Philadelphia soul (Music)
Thom Bell, Building the Sound of Philadelphia
Producer, composer and arranger Thom Bell was one of the prime originators of the Sound of Philadelphia, creating hits with the Delfonics such as "La La La Means I Love You" and "Didn't I Blow Your Mind." Bell was born in Jamaica and moved to Philadelphia at age 5. He planned to become a classical conductor, but in his early 20s, he was signed by Cameo Records to create a Philadelphia version of Motown.
New Release Brings Overdue Recognition For Soul Singer Jackie Moore
Much of Moore's music was unreleased at the time of recording and some of her best work didn't get the attention it deserved. A double disc compilation of her recordings has just been released.
In Memoriam: Soul Icon Teddy Pendergrass
broke into the R&B world in the 1970s as a drummer for The Cadillacs, then as a singer for Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes. When he went solo, Pendergrass became known for the love ballads "I Don't Love You Anymore," "Close The Door" and "Turn Off The Lights," and for playing "for-women-only" shows. Pendergrass died Wednesday following a battle with colon cancer. He was 59. After a 1982 car accident left him paralyzed, Pendergrass continued to perform and make music. He released his last album of new material, You and I, in 1997.
A Black-Owned Label Found Success with the Philadelphia Sound
Rock historian Ed Ward talks about the Philadelphia soul music scene which produced such superstars as Teddy Pendergrass. Many of those artists were signed to the Philadelphia International Records label.
Gamble and Huff: The Rise and Fall of Philadelphia International Records.
Rock Historian Ed Ward continues his review of "The Philly Sound: Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff & The Story of Brother Love (1966-1976)" (Epic)
Gamble and Huff: The Early Years
Rock historian Ed Ward on the Philadelphia production team of Gamble & Huff.
The Man Who Defined the Sound of Sophisticated Soul.
Rock historian Ed Ward profiles arranger and producer Thom (pronounced "tom") Bell. Bell's responsible for much of what came to be known as the "Philly" sound, a result of his work with groups such as the Delfonics and the Stylistics.
Music with a "Backbeat So Strong Even White Folks Couldn't Lose It": The Philadelphia Sound.
Rock historian Ed Ward profiles Leon Huff and Kenny Gamble, creators of the Philadelphia International label -- one of the great black pop record labels of the early '70's.