Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff were both performing artists themselves early in their careers, but they made their mark as music producers. Before founding Philadelphia International Records in 1971, they had written some hit songs, including “I’m Gonna Make You Love Me” which was a hit for Dionne Warwick’s sister Dee Dee Warwick, and later for The Supremes and The Temptations. They reached the top ten in 1967 with “Expressway To Your Heart” by The Soul Survivors, and produced hits for Atlantic before starting their own company in 1971. Philadelphia International was Philadelphia’s answer to Motown. The label released hits by Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, The O’Jays, Joe Simon, and Billy Paul among others. The house band for Philadelphia International, MFSB (”Mother, Father, Sister, Brother”) defined the rich, luxuriant sound of the label. MFSB had hits of their own, including “TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia)” with vocals by The Three Degrees, the theme song for the TV show “Soul Train.” Bluesman Bobby Rush also recorded for the label, as did the Jacksons after they left Motown. By then Philadelphia International was in a major distribution arrangement with CBS, but the label went into slow decline in the 80s, especially after Blue Notes lead singer Teddy Pendergrass was paralyzed following a car crash.

MySpace for Gamble & Huff
The Recording Academy Honors Gamble and Huff