Uncharacteristically, I missed posting something last month in commemoration of Black Music Month. Well, since we’re only eight days into July, let’s just consider today June 38th.
Fans of theirs since childhood, I’m moved to show love and appreciation for the music written and produced by the legendary duo of Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff, aka Gamble & Huff, the unquestionable pioneers, along with the equally legendary Thom Bell, of “The Philly Sound” and the founders of the record label, Philadelphia International Records, the onetime home of The O’Jays, Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, Teddy Pendergrass, Lou Rawls, Billy Paul, Patti Labelle, and a host of others.
During their heyday, this duo wrote and produced some of the best music of the era; music that has stood the test of time and is still on the airwaves today.
Here’s a partial list:
- Backstabbers /For the Love of the Money/ I Love Music (The O’Jays)
- Me and Mrs. Jones (Billy Paul)
- If You Don’t Know Me by Now/I Miss You/The Love I Lost/Bad Luck (Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes)
- You’ll Never Find Another Love Like Mine/Groovy People (Lou Rawls)
- I Don’t Love You Anymore/Close the Door/Turn Off the Lights (Teddy Pendergrass)
- If Only You Knew/Love, Need, and Want You (Patti Labelle)
With a slew of recognition that includes induction into The Songwriters Hall of Fame, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a Grammy Trustees Award, at soon-to-be 80 and 81 years of age, respectively, let’s continue to give them their flowers while they’re still alive.
Click on the icon below to listen to a TSOP playlist that I created on Spotify.
