Honoring and celebrating the legendary record label, Philadelphia International Records, on the occasion of their 50th Anniversary.

WHEREAS, Founded in 1971 by Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, Philadelphia International Records became the birthplace of the trailblazing “Philadelphia Sound” that

produced some of the most iconic soul, funk, R&B, and disco music of the last half century; and

WHEREAS, The groundbreaking success of Philadelphia International Records and the “Sound of Philadelphia” established the City of Brotherly Love as the unequivocal soul capital of the world; and

WHEREAS, Gamble and Huff, natives of West Philadelphia and Camden respectively, first met in an elevator in 1963 at the then Shubert Theatre in Center City and, years later, would find a home at 309 South Broad Street; and

WHEREAS, Gamble and Huff would bring together an impressive team of songwriters, composers, producers, engineers, and musicians including Thom Bell, Dexter Wansel, Bobby Martin, MFSB, Joe Tarsia and more to create some of the most memorable and iconic music that has been living in people’s hearts for five decades; and

WHEREAS, Legends who would bring these chart-topping songs to life includes The O’ Jays, Patti LaBelle, Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, Teddy Pendergrass, The Intruders, Lou Rawls, McFadden and Whitehead, and Phyllis Hyman; and

WHEREAS, The pair would go on to write and produce 175 gold and platinum records and their label would be responsible for hits such as, “Love Train,” “Back Stabbers,” “The Love I Lost,” “Me and Mrs. Jones,” “Will I See You Again,” “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now,” “You’ll Never Find Another Love Like Mine,” and so much more; and

WHEREAS, Gamble and Huff’s decades of groundbreaking productions earned them induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2008 and a historic deal with Sony Music Entertainment in 2014; and

WHEREAS, To mark the 50th Anniversary of Philadelphia International records, Gamble and Huff will embark on a year-long celebration with new musical releases and exclusive content, including limited-edition vinyl and CD box sets and the creation of a new “Sound of Philadelphia” radio station; and

WHEREAS, The innovative “Philadelphia Soul” produced by Philadelphia International Records has touched millions of lives around the world and continues to inspire musicians of today; and

WHEREAS, As one of the most successful African American music labels in history, the legacy of Philadelphia International Records will live on for years to come, and Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff will always be the proud sons of the City of Philadelphia; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it herby honors and celebrates the legendary record label, Philadelphia International Records, on the occasion of their 50th Anniversary.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, further evidencing the since admiration and respect of this legislative body.

End