Philly Soul

JointzOfTheDay
Mar 06, 2024
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Legendary icons and unsung heroes behind the Sound of Philadelphia

Interview

Exclusive O'Jays Interview with Walter Williams (born August 25, 1943)

August 25, 2023
Exclusive O'Jays Interview with Walter Williams (born August 25, 1943)

The legendary O'Jays co-founder reflects on the group's history and cultural legacy as they play packed shows on their Last Stop On The Love Train farewell tour. The great singer/songwriter and producer Walter Williams Sr. is a founding member of the mighty O’Jays, one of the most iconic R&B groups of the 1970s and beyond.

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The Architects

Kenny Gamble (born August 11, 1943) – Ship Ahoy (1973)

August 12, 2023
Kenny Gamble (born August 11, 1943) – Ship Ahoy (1973)

Producer, songwriter, label head, and activist Kenny Gamble along with his musical partner Leon Huff were the co-founders of Philadelphia International Records and the masterminds behind the Philly Sound. This powerful, masterpiece message song was the title track to the classic O'Jays LP, originally intended by Gamble and Huff to appear on the Shaft in Africa soundtrack.

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Leon Huff (born April 8, 1942) – Rich Get Richer (1975)

April 9, 2023
Leon Huff (born April 8, 1942) – Rich Get Richer (1975)

As the co-founder of Philadelphia International Records along with Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff brought Philly soul to the world, which in turn was largely responsible for the rise of disco. The two of them have written and produced an amazing 175 gold and platinum records.

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Thom Bell (January 26, 1943 – December 22, 2022) – Do You Remember Yesterday (1974)

January 27, 2023
Thom Bell (January 26, 1943 – December 22, 2022) – Do You Remember Yesterday (1974)

Legendary producer and songwriter Thom Bell helped shape 70s soul by producing classic albums for the Delfonics, Stylistics and Spinners, plus many other artists. He had over thirty gold and ten platinum records to his name.

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Thom Bell (January 26, 1943 – December 22, 2022) – Moses Theme (1979)

January 27, 2024
Thom Bell (January 26, 1943 – December 22, 2022) – Moses Theme (1979)

Thom Bell was one of the architects of 70s soul, a supremely talented songwriter, producer, arranger, and multi-instrumentalist. He won the Grammy for Best Producer of the Year in 1974. He produced and co-wrote the soundtrack to The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh featuring this epic theme for the film's star Julius Erving aka Dr. J.

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Musicians (MFSB)

Norman Harris (October 14, 1947 - March 21, 1987) – Love Addict (1969)

March 22, 2023
Norman Harris (October 14, 1947 - March 21, 1987) – Love Addict (1969)

The late musical genius Norman Harris was a hugely influential giant of the golden soul era who wrote, produced, arranged, or played on hundreds of records in the 60s and 70s. He helped craft the Philly Sound as one of the core original members of MFSB, the backing group for Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff's Philadelphia International Records (PIR).

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Norman Harris (October 14, 1947 - March 21, 1987) – We're On The Right Track (1973)

October 15, 2023
Norman Harris (October 14, 1947 - March 21, 1987) – We're On The Right Track (1973)

Norman Harris was a hugely talented guitarist, songwriter, arranger, and producer who greatly influenced Philly soul as one of the original members of MFSB, the house band for Philadelphia International Records. He co-wrote, arranged, and co-produced this early disco anthem for Ultra High Frequency.

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Earl Young (born June 2, 1940) – Where Do We Go From Here (1974)

June 3, 2023
Earl Young (born June 2, 1940) – Where Do We Go From Here (1974)

The legendary drummer, vocalist, songwriter and producer Earl Young was one of the original members of MFSB, a founder of the Trammps, a key player in the Salsoul Orchestra, and one third of the Baker-Harris-Young production team. He is best known for inventing the foundational four-on-the-floor drum pattern that provided disco with its backbeat and changed the course of dance music history.

