Sunday, November 16, 2008

Philadelphia soul, Philadelphia Sound or Sweet Philly

The Stylistics were one of the best-known Philadelphia soul groups of the 1970s. They formed in 1968, and comprised lead Russell Thompkins, Jr., Herbie Murrell, Airrion Love (second lead on "You Make Me Feel Brand New"), James Smith, and James Dunn.

The Sunday Soul Show (hear some Philly Soul) CLICK HERE

Philadelphia (or Philly) soul, sometimes called the Philadelphia Sound or Sweet Philly, is a style of soul music characterized by funk influences and lush instrumental arrangements, often featuring sweeping strings and piercing horns. The subtle sound of a glockenspiel can often be heard in the background of philly soul songs. The genre laid the groundwork for Disco and what are now considered Quiet Storm and smooth jazz by fusing the R & B rhythm sections of the 1960s with the Pop Vocal tradition, and featuring a slightly more pronounced Jazz influence in its melodic structures and arrangements.

Notable Philadelphia soul artists include:

* Jean Carn
* The Delfonics
* The Intruders
* The Jones Girls
* First Choice (band)
* Patti LaBelle
* Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes
* MFSB
* The O'Jays
* Billy Paul
* Teddy Pendergrass
* The Spinners
* The Stylistics
* The Three Degrees
* The Trammps
* Blue Magic
* The Soul Survivors
* Dexter Wansel
* Gamble and Huff - Notable Songwriters and Producers
* Thom Bell - Notable Songwriter and Producer
* Daryl Hall & John Oates
* The Ethics
* Common
* Jerry Butler - Some Notable Songs with Gamble and Huff
* Charles M. Mann