LEGENDARY ‘SOUND OF PHILADELPHIA’ PIONEERS
KENNETH GAMBLE & LEON HUFF SIGN
WITH WILLIAM MORRIS ENDEAVOR
ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME SONGWRITING TEAM
ANNOUNCES
‘ALL AREAS’ REPRESENTATION AS 50TH
ANNIVERSARY
OF HISTORIC PARTNERSHIP APPROACHES
NEW YORK (March 2, 2011) – Legendary “Sound of
Philadelphia” pioneers
Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff,
one of the most prolific professional
songwriting teams of all time, have signed with
William Morris Endeavor (WME) in all areas,
including film, television, theater, books, and
lecture appearances.
The announcement comes as the Rock and Roll Hall
of Fame icons are marking the 40th
anniversary of Philadelphia International
Records, one of the most successful
African-American-owned record labels of all
time. In 2012 Gamble & Huff will celebrate the
50th anniversary of their historic songwriting
partnership.
Songs Gamble & Huff have written and produced
together include the hits "Back Stabbers," "Love
Train," "For The Love Of Money," "If You Don't
Know Me By Now," "Cowboys to Girls," "Don't
Leave Me This Way," "Enjoy Yourself," "I'm Gonna
Make You Love Me," "Only the Strong Survive,"
"Love Train," "Me & Mrs. Jones," and "TSOP"
(better known as the "Soul Train" theme). Their
songs comprise the most sampled R&B catalogue in
the world, by artists such as Jay-Z, Usher,
Cam'ron, Ja Rule, Jaheim, and Avant.
Having WME on their team marks the first time
Gamble & Huff have enjoyed agency representation
of this magnitude, despite having written and
produced over 3,500 songs within 35 years, and
amassing a catalogue that includes numerous pop
#1 hits, R&B #1 hits, 100 gold and platinum
records, Grammy winners and BMI songwriters'
awards honorees.
"Our signing with William Morris is the first
time in our career we have ever had an agent
representing us,” said Gamble & Huff. “We are
confident and honored, and are expecting great
things to happen with this historic
representation, partnership and collaboration to
honor our life story and 50-year musical
legacy.”
“It is an honor to be representing such prolific
artists who have made an indelible mark on our
culture and on global music history,” added WME
Board member Mark Itkin. “We look forward to
bringing the Gamble & Huff iconic body of work
and brand into new businesses as we preserve
their legacy.”
A hot independent R&B producing team in the late
1960s, Gamble & Huff co-founded Philadelphia
International Records in 1971. Almost from the
day PIR first opened, its artists began to
dominate the charts. Within two years,
Philadelphia International was the
second-largest African-American-owned music
company in America.
Gamble & Huff have recorded and collaborated
with a galaxy of stars from the pop, rock, soul
and jazz universes, including Michael Jackson
and the Jacksons, Elton John, Lou Rawls, Teddy
Pendergrass, Patti LaBelle, Harold Melvin and
the Blue Notes, Aretha Franklin, the Spinners,
the Stylistics, the Delfonics, Dusty
Springfield, Jerry Butler, Wilson Pickett,
Labelle, Archie Bell & the Drells, the Soul
Survivors, Laura Nyro, the Trammps, McFadden &
Whitehead, Phyllis Hyman and Grover Washington
Jr.
Their songs also have been covered by a myriad
of artists including Elvis Presley, the Rolling
Stones, Bette Midler, Simply Red, Michael Buble,
Johnny Mathis, Lesley Gore, Donny & Marie,
Thelma Houston, the Brand New Heavies and
recently, Rod Stewart, who sings four Gamble &
Huff classics on his 2009 album,
Soulbook.
Featured prominently in television programs
("The Apprentice," "Cold Case"), films ("The
Nutty Professor") and advertising spots
(Verizon, Chevrolet, Coors Light, Old Navy, The
Gap, Office Max) for more than 30 years, Gamble
& Huff's songs have entered the musical DNA of
contemporary culture. In 2005, Gamble & Huff
appeared on
American Idol in a show devoted
entirely to their music. It is estimated that
one of their songs is played on the radio
somewhere in the world every 13.5 minutes.
Gamble & Huff have been the recipients of
numerous accolades for their extensive body of
work. They are enshrined in five music Halls of
Fame, including the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame,
the National Academy of Songwriters' Hall of
Fame, the Dance Music Hall of Fame, and the R&B
Hall of Fame. They have been honored by
National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences
with the Trustees Award as producers and
songwriters, and for their contribution to the
entire fabric of popular music.
