—and how to enter—resides below. —Ed.
VIA PRESS RELEASE | United Souls, in conjunction with Legacy Recordings, the catalogue division of Sony Music Entertainment celebrate the 50th anniversary of Philadelphia International Records with the release of Get On Board The Soul Train: The Sound of Philadelphia International Records Volume 1.
This is the first volume in a limited edition series which covers the first eight studio albums released by the influential label between 1971-1973. The series, in which all albums are re-mastered from the original tapes, map the history of Philadelphia International Records (PIR) chronologically. The box set is housed in a 48 page slip-cased book and is limited to 2,500 copies. It also includes numbered certificate of authenticity, an exclusive 12” single and poster. Volume 2 of the series will be released this summer.
The eight classic albums featured on the Volume 1 set include: Billy Paul – Going East, Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes – I Miss You, The O’Jays – Back Stabbers, Billy Paul – 360 Degrees of Billy Paul, Dick Jensen – Dick Jensen, The Intruders – Save the Children, MFSB – MFSB, Billy Paul – Ebony Woman.
The detailed 48 page hardcover book, which includes rare photographs were compiled and curated in association with PIR artists, engineers and producers with liner notes by Tony Cummins (author of The Sound of Philadelphia) and a foreword by Ralph Tee.
“It’s a blessing to celebrate all the writers, musicians, engineers, disc jockeys and all the people that were on our team” says Philadelphia International Records co-founder, Kenny Gamble. “When I listen to this music now, I can close my eyes and the music brings us all back together again. Hearing this music reminds me of all the hard work and dedication our team went through to make such a long-lasting catalogue, that has been embraced by all the world and I’m thankful”. His PIR co-founder, Leon Huff shares the sentiment, adding “Long live the music of Gamble and Huff!.”
Fred Jude, Managing Director, Snapper Music/United Souls says, “We are very proud to be involved in the 50th anniversary celebrations of such an iconic label as Philadelphia International Records, founded in 1971 by legendary songwriters/producers Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff and to showcase these original albums in this unique way. This is wonderful music that will have appeal both to listeners who loved it at the time and to those who are discovering it for the first time with this very special series.”
More about Philadelphia International Records | The groundbreaking label, founded in 1971 by innovative and prolific songwriters/producers Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff, became the birthplace, incubator and launching pad for the sophisticated Philly Soul sound also known as “The Sound of Philadelphia.”
The duo amassed an extraordinary array of producers, songwriters, musicians and engineers including Thom Bell, Dexter Wansel, Bobby Martin, MFSB, Joe Tarsia and more to help craft some of the most memorable lyrics and melodies of the past five decades.
The legendary roster of music stars who helped bring these chart-topping disco, R&B, soul and funk sounds to life included The O’Jays, Patti LaBelle, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, Billy Paul, Teddy Pendergrass, Lou Rawls, McFadden & Whitehead, The Three Degrees, Phyllis Hyman, The Intruders, the ultimate “house band” MFSB, and many others.
Enter to win Get On Board The Soul Train: The Sound of Philadelphia International Records Volume 1 by citing in the comments below your personal favorite Gamble and Huff recording—and briefly why. We’ll choose one wise soul for a copy of the set a week from today, June 9, 2021. Our winner will be notified directly via email.
