Gamble and Huff facts for kids

Gamble (left) and Huff (right), 1995

Kenneth Gamble (born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on August 11, 1943) and Leon A. Huff (born in Camden, New Jersey, on April 8, 1942) are a famous American music team. They wrote and produced many songs, creating a special sound called Philadelphia soul music, also known as "Philly sound," in the 1970s. They started their own record company, Philadelphia International Records. Gamble and Huff have created 175 gold and platinum records, which means their songs sold millions of copies! Because of their amazing work, they were added to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2008.

Music Journey

Starting Out in Music

Kenny Gamble's childhood in Philadelphia helped shape his future. He loved recording his voice on machines at arcades. He also helped the DJs on a radio show called WDAS. He even worked in a record store and sang in a group called The Romeos.

In 1964, Kenny Gamble first worked with Leon Huff, who played keyboards. They recorded a song for a group called Candy & The Kisses. Their first big hit song together was "Expressway to Your Heart" by The Soul Survivors in 1967.

In 1968, they wrote and produced a top 10 hit called "Cowboys to Girls" for a Philadelphia group called the Intruders. They also worked with many other popular artists like Wilson Pickett, Dusty Springfield, and Jerry Butler. They created many hit songs for these artists.

Creating Philadelphia International Records

With many hits under their belt, Gamble and Huff decided to start their own record company. In 1971, they formed Philadelphia International Records. They wanted to compete with other big music companies like Motown. CBS Records helped them by distributing their records.

With the help of talented arrangers like Thom Bell, Bobby Martin, and Norman Harris, Philadelphia International Records released many popular soul music hits in the 1970s. Some famous songs include "If You Don't Know Me by Now" by Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, "Back Stabbers" and "Love Train" by The O'Jays, and the Grammy-winning "Me and Mrs. Jones" by Billy Paul.

Gamble and Huff's "Philadelphia soul" sound became very popular. It had rich strings, strong basslines, and cool hi-hat rhythms. These sounds later became key parts of a new music style called disco. By 1975, the Philadelphia soul sound was even more popular than the Motown sound. Gamble and Huff were the top producers of soul music.

Most of the records from Philadelphia International featured their own studio band, MFSB. MFSB released successful instrumental songs. One of their most famous was "TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia)" in 1974. This song is best known as the theme song for the American TV show Soul Train.

Making a Difference with Music

Throughout the 1970s, Gamble and Huff used their music to talk about important social issues. Many of their songs promoted black pride and supported the Black Power Movement's goal for self-determination. This meant people having control over their own lives and communities.

Some examples of these powerful songs include Billy Paul's "Am I Black Enough for You?" (1972) and The O'Jays' "Give the People What They Want" (1975). In 1977, they released an album called "Let's Clean Up the Ghetto." The album encouraged listeners to help clean up their neighborhoods. Kenny Gamble wrote a message on the album cover, saying that cleaning up our communities starts with positive thinking. All the money from this album was given to charity for five years.

Gamble's "Clean Up The Ghetto" project helps young people in struggling communities clean and fix up neglected buildings. This project started in Philadelphia and has spread to other cities like Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Chicago. Gamble has also supported other charities like the T. J. Martell Foundation. He was on the board of the Philadelphia Music Foundation, which celebrates local artists.

He also started an organization called Universal Companies. This group has opened restaurants, bookstores, and schools. They have also built affordable homes. These projects help to make neighborhoods better and stronger. For example, in 2003, Gamble and Universal Companies worked on a big plan to build and fix 400 homes in South Philadelphia.

Later Achievements

In the late 1970s, the popularity of the Philadelphia soul sound began to slow down. However, Gamble and Huff still had some big hits. These included "Enjoy Yourself" by The Jacksons in 1976 and "Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now" by McFadden & Whitehead in 1979.

In 1990, Gamble and Huff won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Song. This was for Simply Red's cover of "If You Don't Know Me By Now". In 1999, they received the Grammy Trustees Award. This special award honors people who have made important contributions to music. They have written over 3,000 songs, making them some of the most successful songwriters ever!

Kenny Gamble still writes music, often with Leon Huff. He lives in South Philadelphia and continues to be active in his community.

Gamble and Huff have received many other honors:

• In 2005, they were added to the Dance Music Hall of Fame.
• In 2008, they received the first "Ahmet Ertegün Award" from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
• In 2009, they were named BMI Icons by BMI. They have won 86 BMI Pop and R&B Awards!
• In 2010, both Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff received honorary doctorates in music from Berklee College of Music.

In 2014, TV One honored Gamble & Huff at their "Trumpet Awards" show. Many artists performed their famous songs as a tribute.

Discography

Studio Albums Produced

Singles Produced