The publication is reproduced in full below:
CELEBRATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF PHILADELPHIA INTERNATIONAL RECORD
______
HON. DWIGHT EVANS
of pennsylvania
in the house of representatives
Thursday, January 28, 2021
Mr. EVANS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the 50th anniversary of the legendary Philadelphia International Record
(PIR). One of music's most historic record labels.
Visionary song-writing producers Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff co-
founded PIR in 1971. Together they engineered one of the most significant chapters in music history. The groundbreaking label gave birth to the sophisticated Philly Soul sound also known as ``The Sound of Philadelphia.'' Patti LaBelle, Teddy Pendergrass, The O'Jays, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, Billy Paul, Lou Rawls and McFadden & Whitehead are just some of the stars who took the duo's distinguishing sound to the top of the charts.
The Gamble and Huff partnership began in 1963, when the two hardworking musicians from West Philly and Camden met in the elevator of the Shubert Building, which now houses the Merriam Theater. They were both toiling as writers for separate music production firms. They joined forces and became a potent songwriting/production team. The
``Philly Soul'' sound featured a mix of doo-wop, gospel, R&B, and sound known for its orchestral sounds.
Philadelphia Soul music is known for its incorporation of lush string arrangements along with penetrating brass, and often conveys very personal and emotional stories. The world-renowned Philadelphia Orchestra's string section was often employed to play on many of Philadelphia International Record's tracks. Philly Soul is widely considered a producer's genre. Everyone from the Jacksons to B.B King to David Bowie came to Philadelphia seeking Philly soul magic. Philadelphia was a center for pop music.
50 years since its inception, Philadelphia and the world are poised to celebrate the golden anniversary of the label. The anniversary will highlight the extraordinary musical output of the storied label and spotlight milestone musical moments, artists and songs from the remarkable Philadelphia International Records family that have defined the landmark label and its incredible impact over the past 50 years.
In 2014, Sony Music Entertainment announced their historic deal with Philadelphia International Records, securing global ownership of all recordings made for PIR. The landmark deal added all post-1975 PIR recordings to the PIR titles already owned by Sony Music Entertainment, reuniting the entirety of the Philadelphia International Recordings catalog under a single global licensing and reissue entity.
For nearly 30 years, Warner Chappell Music has had the privilege of representing Gamble and Huff and their legendary music catalog, which includes nearly 3000 songs. Their impact on the music industry is immeasurable.
To celebrate this milestone a flurry of projects will showcase the Philadelphia International brand and accord Gamble and Huff along with key collaborators like their ``Mighty Three'' partner Thom Bell--
increased appreciation and respect as 20th century Black music pioneers on a par with giants like Motown's Berry Gordy. According to Kenny Gamble co-founder of Philadelphia International Records ``It's a blessing to celebrate all the writers, musicians, engineers, disc jockey, and all the people that were on our team. When I listen to this music now. I can close my eyes and the music brings us all back together again. Hearing this music reminds me of all the hard work and dedication our team went through to make such a long-lasting catalog, that has been embraced by the world and I'm thankful.''
I am honored to extend my sincere congratulations to such an outstanding duo and celebrate the legacy that is Philadelphia International Records and The Sound of Philadelphia.
____________________
SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 17
The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
House Representatives' salaries are historically higher than the median US income.
Alerts Sign-up