The Philly Epitome

Congratulations to Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff of Gamble & Huff, for their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last night.

The architects of the so-called “Philly Sound,” the duo, as songwriters, arrangers, and producers, were responsible for such hits as the O’Jays’ “Backstabbers”and “Love Train,” Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes’ “If You Don’t Know Me By Now,” and a list as long as you are tall of everything you and your parents love in ’70s soul music.

I’ve met Kenny Gamble, and hosted him on a producer’s panel at the VIBE Music Seminar, about 10 years ago, where we listened to and discussed the O’Jays’ “For The Love of Money”; still, in my opinion, one of the greatest record productions ever; almost hallucinogenic in its intensity.

For your morning commute, consider one the most lovely records to come out of the Philly Sound: The Three Degrees’s “When Will I See You Again,” presented both in a live version, and a kinda strange/yet still kinda cool German TV lip sync version.