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Bobby Eli (March 2, 1946 – August 17, 2023) – Why Don'Cha (1977)

March 3, 2023
Bobby Eli (March 2, 1946 – August 17, 2023) – Why Don'Cha (1977)

The great MFSB lead guitarist Bobby Eli was also a multi-instrumentalist songwriter, producer, and arranger. He played on, co-wrote or produced many of the most iconic soul and disco records of the 70s. This superb disco funk cut from his debut solo LP featured many MFSB members, co-written by Charles Collins, Michael Foreman, and Dennis Harris.

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Bobby Eli (March 2, 1946 – August 17, 2023) – Telling It Like It Is (1975)

March 3, 2024
Bobby Eli (March 2, 1946 – August 17, 2023) – Telling It Like It Is (1975)

Bobby Eli was a multi-talented guitarist, songwriter, arranger, and producer who was one of the core original members of MFSB, the house band for Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff’s Philadelphia International Records. He co-wrote classics including the Main Ingredient’s “Just Don’t Want To Be Lonely” and “Sideshow” by Blue Magic, plus this truth-to-power anthem for the short-lived Philly soul/funk group T.U.M.E. (The Ultimate Musical Experience).

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Ron "Have Mercy" Kersey (April 7, 1949 – January 25, 2005) – Magic Of The Blue (1975)

January 26, 2023
Ron "Have Mercy" Kersey (April 7, 1949 – January 25, 2005) – Magic Of The Blue (1975)

Ron “Have Mercy” Kersey was an amazingly talented musician, songwriter, arranger, and producer who was a member of MFSB, the Salsoul Orchestra and the Trammps. He helped create numerous Philly soul classics like this epic soul-funk-disco jam by Blue Magic, co-written by Allan Felder and Norman Harris.

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Ron "Have Mercy" Kersey (April 7, 1949 – January 25, 2005) – At The Top Of The Stairs (1976)

April 8, 2023
Ron "Have Mercy" Kersey (April 7, 1949 – January 25, 2005) – At The Top Of The Stairs (1976)

As keyboardist for the Trammps, Ron "Have Mercy" Kersey was most well-known for co-writing their all-time biggest hit “Disco Inferno.” He produced, arranged, and played on this epic jam by Wild Honey, co-written by Leon Huff, the very first 12" released on T.K. Disco.

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Vince Montana (February 12, 1928 – April 13, 2013) – It Looks Like Love (1978)

February 13, 2024
Vince Montana (February 12, 1928 – April 13, 2013) – It Looks Like Love (1978)

Vince Montana was a multi-talented vibist, percussionist, songwriter, arranger, and producer. He was a key member of MFSB, the house band behind Philadelphia International Records, and went on to found the Salsoul Orchestra. Some called him the “Godfather of Disco.”

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Songwriters & Producers

Bunny Sigler (March 27, 1941 – October 6, 2017) – Theme For Five Fingers Of Death (1973)

March 28, 2023
Bunny Sigler (March 27, 1941 – October 6, 2017) – Theme For Five Fingers Of Death (1973)

Walter “Bunny” Sigler was a multi-talented singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer who worked extensively with Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff at Philadelphia International Records. One of the unsung architects of the Philly Sound, Sigler co-wrote this funk masterpiece with Richie Rome and the great T. Life, who can be heard briefly on harmonica.

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Linda Creed (December 6, 1948 – April 10, 1986) – Ghetto Child (1973)

April 11, 2023
Linda Creed (December 6, 1948 – April 10, 1986) – Ghetto Child (1973)

Linda Creed was an amazingly talented songwriter and lyricist. Working with her songwriting partner, the musical genius Thom Bell, she wrote the lyrics to 70s soul classics by the Stylistics, Delfonics, Spinners and more. Her words combined with Bell’s music to create one masterpiece after another.

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Allan Felder (May 26, 1943 – November 7, 1999) – My Love Is Free (1976)

November 8, 2023
Allan Felder (May 26, 1943 – November 7, 1999) – My Love Is Free (1976)

Allan Felder was a genius songwriter and producer who co-wrote several hundred Philly soul and disco classics that helped provide the soundtrack to the 1970s. He co-wrote Double Exposure's dancefloor anthem, arranged by Ron "Have Mercy" Kersey and produced by Baker-Harris-Young.

