“I Am An American”

Kenny Gamble, who along with Leon Huff saturated the 1970s with positive social themes through their signature “Sound of Philadelphia,” discusses the genesis of his interest and involvement in the production of the anthemic “I Am An American” – performed at the Kimmel Center in 2006 w/ Patti LaBelle and the Temple University Symphony Orchestra and Choirs. Gamble gave Barack Obama a copy of the completed work, who in turn, will have Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes perform their 1975 hit (and Obama favorite) ‘Wake Up America’ during inauguration festivities in Washington, D.C.

Kenny Gamble, who along with Leon Huff saturated the 1970s with positive social themes through their signature “Sound of Philadelphia,” discusses the genesis of his interest and involvement in the production of the anthemic “I Am An American” – performed at the Kimmel Center in 2006 w/ Patti LaBelle and the Temple University Symphony Orchestra and Choirs. Gamble gave Barack Obama a copy of the completed work, who in turn, will have Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes perform their 1975 hit (and Obama favorite) ‘Wake Up America’ during inauguration festivities in Washington, D.C. WHYY’s Dave Heller talked with Gamble about the power of music. [audio: reports20090119gamble.mp3]

More: Listen to the full version of I Am An American featuring Patti LaBelle and narrated by Kenny Gamble [audio: iamanamerican.mp3]