In 2010, Gamble & Huff were presented honorary
doctor of music degrees – their first together
in a distinguished partnership
that is nearing its 50th anniversary – at
Berklee College of Music’s Commencement. A few
months later, Gamble & Huff became the first
people in Philadelphia history to be so honored
on Broad Street with the renaming of a historic
section of the city’s major artery as Gamble &
Huff Walk.
About WME
WME represents elite artists from all facets of
the entertainment industry, including motion
pictures, television, music, theatre,
publishing, and physical production. WME also
advises some of the world’s most recognized
consumer brands to create entertainment-based
marketing solutions. Headquartered in Beverly
Hills, WME also has offices in New York,
Nashville, London and Miami.
###
PHILADELPHIA MUSIC ALLIANCE WELCOMES KEVIN EUBANKS
HOME FROM HOLLYWOOD TO CONTINUE CELEBRATION
OF CITY’S CULTURAL LEGACY AS 1ST 2010
INDUCTEE
LONGTIME ‘TONIGHT SHOW’ BANDLEADER TO RECEIVE
NEXT BRONZE PLAQUE ON PHILADELPHIA WALK OF FAME
Germantown Jazz Guitarist-Composer to be Honored at
Festive
Induction Ceremony along Avenue of the Arts,
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Watch this video montage of Kevin Eubanks’ ‘Tonight
Show’ Memories
PHILADELPHIA (June 10, 2010) –The
Philadelphia Music Alliance Walk of Fame,
a living tribute to Philadelphia’s rich music history
and a vital force unifying the city’s diverse cultural
communities along the Avenue of the Arts, will welcome
home a man who’s been a nightly fixture on late-night
television for the past 15 years when longtime
Tonight
Show band leader
KEVIN
EUBANKS will be honored as recipient
of the 113th commemorative bronze plaque
along the Avenue of the Arts.
Ceremonies
are scheduled for Thursday, June 17 from noon-2 p.m.
The induction of this latest Philadelphia music legend
furthers the renewed commitment by the Philadelphia
Music Alliance (PMA), supported by the Avenue of the
Arts, Inc. (AAI), the Rhythm & Blues Foundation,
Philadelphia International Records and A Fight for the
Cause to shed new light on the City's cultural legacy
and incredible contribution to the world of music past,
present and future as a major tourist attraction. This
agenda to recognize more local music greats in all
genres is part of the community based, not-for-profit
organization's overall mission to encourage the
creation, celebration and historical preservation of
Philadelphia music, and the foundation of a renewed
commitment to schedule several induction ceremonies each
year.
Eubanks’ return to Philadelphia to be inducted along the
Walk of Fame will be his first major honor since
stepping down as music director of the
Tonight
Show band at the end of May to pursue his
recording career and work with high school music
programs. During his late-night tenure (which included
writing the show’s closing theme, “Kevin’s Country”),
Eubanks regularly championed his Philly roots, in
repartee with host Jay Leno and in wardrobe showcasing
various Philadelphia sports teams. Eubanks’ Philly
pride, career integrity and dedication to music
education combined with his accomplishments as a
seasoned and respected jazz musician to make his
selection an easy decision for the Philadelphia Music
Alliance.
“Kevin Eubanks is a shining example of the type of
stellar recipients who embody the magnitude of the Walk
of Fame and its continued impact on the Avenue of the
Arts and Greater Philadelphia,” says
Joseph
Tarsia, vice president and founding
member of the PMA. “Not only have his accomplishments
had a significant impact in the world of music, but he
also is a devoted ambassador of his home town.”
Karen Lewis,
executive director of AAI, said, “We’re excited about
the ongoing resurgence of the Walk of Fame as it
represents a unique opportunity to recognize
Philadelphia legends. And as the premier destination for
performing arts, the Avenue of the Arts is the perfect
location for this tribute.”
Adds music icons and original inductees
Kenny
Gamble and
Leon Huff,
creators of the Sound of Philadelphia:
"Philadelphia has created some of the biggest music
stars in the world and their music continues to impact
people’s lives. The induction of Kevin Eubanks continues
to celebrate that legacy in a special way with artists
who are clearly among Philadelphia's Music Royalty, and
are among the legendary unsung heroes and heroines
deserving this honor."
Eubanks is a gifted musician and prolific composer whose
own band, the Kevin Eubanks Quartet, has been evolving
for close to 20 years. In his solo career and 18 years
on the
Tonight Show, he has won over audiences as a
consummate guitarist with a laid back style and
affability that have made him a household name for TV
viewers.
Eubanks was born into a musical household in the
Germantown section of Philadelphia and exposed to
world-class music in his formative years. His mother,
Vera, is a gospel and classical pianist and organist
with a Masters Degree in music education. Vera's
brother, Ray Bryant, is a journeyman jazz pianist who
has recorded and toured with jazz greats such as Miles
Davis, Sonny Rollins, John Coltrane, and Sarah Vaughn.