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Dexter Wansel (born August 22, 1950) – First Light In The Morning (1977)

August 23, 2023
Dexter Wansel (born August 22, 1950) – First Light In The Morning (1977)

The singer/songwriter, keyboardist, arranger and producer Dexter Wansel is a multi-talented musical genius. He wrote and produced this epic jazz-funk opening cut for his second album, released on Philadelphia International Records.

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Theodore Life aka T. Life (born June 1, 1948) – Somethin' That You Do To Me (Keeps Turning Me On) (1981)

June 2, 2023
Theodore Life aka T. Life (born June 1, 1948) – Somethin' That You Do To Me (Keeps Turning Me On) (1981)

Theodore Life Jr, aka T Life, is a multi-talented singer/songwriter, guitarist and producer who helped create many Philly soul classics while working for Philadelphia International Records in the 1970s. He is best known for discovering Evelyn “Champagne” King and producing her early albums before releasing his own solo work, like this superb disco funk jam.

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Gene McFadden (January 28, 1949 – January 27, 2006) – Wake Up Everybody (1975)

January 29, 2024
Gene McFadden (January 28, 1949 – January 27, 2006) – Wake Up Everybody (1975)

Gene McFadden was a supremely talented singer/songwriter and producer who helped shape the Sound of Philadelphia in the 1970s. He co-wrote many hits for Philly soul artists including the O’Jays, the Intruders, Billy Paul, and Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes featuring Teddy Pendergrass. He and his songwriting partner John Whitehead later stepped out under their own names as the duo McFadden & Whitehead, best known for their inspirational 1978 disco anthem “Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now.”

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Victor Carstarphen (December 24, 1952 – February 6, 2015) – Music’s Takin’ Over (1977)

February 7, 2024
Victor Carstarphen (December 24, 1952 – February 6, 2015) – Music’s Takin’ Over (1977)

Victor Carstarphen was a songwriter, producer, and keyboardist who was one of the members of MFSB, the backing band for Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff’s Philadelphia International Records. Alongside the songwriting and production duo Gene McFadden and John Whitehead, he co-wrote several of the label’s classic songs in the 1970s.

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Artists

The Delfonics

William Hart (January 17, 1945 – July 14, 2022) – Somebody Loves You (1968)

July 15, 2023
William Hart (January 17, 1945 – July 14, 2022) – Somebody Loves You (1968)

William “Poogie” Hart was one of the founding members of the Delfonics, and the group’s lead vocalist and main songwriter. He sang in a distinctive tenor/falsetto voice and initially co-wrote their hits with producer and arranger Thom Bell, then later took over most songwriting duties on his own.

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Randy Cain (May 2, 1945 – April 9, 2009) – Trying to Make a Fool of Me (1970)

May 3, 2023
Randy Cain (May 2, 1945 – April 9, 2009) – Trying to Make a Fool of Me (1970)

Randy Cain was a tenor singer and original member of the Delfonics. Although he almost never sang lead, his smooth vocals completed the group’s sound and he also played a key behind-the-scenes role in the history of Philly soul music by bringing together one of the most successful songwriting teams of the golden soul era.

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Major Harris (February 9, 1947 – November 9, 2012) – Tribute To A Slave (1970)

November 10, 2023
Major Harris (February 9, 1947 – November 9, 2012) – Tribute To A Slave (1970)

Major Harris was an R&B/soul singer who is most remembered for replacing Randy Cain in the Delfonics during the early 1970s before launching his own successful solo career. He was also an original member of Nat Turner Rebellion and sang on this powerful message song, written by his older brother Joe Jefferson.

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The O’Jays

Eddie Levert (born June 16, 1942) – Put Your Hands Together (1973)

June 17, 2023
Eddie Levert (born June 16, 1942) – Put Your Hands Together (1973)

Living legend Eddie Levert Sr. is the longtime lead singer of the O’Jays. For Ship Ahoy, the second album by the O'Jays on Philadelphia International Records, Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff co-wrote and produced this powerful unity anthem.

