Love Train: The Sound of Philadelphia premieres nation-wide on PBS stations starting Thanksgiving weekend. (Check local listings)



This dynamic concert features The O’Jays, Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes, Russell Thompkins and the New Stylistics, Jerry Butler, The Soul Survivors, The Delphonics, The Three Degrees, Bunny Sigler, G.C. Cameron, and Jean Carne, along with the 28-piece TSOP Orchestra.

Watch a clip of Harold Melvin's Blue Notes performing 'Wake Up Everybody' from the soul stirring PBS Special. (look above)



About Philadelphia International Records

In 1971, Gamble and Huff founded PIR as the outlet for their creative vision. Building a stable of Philly-based talent, PIR reached the tops of the charts from day one. In one memorable nine month period during 1972-73, they sold over 10 million records as Billy Paul's Grammy-winning "Me & Mrs. Jones," the O'Jays' "Back¬ Stab¬bers" and "Love Train," Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes' "If You Don't Know Me By Now," and the Intruders "I'll Always Love My Mama" all charted at the same time.

PIR became the birthplace, incubator and launching pad for the Philly Soul sound, a unique blend of R&B rhythms, sweet soul vocals, deep funk grooves, pulsing horn charts and lush string arrangements with melodic structures combining elements of pop, jazz and world music. A sophisticated sound lovingly crafted by engineer Joe Tarsia at his Sigma Sound studios by some of the 20th century's most influential producers and production teams – including Thom Bell, Linda Creed, Gene McFadden & John Whitehead, Bunny Sigler, Dexter Wansel, and others, including Gamble & Huff themselves – Philly Soul set the stage for disco, smooth jazz, adult contemporary music, quiet storm, and more.

Gamble & Huff's PIR songs and productions have truly permeated the musical DNA of contemporary culture. They have been covered or sampled by a vast array of artists including Jay-Z, Babyface, Nelly, OutKast, Angie Stone, Simply Red (whose #1 version of "If You Don't Know Me By Now" in 1989 earned Gamble & Huff the Best R&B Song Grammy), Bette Midler, Mary J. Blige, Michael Bublé, Kanye West, 50 Cent, and T.I., among many others.

When asked by Russell Hall of Performing Songwriter magazine, "What are the characteristics of a great song?" Kenny Gamble replied, "A great story." To which Leon Huff added, "And a great melody." And Gamble responded, "Like Duke Ellington said, 'It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing."

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