Sir Lenny Henry will present a special concert at the Royal Albert Hall – The Sound of Philadelphia – marking 50 years of Black-owned soul music label, Philadelphia International Records.
The one-night-only event on Saturday 19 October will feature hits from the label’s extensive back catalogue, performed by an array of guest stars accompanied by the BBC Concert Orchestra, and music director Chris Cameron.
Sir Lenny Henry said: “Without the Sound of Philadelphia, I might not have created Theophilus P Wildebeeste. He was a tribute to Teddy Pendergrass and all those other soul singers who liked to speak words of lurve on their records. Gamble and Huff and the rest of the Philly team are legends and it is a privilege to host a night of their musical genius.”
Chris Cameron, Music Director, said: “I grew up with the Sound of Philadelphia and just about everything else that came out of pop radio in the 70s. Thom Bell and Gamble and Huff created such a terrific mix of lush strings, funky rhythms, pop, jazz and gospel meeting the symphonic.”
“Philly Soul is timeless, and you see now with the sampling generation going back and revisiting this quality music time and time again. We can’t wait to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of TSOP…keeping it going for the next generation!”
Philadelphia International Records, founded in 1971, was a major force behind the Philly soul genre. Characterised by funk influences and lush string and horn arrangements, Philly soul would lay the groundwork for the emergence of disco later in the 1970s.
The label’s roster included the O’Jays, Patti LaBelle, Lou Rawls, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, and Teddy Pendergrass among others, with hits including Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now, Don’t Leave Me This Way, Love Train, Me and Mrs. Jones and When Will I See You Again.
Sir Lenny Henry is one of Britain’s best known television performers, as well as a writer, philanthropist, and award-winning stage actor. He was awarded a Knighthood in 2015 for services to drama and charity.
Music director, conductor and composer Chris Cameron has served as music director for George Michael and written arrangements for artists including Randy Crawford and Take That.
The Sound of Philadelphia will be broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in October
Presale for Royal Albert Hall Friends & Patrons at 10AM on Monday 29 April
General sale at www.royalalberthall.com at 10AM on Tuesday 30 April