A much needed Black Music thread.

[canada-man]

 

[Insidious Von]

The story of Green Book is somewhat sad, Don Shirley did not achieve his calling of becoming a concert pianist. He came along a decade too early.

 

[K Douglas]

They may have been called Dennis Coffey and the Detroit Guitar Band but damn it's all about the drums in this one. From the Young MC Bust a Move sample at 1:10 to the bongos kicking in at 1:20. OMG eargasms.

 

[K Douglas]

The majestic voice of one Luther Vandross before he embarked on his solo career the following year.

 

[K Douglas]

 

[K Douglas]

The Grunt sample #1

 

[K Douglas]

The Grunt sample #2. same group and same album.

 

[K Douglas]

 

[K Douglas]

Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff were a writer/producer duo based in Philadelphia and started a record label in 1971 entitled Philadelphia International. They were instrumental in developing the Philly Soul sound which was the precursor to disco. Before that they did a few things including collaborating on the song I'm Gonna Make You Love Me which was a hit for Diana Ross and The Supremes. Their first major production credit was in 1967 for the Soul Survivors - Expressway To Your Heart. It peaked at #5 on the charts

 

[K Douglas]

This was one of Gamble and Huff's first hits written and produced on the Philadelphia International label.

DJ Premier later sampled this for Gang Starr's You Know My Steez.

 

[K Douglas]

In 1972 Gamble and Huff wrote and produced this soul ballad that reached #1 on Billboard Hot 100.

 

[D-Fens]

Very sexy song tons of soul

 

[K Douglas]

Also in 1972 Gamble and Huff along with colleague Bunny Sigler hit paydirt writing and producing the O'Jays debut album Backstabbers which reached the Billboard top 10 and certified gold status in its first year of release. It produced a #1 hit in Love Train while Backstabbers reached #3. But seriously the whole album is mint. It's a musical masterpiece.

 

[K Douglas]

written and produced by Gamble and Huff circa 1975. Teddy Pendergrass on lead. Man I love the hell outta this one.

 

[K Douglas]

One year later in 1976 Gamble and Huff nailed it with Lou Rawls You'll Never Find (Another Love Like Mine). Probably in my top 10 fav songs ever.

 

[K Douglas]

Same year they wrote and produced this gem for the Jacksons.

 

[K Douglas]

Then it was Teddy time. Gamble and Huff wrote and produced Teddy Pendergrass' first three solo albums. With a little help from another soul producer/writer/composer duo McFadden & Whitehead.

Damn this track reeks sex.

 

[K Douglas]

Gamble and Huff 1978. Only reached #54. Criminal. This is a classic. Sampled by hip hop group Brand Nubian in 1993.

 

[K Douglas]

Very sexy song tons of soul

For sure. Great track. I hear it quite a bit on Soul Town.

 

[K Douglas]

The Jones Girls were signed to Philadelphia International after performing as backup singers for Lou Rawls, Teddy Pendergrass and Aretha Franklin. Originally from Detroit Gamble and Huff decided to sign them to their label in 1979 and produced a few moderate hits for them. This one hit #5. Great bass sound.