Philly Soul
tagStarted 1971Peak 1972-1979Last big hit 1980From Philadelphia, United States
Located in 1 route
Lush, orchestrated soul from Philadelphia: sweeping strings, crisp horns, vibraphone, the MFSB house band's tight rhythm, and silky, multi-part harmony vocals over a smooth four-on-the-floor lean. Romantic and socially aware, glossy yet grounded — the elegant bridge between 1960s soul and disco.
History
Built by writer-producers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, who founded Philadelphia International Records in 1971 and assembled studio collective MFSB at Sigma Sound. Thom Bell added baroque arrangements for the Spinners and Stylistics. 'Back Stabbers' (1972) introduced the sound, which dominated mid-1970s radio and seeded disco's orchestral pulse.
Defining artists
Essential listening
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philadelphia_soul
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philadelphia_International_Records
- https://www.gamble-huffmusic.com/artist/the-ojays/
- https://www.allmusic.com/style/philly-soul-ma0000011919