Philadelphia International Records Marks 50th Anniversary With Yearlong Celebration: Exclusive

January 25, 2021

1/25/2021

Philadelphia International Records (PIR) is bringing home the gold once more — this time in celebration of the legendary label’s 50th anniversary. Legacy Recordings, Sony Music Entertainment’s catalog division, and Warner Chappell Music, Warner Music Group’s global publishing division, are announcing the launch of a yearlong salute today (Jan. 25).

In addition to highlighting the label’s storied songs and artists, the celebration will involve exclusive partnerships, product and content releases and various artist initiatives.

Crafting one of the most significant chapters in music history, visionary songwriter-producers Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff co-founded PIR in 1971. The O’Jays, Patti LaBelle, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, Teddy Pendergrass, Billy Paul, Lou Rawls and McFadden & Whitehead are just some of the stars who took the duo’s sumptuous Philly Soul, aka “The Sound of Philadelphia,” to the top of the charts.

Just as pivotal were the producers, songwriters, musicians and engineers that Gamble & Huff brought into the PIR family, among them Thom Bell, Dexter Wansel, Bobby Martin, Bunny Sigler Phil Hurtt, Joe Tarsia and house band MFSB. PIR’s 50-year history of R&B, soul, funk and disco is featured on this highlight reel.

By admin