by vivrant thang on old school friday
I could just kiss whoever came up with this week’s theme. If you didn’t already know, I got mad love for Philly…the city and the soul. I call Philly my second home because it’s nothing for me to head up there for a show at my favorite venue. I’m actually heading up there next weekend to rock out all day with The Roots. I can’t forget to mention that it’s also the home of my 2009 Superbowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles!
I’ve already covered a couple of my favorite Philly artists here and here. My first inclination was to ignore the “before 1993″ requirement and hip you to some Philly flava you need to have in your ear. Look for that post next week. There’s certainly enough talent coming out of the city to cover several posts. Besides, we need to first look back first before we move forward.
No other way to start this off than by talking about Gamble and Huff, a song-writing and producing duo who were the pioneers of Philadelphia soul. They founded Philadelphia International Records in 1991, which was home to many of the artists I’ve featured here. Together and independently, they have written and produced over 170 platinum and gold albums for artists such as The Jacksons, The Intruders, Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, Wilson Pickett and The Mighty Mighty OJays….
Ojays, Philadelphia
I Love Music (produced by Gamble & Huff)
Backstabbers (produced by Gamble & Huff)
Family Reunion
Phyllis Hyman, Lancaster, PA
You Know How To Love Me
Living All Alone
Teddy Pendergrass, Philadelphia, PA
Love TKO
Close The Door
Hall and Oates, Philadelphia (met at Temple)
Ya’ll already know Sara Smile is my song so I changed it up this time.
I Can’t Go For That (No Can Do)
Patti Labelle, West Philadelphia, PA
Somebody Loves You Baby
When You’ve Been Blessed
Stylistics, one of the best known Philly soul groups in the 70s
You Make Me Feel Brand New
Hurry Up This Way Again
I just know you haven’t had enough. Head on over to the other participants’ blogs and get some more of that classic Philly soul…if you have any energy left!
Electronic Village | Chatting Over Cocktails | Mrs Grapevine | Quick | Marcus LANGFORD | Cassandra | Danielle | Lisa C | Chocl8t | DP | Kreative Talk | MarvalusOne | Regina | LaShonda | AJ | Sharon | Invisible Woman | Believer 1964 | Dee |SJP | sHaE-sHae
14 Comments
May 30, 2008 at 2:03 am
I just love your love for music! I always try to limit myself to three choices, but I may just have to change that…there is just too much good stuff out there!
This was so fun for me! I love the O’Jays; I feel like they are part of my family as much as they were played around my house…and Patti? Please…the epitome of diva…I started with Sara Smile but thought that it would be popular and took it down…
But the one that I forgot was Phyllis Hyman…Living All Alone is my favorite!
Viv, you made me smile!
May 30, 2008 at 6:52 am
Happy OSF! Outstanding post that provides great history on the “Philly Sound” as well as some outstanding choices. I appreciated Phyllis Hyman and Love TKO…
I focused on Blue Magic and Billy Paul in my OSF meme this time…
peace, Villager
May 30, 2008 at 8:33 am
Awwww sukie sukie now! I am at my desk boppin’ & trying not to clap my hands. LOL You got your jam on this week. All of them are wonderful choices.
May 30, 2008 at 12:37 pm
I’m telling all the participants that y’all are killing me today! This music is just too damn good! Love it.
May 30, 2008 at 1:07 pm
@ Marvalus – That’s what I’m here for. Glad you enjoyed. I try to limit myself but I’ve never been good at that. Ha!
I forgot Phyllis was from Philly too so I was excited to highlight her again…especially one of my favorite uptempo tracks.
@ Villager – I’m headed over your way soon to get my Sideshow on (hopefully!) Gotta love Blue Magic.
@ Shae – Glad you enjoyed!
@ sdg- I know what you mean. I am about to make my rounds now. I’m TOO excited.
@
May 30, 2008 at 1:16 pm
That’s a lot to take in, so I will starting with my classic favorites. I love Teddy, TKO is probably on my top 10 of all songs. No one has played my favorite O’Jays song, where is Brandy, I do like Family Reunion, but I like the slower side of the O’Jays.
Phylis Hyman, Living All Alone was the hit. So sad the lyrics turned out to be so real.
Patti Labelle, If only You Knew is my favorite, and On My Own, but I like Somebody Loves You Baby. I saw Patti in concert for my birthday a few years back, she is awesome.
Stylistics has always been a favorite.
May 30, 2008 at 1:44 pm
I sure miss Phyllis; glad her music lives on. All great, great, great choices and I enjoyed everyone single one of them.
Happy OSF!
May 30, 2008 at 3:30 pm
Man oh man! I don’t even know where to start! so much good music and so little time. I really thank God for the classics because today’s choices just leave you empty. Back in the days, you could actually FEEL every bit of emotion in those songs!!
all excellent choices!! I can’t even claim a favorite because I love them all!
have a great weekend!
May 31, 2008 at 1:37 am
It’s a Philly Party over here!!! I tried to get by earlier today – but work got in the way. Glad I waited til now…I can party the night away right here!
Got to Hurry This Way Again! :>)
SjP
June 1, 2008 at 11:52 am
Dang you really pulled out all the stops!! lol
June 2, 2008 at 1:54 am
Late night Friday YouTube’s videos weren’t showing up and Blogger was acting crazy this weekend!
Patti’s “When You’ve Been Blessed” lifted me up! First time hearing it and hijacked it for tonight’s post “Hungry.” Come check it out!
Blessings and I hope you’re passing it on!
June 2, 2008 at 1:59 pm
oh, you are NEVER going to be left out in the cold concerning anything that has to do with me. You never have to worry. Loyal support goes along ways with me.
June 2, 2008 at 2:00 pm
* a long ways
June 5, 2008 at 1:41 am
[...] Friday’s trip down memory lane starring classic Philadelphia soul singers inspired me to think about all the music coming out of the City of Brotherly Love today that folks [...]