‘Soul Music In A Tuxedo’ — The Story of Philadelphia & The Philly Soul Sound
by NIGEL ELAM — AUDIOSPARX & RADIOSPARX DJ
Philly Soul, also known as the Philadelphia Soul sound, emerged in the 1970s and was a fusion of soul, funk, R&B, and pop music. Philly Soul is Black Music with grit and is defined by the strength and forward-thinking ethos of the city, going back to its founding father — William Penn, an English Quaker — who established the city on October 27, 1682.
The centuries that followed saw it develop as a radical anti-establishment American city that inspired culture from all peoples, wherever they came from.
Philly Soul was closely associated with the Philadelphia music scene and the renowned record label Philadelphia International Records (PIR), led by dynamic Philly producers Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff.
PIR shut down in 2001, but its legacy remains today.
The Philly Soul sound was characterized by its polished production, sophisticated arrangements, lush string sections, and horn arrangements. It featured smooth vocal harmonies, catchy melodies, and lyrics often centered around love, relationships, and social issues.
Check out this quick video how, which sums it all up beautifully & a big shout out to Joe Tarsia — Engineer & Founder of Sigma Sound Studios for referring to the Philly Sound as: “Soul Music in a Tuxedo” — a appropriate metaphor don’t you think?
The influence of Philly Soul on modern music is significant and far-reaching. Here are some key aspects of the Philly Soul sound:-
Production Techniques: Philly Soul introduced and refined production techniques that have had a lasting impact. These include intricate arrangements, layered instrumentation, and the use of string sections and horns. These production techniques influenced later genres like disco, smooth jazz, and contemporary R&B.
Songwriting and Melodic Structure: Philly Soul emphasized strong songwriting, memorable melodies, and infectious hooks. This focus on well-crafted songs and melodic structure continues to influence pop, R&B, and soul music to this day.
Vocal Harmonies: The smooth vocal harmonies of Philly Soul, showcased in groups like The O’Jays and The Stylistics, left a lasting impact on the genre. This influence can be heard in modern R&B and neo-soul artists who prioritize rich vocal harmonies.
Sampling and Repurposing: Many Philly Soul songs have been sampled and repurposed in various genres, including hip-hop, dance, and pop. The iconic grooves, instrumentals, and vocal snippets from Philly Soul records continue to be sampled and provide the foundation for new music.
Legacy Artists: The influence of Philly Soul can be heard in the work of numerous artists who emerged in later years. Artists like Jill Scott, Musiq Soulchild, and John Legend have acknowledged the influence of Philly Soul in shaping their sound.
Overall, Philly Soul’s influence on modern music is evident through its production techniques, songwriting approach, vocal harmonies, and the continued use of its samples. The genre’s impact has helped shape and inspire a wide range of musical styles, contributing to the rich tapestry of contemporary music.
NOW LET’S TALK HALL & OATES — remember them?
Hall & Oates, composed of Daryl Hall and John Oates, made significant contributions to the Philly Soul sound, although their music incorporated various other genres as well. Hall & Oates, although not exclusively focused on Philly Soul, drew inspiration from the genre and incorporated its distinctive elements into their music, bringing it to a mainstream — white — audience.
The duo’s sound combined smooth vocal harmonies, catchy melodies, and intricate arrangements, often featuring lush string sections and horn arrangements.
These characteristics were hallmarks of Philly Soul, which emphasized polished productions and sophisticated arrangements. Moreover, Hall & Oates worked with renowned Philly Soul musicians and producers, further connecting them to the genre.
For instance, they collaborated with Gamble and Huff on their album “Daryl Hall & John Oates” (1975), which included the hit single “Sara Smile.” This partnership helped solidify their connection to the Philly Soul sound.
While Hall & Oates expanded beyond the Philly Soul sound and incorporated elements of rock, pop, and new wave into their music, their early work showcased their affinity for the smooth, soulful sound that defined Philly Soul. They became one of the most successful pop duos of all time, and their contributions to the genre undoubtedly influenced and contributed to the broader recognition and popularity of Philly Soul.
And while Philly Soul-focused record labels crashed and burned in the early noughties, the sound is enjoying a revival as vinyl lovers re-buy their old favorites.
And Hall & Oates continue to pay homage to the Philly Soul sound. Check out this contemporary version of “I Can’t Go For That — with Cee Lo Green Live From Daryl’s House” — which brings the Philly Sound back to its Black roots. Respect!
And finally, my favorite — PATTI LABELLE — with Lil’ Kim and Amber Riley, singing Lady Marmalade.
PATTI LABELLE needs no introduction. Born in Philadelphia, Ms.LaBelle — commonly known as the “Godmother of Soul”, epitomises the Philly Sound in every way.
Philidelphia’s Black community was key to giving us the Philly Soul sound. African Americans were present in Philadelphia even before the United States gained independence. Many were enslaved individuals who were brought to the city by European colonizers. However, as early as the late 18th century, the city’s Quaker population played a crucial role in advocating for abolition and actively supporting the Underground Railroad.
Underground Railroad and Abolitionism: Philadelphia became a major hub for the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses that helped enslaved individuals escape to freedom. Prominent abolitionists like William Still and Harriet Tubman were active in the city. The Pennsylvania Anti-Slavery Society, formed in 1838, was headquartered in Philadelphia.
Prominent Black Institutions: Over the years, Philadelphia became home to several influential black institutions. The African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME), founded in Philadelphia in 1816, became one of the most significant religious and social institutions for black Americans. The city also housed the first black-owned and operated bank, the Savings Fund Society, established in 1816.
Civil Rights Movement: Philadelphia played a role in the Civil Rights Movement of the 20th century. Activists fought against racial segregation and discrimination, organizing protests, sit-ins, and marches. Prominent leaders such as Cecil B. Moore, who led protests against segregated housing and schools, emerged from the city’s black community.
Cultural Contributions: Philadelphia’s Black community has made significant contributions to American culture. The city was a hotbed of jazz and rhythm and blues music in the mid-20th century, with musicians like John Coltrane and Dizzy Gillespie emerging from Philadelphia, prior to the Philly Soul sound developing.
Political Representation: Philadelphia has seen Black individuals hold important political positions. Wilson Goode became the city’s first African American mayor in 1984, marking a significant milestone. Philadelphia has since elected multiple black mayors, including John F. Street and Michael Nutter.
Community and Social Activism: Philadelphia’s black community has been actively engaged in addressing social and economic disparities. Grassroots organizations and community leaders work towards empowering the community, improving education, and combating systemic inequality.
The Black influence in Philadelphia spans across various areas, including activism, culture, politics, and community development. Despite facing historical challenges and ongoing struggles, the Black community has made significant contributions to the city’s identity, history, and progress. And they gave the world the Philly Sound. We must be eternally grateful.
Nigel Elam is a DJ at AUDIOSPARX & RADIOSPARX.
His latest playlist PHILLY SOUL can be listened on AUDIOSPARX here:
AUDIOSPARX licenses music — rights-cleared, with all royalties paid out — by our artists to HOLLYWOOD & beyond.
RADIOSPARX sells rights-cleared playlists for BUSINESSES to use at their venues — without the need to pay expensive MUSIC SOCIETY PAYMENTS. We’re global and have partners and clients in over 100 countries. One subscription with RADIOSPARX and your business has access to over 500 playlists for your business venue — across every genre of music on the planet. Try us for FREE for 14-days by clicking here:
For more information click on our ABOUT US VIDEO below:
‘In Conversation’ is the RADIOSPARX magazine on MEDIUM. Check out the RADIOSPARX — About Us Video here — Change Your Music, Change Your Life with RADIOSPARX.
