Details
Synopsis
The Tamla Motown label, with its motto "The Sound Of Young America," reigned supreme on the R&B charts throughout the 1960s. But, for the most part, '70s R&B belonged to Philadelphia International, a label that incorporated the talents of producers Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff, and Thom Bell. The trio's story, retold in John A. Jackson's A HOUSE ON FIRE, is also the story of Philly Soul, a genre they largely invented. After the three joined forces at Philadelphia International in the early '70s a succession of hits ensued, including Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes' "If You Don't Know Me By Now" and the O'Jays' "Backstabbers." However, as Jackson notes, Gamble and Huff's freewheeling production techniques put the burden of composition on their session musicians, who grew increasingly discontented with the lack of financial recognition of their contributions. The situation was further complicated in the mid-'70s by a payola scandal and by Gamble's suffering a nervous breakdown, and by the start of the '80s the label was in decline. Jackson's detailed and remarkably well-researched history is an invaluable glimpse of the inner workings of one of the most successful black-owned enterprises of its time.
| Size | | Length: | 338 pages | | Height: | 9.8 in | | Width: | 6.3 in | | Thickness: | 1.2 in | | Weight: | 24.8 oz |
Industry Reviews
"[A] meticulously researched and engaging story, and there are lessons to be learned from the often forgotten Philadelphia International; before the triumph of the more mechanized sounds of disco and then hip-hop, it was a place where the human dynamics of musicians, songwriters and producers, all collaborating under one roof, were essential to success."
New York Times Book Review (07/03/2005)
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