[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 17 (Thursday, January 28, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E74]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CELEBRATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF PHILADELPHIA INTERNATIONAL RECORD

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                           HON. DWIGHT EVANS

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 28, 2021

  Mr. EVANS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the 
50th anniversary of the legendary Philadelphia International Record 
(PIR). One of music's most historic record labels.
  Visionary song-writing producers Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff co-
founded PIR in 1971. Together they engineered one of the most 
significant chapters in music history. The groundbreaking label gave 
birth to the sophisticated Philly Soul sound also known as ``The Sound 
of Philadelphia.'' Patti LaBelle, Teddy Pendergrass, The O'Jays, Harold 
Melvin & the Blue Notes, Billy Paul, Lou Rawls and McFadden & Whitehead 
are just some of the stars who took the duo's distinguishing sound to 
the top of the charts.
  The Gamble and Huff partnership began in 1963, when the two 
hardworking musicians from West Philly and Camden met in the elevator 
of the Shubert Building, which now houses the Merriam Theater. They 
were both toiling as writers for separate music production firms. They 
joined forces and became a potent songwriting/production team. The 
``Philly Soul'' sound featured a mix of doo-wop, gospel, R&B, and sound 
known for its orchestral sounds.
  Philadelphia Soul music is known for its incorporation of lush string 
arrangements along with penetrating brass, and often conveys very 
personal and emotional stories. The world-renowned Philadelphia 
Orchestra's string section was often employed to play on many of 
Philadelphia International Record's tracks. Philly Soul is widely 
considered a producer's genre. Everyone from the Jacksons to B.B King 
to David Bowie came to Philadelphia seeking Philly soul magic. 
Philadelphia was a center for pop music.
  50 years since its inception, Philadelphia and the world are poised 
to celebrate the golden anniversary of the label. The anniversary will 
highlight the extraordinary musical output of the storied label and 
spotlight milestone musical moments, artists and songs from the 
remarkable Philadelphia International Records family that have defined 
the landmark label and its incredible impact over the past 50 years.
  In 2014, Sony Music Entertainment announced their historic deal with 
Philadelphia International Records, securing global ownership of all 
recordings made for PIR. The landmark deal added all post-1975 PIR 
recordings to the PIR titles already owned by Sony Music Entertainment, 
reuniting the entirety of the Philadelphia International Recordings 
catalog under a single global licensing and reissue entity.
  For nearly 30 years, Warner Chappell Music has had the privilege of 
representing Gamble and Huff and their legendary music catalog, which 
includes nearly 3000 songs. Their impact on the music industry is 
immeasurable.
  To celebrate this milestone a flurry of projects will showcase the 
Philadelphia International brand and accord Gamble and Huff along with 
key collaborators like their ``Mighty Three'' partner Thom Bell--
increased appreciation and respect as 20th century Black music pioneers 
on a par with giants like Motown's Berry Gordy. According to Kenny 
Gamble co-founder of Philadelphia International Records ``It's a 
blessing to celebrate all the writers, musicians, engineers, disc 
jockey, and all the people that were on our team. When I listen to this 
music now. I can close my eyes and the music brings us all back 
together again. Hearing this music reminds me of all the hard work and 
dedication our team went through to make such a long-lasting catalog, 
that has been embraced by the world and I'm thankful.''
  I am honored to extend my sincere congratulations to such an 
outstanding duo and celebrate the legacy that is Philadelphia 
International Records and The Sound of Philadelphia.

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