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William Powell (January 20, 1942 – May 26, 1977) – Crossroads Of Life (1971)

January 21, 2024
William Powell (January 20, 1942 – May 26, 1977) – Crossroads Of Life (1971)

William Powell was one of the founding members of the O’Jays and sang with the group from 1958 until 1976, shortly before his premature death from cancer in 1977. He co-wrote this heartfelt love song off their Super Bad LP, co-produced by H.B. Barnum.

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The Three Degrees

Fayette Pinkney (January 10, 1948 – June 27, 2009) – If And When (1973)

January 11, 2024
Fayette Pinkney (January 10, 1948 – June 27, 2009) – If And When (1973)

Fayette Pinkney was one of the original members of legendary Philly vocal group The Three Degrees, currently the longest running female vocal trio in U.S. music history. She sang on their biggest hits “When Will I See You Again” and “TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia),” the theme song to Soul Train. This elegant soul symphony production was co-written by Bunny Sigler and Joe Jefferson and produced by Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff.

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First Choice

Rochelle Fleming (born February 11, 1950) – Love Thang (1979)

February 12, 2024
Rochelle Fleming (born February 11, 1950) – Love Thang (1979)

Rochelle Fleming was a co-founding member and original lead singer of the Philadelphia-based vocal group First Choice, and sang on all six of their studio albums during the 1970s. Her vocals have been widely sampled in the decades since for many house music anthems.

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Joyce Jones (born July 30, 1949) – You Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth (1974)

July 31, 2023
Joyce Jones (born July 30, 1949) – You Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth (1974)

Singer Joyce Jones was a member of the Philadelphia-based vocal group First Choice from 1973-75. After replacing Wardell Piper, Jones sang on this killer early disco jam from their classic LP The Player, co-produced and arranged by Norman Harris.

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Teddy Pendergrass (March 26, 1950 – January 13, 2010) – Somebody Told Me (1977)

March 27, 2023
Teddy Pendergrass (March 26, 1950 – January 13, 2010) – Somebody Told Me (1977)

Teddy Pendergrass was one of the signature voices of Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff’s Philadelphia International Records almost from the beginning, and by the end of the 70s had become Philly's biggest R&B superstar. He was undeniably one of the greatest singers of all time.

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Billy Paul (December 1, 1934 – April 24, 2016) – People Power (1975)

December 2, 2023
Billy Paul (December 1, 1934 – April 24, 2016) – People Power (1975)

The great singer Billy Paul remains an unsung hero of socially conscious seventies soul, despite the ten albums he released that decade and a 2009 feature documentary about his life. He recorded for Philadelphia International Records and was second only to the mighty O’Jays as a vehicle for the message songs of producers and label owners Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff.

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Barbara Mason (born August 9, 1947) – World War Three (1973)

August 10, 2023
Barbara Mason (born August 9, 1947) – World War Three (1973)

Philadelphia-born singer/songwriter Barbara Mason wrote her own biggest hit, the classic “Yes I’m Ready” which went to #2 R&B and #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1965. She also wrote this powerful, socially conscious jam. Arranged by Ronnie Baker, it featured several members of MFSB.

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Blue Magic

Ted Mills (born August 19, 1952) – Chasing Rainbows (1975)

August 20, 2023
Ted Mills (born August 19, 1952) – Chasing Rainbows (1975)

Ted Wizard Mills was the lead singer of Blue Magic, one of the biggest R&B groups to come out of Philadelphia in the 1970s who were not signed to Gamble and Huff’s Philadelphia International Records. Of all the silky smooth ballads Mills wrote for Blue Magic, this may have been the greatest, produced by Philly legend Norman Harris.

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Sister Sledge

Kathy Sledge (born January 6, 1959) – If You Really Want Me (1981)

January 7, 2024
Kathy Sledge (born January 6, 1959) – If You Really Want Me (1981)

Kathy Sledge is the youngest member of Sister Sledge, the vocal group of four sisters who shot to fame during the disco era. She sang lead on their biggest hits “We Are Family” and “He’s The Greatest Dancer.” Along with Narada Michael Walden she co-wrote and produced this superb dancefloor jam, the third single off their All American Girls LP.