Eubanks began his musical journey on violin, and with
his older brother Robin, an accomplished trombonist,
played in small groups around Philadelphia. Kevin
studied trumpet before committing to guitar and entering
Berklee College of Music in Boston, which has since
awarded him an honorary doctorate degree in music. He
played with some of the stalwarts of jazz, like Ron
Carter, Slide Hampton, Art Blakey, McCoy Tyner, Sam
Rivers, and Roy Haynes before forming his own quartet
and touring around the world. Eubanks also has taught at
the Banff School of Fine Arts in Canada, Rutgers
University and at the Charlie Parker School in Perugia,
Italy. His first album documented a sophisticated,
nuanced voice on the guitar, and was so well received
that it led to a seven album contract with the GRP
label.
In 1992, Eubanks moved to the West Coast to assume the
guitar spot in the
Tonight
Show Band, and became the band leader three
years later. He has been writing scores for TV movies
and feature films, and has devoted himself to his love
of volunteer work for charities, particularly The
Children's Hospital of Los Angeles. Eubanks continues to
travel the country
with his touring band, and plans to
release several CDs by other distinguished artists on
his new label, Insoul Music. In March, he was named
Artistic Diretor of the
Jazz in the
Classroom Program for The Thelonius Monk
Institute of Jazz, where he works with young
up-and-coming middle and high school musicians in the
Los Angeles public schools. As one of the most
accomplished guitarists of his or any generation,
Eubanks has deservedly become known to millions through
music, TV and what so many artists know so well, "lots
of hard work."
* * *
Past PMA programs have included a Musical Instrument
Donation Program in partnership with the Mr. Holland's
Opus Foundation, an annual piano competition, the
Philadelphia International Airport Music Project, Music
In The Schools, music education scholarships and grants,
a speakers bureau, as well as music business seminars
and workshops - all designed to not only encourage our
City's continued stellar contributions to the cultural
heritage of the world but to fill a void created by
shrinking budgets for cultural programs in our City and
in our schools.
In 2008, the Philadelphia International Airport unveiled
an exhibition spotlighting the Walk of Fame and the
City's contribution to American music to visitors from
all over the world.
The Alliance also serves as a resource to students,
educators, musicians, city agencies, and other cultural
institutions. The PMA has worked with the Greater
Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation,
Multicultural Affairs Council, Philadelphia Convention
and Visitors Bureau, Philadelphia Commerce Department,
National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences,
Franklin Institute, Corporation for the Aging, Trane
Stop, University of the Arts and the City
Representative's Office on various projects.
The Walk of Fame is a stunning demonstration of the
great talent that Philadelphia has produced. This talent
spans many musical genres and time periods, and includes
Leopold Stokowski, Frankie Avalon, the Dixie
Hummingbirds, Patti LaBelle, Hall & Oates, Solomon
Burke, Marian Anderson, Mario Lanza, John Coltrane, Todd
Rundgren, McCoy Tyner, Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff, Teddy
Pendergrass and Dick Clark.
The Philadelphia Music Alliance was founded in June 1986
as a community based, not-for-profit organization
dedicated to the preservation of Philadelphia as a vital
contributor to the international music landscape.
Established by music executives and concerned citizens
in order to recognize the vast impact Philadelphia
continues to have on all musical genres, the
Philadelphia Music Alliance serves to encourage the
creation, celebration and historical preservation of
Philadelphia music.
www.philadelphiamusicalliance.org
www.avenueofthearts.org
www.rhythm-n-blues.org
www.gamble-huffmusic.com
www.randexpr.com
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PHILADELPHIA MUSIC ALLIANCE TO
CELEBRATE COMMITMENT TO CITY’S CULTURAL LEGACY
MAZE FEATURING FRANKIE BEVERLY TO
RECEIVE 107th BRONZE PLAQUE ON PHILADELPHIA
WALK OF FAME
R&B Legends to be Honored at Induction
Ceremonies along Avenue of the Arts, Friday June 20,
2008
PHILADELPHIA (June 13, 2008) - The Philadelphia
Walk of Fame, a vital force in unifying the city’s
musical heritage for over two decades, will be welcoming
a new inductee next week when Maze Featuring Frankie
Beverly, one of the best live acts in American soul
music, will be honored as recipient of the 107th
commemorative bronze plaque along the Avenue of the Arts
in ceremonies scheduled for Friday, June 20 from
noon-2 p.m.
