Huff and Gamble's Philadelphia International Records Featured in "UK Telegraph"

Andrew Perry, UK Telegraph -- "This year one of America’s greatest record labels begins its 40th anniversary celebrations. Philadelphia International Records was founded in 1972 by Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, a pair of indefatigable songwriter/producers, whose magic touch brought to life dozens of transatlantic hits in the following couple of decades.

Their best-loved songs – which include Billy Paul’s Me and Mrs Jones, Love Train by the O’Jays, and If You Don’t Know Me By Now by Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes – are just the cream of a vast catalogue. The duo claim to have written a staggering 3,000 tracks together, and in the next few months the highlights are to be celebrated in a fresh barrage of boxed sets and remix packages.

The place of what came to be known as Philly soul in the evolution of African-American pop is clear-cut: it was the bridge between Motown, which had flourished through the Sixties, and the late Seventies’ disco. The label’s sound was lavishly orchestral, sophisticated and sweetly soulful – instantly distinguishable from the hedonistic disco numbers."

Read full story here.