|
C O U R S E L E C T U R E Philadelphia Sound and Soul Train Notes taken on April 30, 2015 by Edward Tanguay |
Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff
had been independent producers in 60s
working like Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller
writers of such crossover hit songs such as "Hound Dog"
Black Pop and Funk start to have commercial potentiality
CBS strikes a deal with Gamble and Huff
established Philadelphia International Records
elegant string arrangements
something like "Papa Was a Rolling Stone"
roots in the drifters and Benny King
Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes
1972 If You Don't Love Me By Now
polished, elegant string arrangement
was #3 hit in 1972, the chances of you ever hearing it on FM rock radio was extremely remote
the only time a Rock-n-Roller might have heard this would be if they got in their car and somebody had left the radio on an AM station
1976 You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine
an up-tempo ballad with a Latin feel
clear influences from Motown sound
calling out various cities in the world
Mother, Father, Sister, Brother
backing band that played on a lot of the recordings
Gamble and Huff had their writing, producers and performers
the Sound of Philadelphia
became the theme for the television show Soul Train
also worked with Gamble and Huff
1972 Could Be I'm Falling in Love
a few of the hits were written by Thom Bell
1972 Betcha By Golly Wow
1974 You Make Me Feel Brand New
Philadelphia Sound was in terms of placement on AM radio charts very successful
like the black version of American Bandstand
important to establish bands
1970 debuted in Chicago
originally sponsored by Sears
targeted a black audience
African American music listeners
sponsored by Don Cornelius
the Dick Clark of black music
1971 national syndication
sponsored by Johnson Products
wanted to promote hair care products for African Americans
ran for 35 years until 2006
it still holds the record for the longest running television show in syndication