The induction of these R&B legends signifies a
renewed commitment by the Philadelphia Music Alliance
(PMA), in harmony with the Rhythm & Blues
Foundation and the Avenue of the Arts, Inc.
(AAI), to shed new light on the City’s cultural legacy
and incredible contribution to the world of music –
past, present and future. This agenda to recognize more
local music greats is part of the community based,
not-for-profit organization’s overall mission to
encourage the creation, celebration and historical
preservation of Philadelphia music.
Spearheading that commitment is pioneering record
producer and songwriter and newly inducted Rock and Roll
Hall of Fame member Kenny Gamble, co-architect of
the world-renown Sound of Philadelphia. One of the
original task force Philadelphians to establish the PMA
and a current member of its executive committee,
Gamble’s philanthropic leadership role in revitalizing
the city’s music scene extends to expanding the vision
of the Rhythm & Blues Foundation through its 2005
relocation to the City of Brotherly Love, one of the
nation’s oldest and most prolific music capitals.
"The Walk of Fame represents the diversity of talent
that was in Philadelphia and that is in Philadelphia,"
says Gamble. "From Mario Lanza to Chubby Checker to the
Stylistics, the diversity is unbelievable. Frankie
Beverly and the members of Maze were born and raised in
Philadelphia, and it’s a tribute to have them
immortalized on the Walk of Fame. Philadelphia has one
of the greatest musical heritages of any city – from
Pearl Bailey to John Coltrane to Marian Anderson, and
continuing with artists like the Hooters, Will Smith,
Amos Lee, Santogold, and the Roots. It’s essential that
we continue to recognize the legacy of that musical
diversity."
Combining a Philadelphia soul sound with a strong
appreciation of Marvin Gaye, Maze Featuring Frankie
Beverly is a distinctive R&B group with a charismatic
leader that has been packing houses in major concert
facilities around the world since releasing their
self-titled debut album 30 years ago. Beverly’s smooth,
distinct voice is instantly recognizable, and Maze’s
laid-back, bass driven musical arrangements differ from
most other soul acts, with a signature sound provided in
part by original members McKinley "Bug" Williams
and Roame Lowry, especially vivid on the 1981
classic "Live in New Orleans." Maze Featuring Frankie
Beverly has placed 28 singles and 13 albums on the
Billboard R&B charts.
The Philadelphia Music Alliance is poised to continue
to usher in this glorious new chapter in its esteemed
history by furthering the charitable programs started by
Gamble and other founding music executives such as
Joe Tarsia (Sigma Sound Studios) and Larry Magid
(Electric Factory Concerts/Live Nation). PMA Chairman
William F. Kennedy Jr. says the organization is
delighted to acknowledge the contributions of Maze
Featuring Frankie Beverly to the worlds of pop and urban
music.
"And we look forward to working with the new City
administration to educate, celebrate and grow the music
community here," says Kennedy. "Every decade of our
musical history is represented by creative and
successful Philadelphia area talent, and we will
continue to recognize the past and encourage the future
for all genres of musicians here."
Past PMA programs have included a Musical Instrument
Donation Program in partnership with the Mr. Holland's
Opus Foundation, an annual piano competition, the
Philadelphia International Airport Music Project, Music
In The Schools, music education scholarships and grants,
a speakers bureau, as well as music business seminars
and workshops - all designed to not only encourage our
City's continued stellar contributions to the cultural
heritage of the world but to fill a void created by
shrinking budgets for cultural programs in our City and
in our schools.
The Alliance also serves as a resource to students,
educators, musicians, city agencies, and other cultural
institutions. The PMA has worked with the Greater
Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation,
Multicultural Affairs Council, Philadelphia Convention
and Visitors Bureau, Philadelphia Commerce Department,
National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences,
Franklin Institute, Corporation for the Aging, Trane
Stop, University of the Arts and the City
Representative's Office on various projects.
The Walk of Fame is a stunning demonstration of the
great talent that Philadelphia has produced. This
talent spans many musical genres and time periods, and
includes Leopold Stokowski, Frankie Avalon, the Dixie
Hummingbirds, Patti LaBelle, Hall & Oates, Solomon
Burke, Marian Anderson, Mario Lanza, John Coltrane, Todd
Rundgren, McCoy Tyner, Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff, and Dick
Clark.
The Philadelphia Music Alliance was founded in June 1986
as a community based, not-for-profit organization
dedicated to the preservation of Philadelphia as a vital
contributor to the international music landscape.
Established by music executives and concerned citizens
in order to recognize the vast impact Philadelphia
continues to have on all musical genres, the
Philadelphia Music Alliance serves to encourage the
creation, celebration and historical preservation of
Philadelphia music.
www.philadelphiamusicalliance.org / www.randexpr.com
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