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Joni Sledge (September 13, 1956 – March 10, 2017) – Love Ain't Easy (1975)

March 11, 2023
Joni Sledge (September 13, 1956 – March 10, 2017) – Love Ain't Easy (1975)

Singer/songwriter Joni Sledge was the second oldest of the four incredibly talented Philadelphia-born sisters who became superstars as Sister Sledge. This super funky rare B-side was co-written by Joni along with Anthony DeCarolis and produced by Bert DeCoteaux and Tony Silvester.

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The Jones Girls

Valorie Jones (April 17, 1956 – December 2, 2001) – Hey Lucinda (1975)

April 18, 2023
Valorie Jones (April 17, 1956 – December 2, 2001) – Hey Lucinda (1975)

The late singer Valorie Jones and her sisters Brenda and Shirley made up the vocal trio the Jones Girls. Their rare early ultra-funky single "Hey Lucinda" on Curtom Records was co-written by Quinton Joseph, drummer for Curtis Mayfield and a member of MFSB.

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Brenda Jones (December 7, 1954 – April 3, 2017) – Show Love Today (1979)

December 8, 2023
Brenda Jones (December 7, 1954 – April 3, 2017) – Show Love Today (1979)

The late Brenda Jones and her sisters Valorie and Shirley sang together as the vocal trio the Jones Girls. She co-wrote this inspirational message song with her sisters for their debut LP, produced by McKinley Jackson.

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Fat Larry’s Band

Larry James (August 2, 1949 – December 5, 1987) – Here Comes The Sun (1979)

August 3, 2023
Larry James (August 2, 1949 – December 5, 1987) – Here Comes The Sun (1979)

Larry James was a multi-talented drummer and singer/songwriter who led Fat Larry’s Band. He co-wrote and co-produced this superb disco-funk positivity anthem which made it to #44 R&B.

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Dee Dee Bridgewater (born May 27, 1950) – That's the Way Love Should Feel (1980)

May 28, 2023
Dee Dee Bridgewater (born May 27, 1950) – That's the Way Love Should Feel (1980)

Dee Dee Bridgewater is an award-winning singer/songwriter and actress who hosted NPR’s long-running show JazzSet with Dee Dee Bridgewater for more than two decades. Her second self-titled LP was produced by Thom Bell and featured this beautiful love jam, co-written by Preston and Alan Glass.

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Lorraine Ellison (March 17, 1931 – January 31, 1983) – Run To Me (1974)

March 18, 2024
Lorraine Ellison (March 17, 1931 – January 31, 1983) – Run To Me (1974)

Born in Philadelphia, Lorraine Ellison was a soul singer/songwriter who was responsible for what many have called the greatest vocal performance of all time on her 1966 record “Stay with Me.” She also recorded the original version of “Try (Just a Little Bit Harder)” which Janis Joplin later covered.

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Solomon Burke (March 21, 1940 – October 10, 2010) – Now Is The Time (1974)

March 22, 2024
Solomon Burke (March 21, 1940 – October 10, 2010) – Now Is The Time (1974)

The legendary, Philadelphia-born singer Solomon Burke was one of the pioneering voices who combined gospel with R&B in the early 1960s and named an entire genre when he coined the term “soul music.” This powerful, socially conscious anthem was featured on his I Have A Dream concept LP featuring songs inspired by Martin Luther King, Jr.

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Archie Bell & the Drells

Archie Bell (born September 1, 1944) – Where Will You Go When The Party's Over (1976)

September 2, 2023
Archie Bell (born September 1, 1944) – Where Will You Go When The Party's Over (1976)

Before going solo, Archie Bell was the lead singer of Archie Bell & the Drells, who went to the top of the charts in 1968 with their all-time classic “Tighten Up.” The superb Philly soul disco title track to their fifth studio album became a Paradise Garage favorite.

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