Young artists carry on the legacy of The Sound of Philadelphia
To commemorate Black Music Month, Real Black History pays homage to Gamble and Huff and looks at some local artists who are continuing their legacy.
Listen 22:42
In this Nov. 17, 2010, file photo, Kenny Gamble, right, and Leon Huff pose for a photo during a street naming ceremony, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/ Joseph Kaczmarek, File)
The music of legendary songwriting/production duo Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff helped redefine soul music in the 1970s and 80s.
Known as The Sound of Philadelphia, it was rich with strings and horns, and lush arrangements that complemented a thumping groove. It was music about love and music with a message. It was music born out of the pain, suffering, and joy of Black people in America.
Related Content
How reporting while Black during a summer of uprisings changed us
An episode of Real Black History provides a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like for Black reporters covering issues that affect our own communities.
Air Date: May 26, 2021
Listen 25:10And it’s music that still resonates today. In fact, the Gamble and Huff catalogue is so popular and expansive that Columbia Record once estimated their songs are played about every 13.5 minutes, somewhere in the world.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Gamble and Huff. So to commemorate Black Music Month, Real Black History pays homage to Gamble and Huff and looks at some local artists who are continuing their legacy.
Related Content
African Americans’ fight to correct history and preserve voting rights
During Black History Month and beyond, WHYY presents “Real Black History,” a series looking at the struggle for equality.
Air Date: February 24, 2021
Listen 21:01
Get daily updates from WHYY News!
WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.
Brought to you by Real Black History
Real Black History
A podcast that examines the fight for equality for African Americans and celebrates their triumphs.
Subscribe for free
Part of the series
Black History Untold: Future
Black History Untold, created by award-winning journalist Sofiya Ballin, explores the importance of a comprehensive Black history education through personal essays.
Black-owned roaster Win Win Coffee will soon start brewing in Kensington
The Philly entrepreneurs are building a network of coffee farmers across the African diaspora to build more Black wealth.
2 months ago
Listen 1:01
Shariah Harris started riding horses in Philadelphia at 8 years old. In addition to being a polo athlete, she also works as an operating room nurse.
2 months ago
Listen 1:01
Descendants of Frederick Douglass, Rosa Parks, Malcolm X and more attended a White House ceremony to honor their families’ legacy and impact on the country.
2 months ago
Listen 1:27