Black History Month Profile: Philadelphia International Records
Monday February 19, 2007
Motown was the sound of Young America, and Stax/Volt arguably the sound of Black America, but for its era, Philadelphia International Records somehow managed to be both at once: sweet on top, funky on the bottom, socially aware and yet utopian, equally at home on AM radio or the dance floor. Read about the legendary duo Gamble and Huff and how their black-owned, black-operated enterprise rivaled even the great Motown in success back in those bell-bottom days. Contains history, label info, landmarks, artists, trivia, and more.
Comments
I agree that Philadelphia International Records was one the most powerful music forces in the 70’s. As Motown was the preimier black music force in the 60’s as well the 70’s Gamble & Huff brought us a whole new sound that needs to be celebrated the same way Motown has been celebrated over the years. I think the problem is people have heard the music for years, are still listening to it but never really made the connection to PIR as folks did with Motown. I am a huge lover of everything that came out of PIR and I hope the rest of the music world can stand and applaud the wonderful accomplishments of Gamble & Huff. God bless you Kenny & Leon and all of the artists, producers and musicians that have helped to make PIR what it was and still is today.
MP