Producer, songwriter and label owner Leon Huff is born in Camden, New Jersey.
Producer, songwriter and label owner Kenny Gamble is born in Philadelphia.
Producers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff score a hit on their Gamble label when “Cowboys to Girls,” by the Intruders, tops the R&B chart and peaks at #6 on the pop chart.
“One Night Affair,” by the O’Jays, becomes the Ohio soul trio’s first single to chart after their move to Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff’s Neptune Records label.
Columbia Records announces the creation of Philadelphia International Records, a custom label run by producer/songwriters Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff.
“You’re the Reason Why,” by the Ebonys (#10 R&B, #51 pop), becomes the first single on Philadelphia International Records to make the charts.
“Back Stabbers,” by the O’Jays – written and produced by Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff – peaks at #3 on the pop chart and tops the R&B chart.
“If You Don’t Know Me By Now,” by Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes – produced by Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, with Teddy Pendergrass on lead vocals – enters the R&B chart, which it will top for two weeks.
“Me and Mrs. Jones,” by Billy Paul – written and produced by Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff - tops the pop chart for the first of three weeks.
“Love Train,” by the O’Jays – written and produced by Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff - tops the pop and R&B charts.
“TSOP,” by MFSB Featuring the Three Degrees – the theme music for Soul Train, composed and produced by Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff - tops Billboard’s pop and R&B charts. It is Gamble and Huff’s third pop chart-topper.
“Wake Up Everybody,” by Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, enters the R&B charts, which it will top for two weeks. This is the fourth #1 R&B hit for the group, which is produced by Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff.
“Close the Door,” by Teddy Pendergrass, enters the charts, where it will reach #1 R&B and #25 pop. It is the biggest hit by Pendergrass on Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff’s Philadelphia International Records.
Teddy Pendergrass – solo artist, former lead voice with Harold and the Blue Notes, and a mainstay of Philadelphia International Records – is in a car wreck that severs his spine, paralyzing him from the waist down. He would suffer further injuries in another accident four years later.
“Lovin’ You,” by the O’Jays, enters the R&B charts. It will become the group’s ninth #1 R&B single under the aegis of producer/songwriters Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff.
“Let Me Love You,” by the O’Jays, enters the R&B chart, where it will peak at #5. It is the group’s 40th hit since 1969 on labels run by their producers, Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff
“If You Don’t Know Me By Now,” Simply Red’s cover of Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes’ early-Seventies hit, reaches #1. It will earn its authors, Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, a Grammy for Best Rhythm & Blues Song.
The Philly Sound, 1966-1976
At the 41st annual Grammy Awards, Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff receive the Trustees Award from the Recording Academy.
Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff are inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at the 23rd annual induction dinner. Jerry Butler is their presenter.
