Songwriters Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff founded which Philadelphia record label, home of "the Sound of Philadelphia"?

Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff founded Philadelphia International Records, the label closely associated with the polished “Sound of Philadelphia.” Established in 1971, it became one of the most important homes for Philadelphia soul and 1970s R&B.

Gamble and Huff were songwriters and producers who built the label after earlier projects, including Neptune Records, connected them with artists such as the O’Jays and the Three Degrees. Their longtime collaborator Thom Bell was also involved in the label’s founding and creative identity. Columbia Records handled distribution during the label’s peak years.

Philadelphia International’s recordings were known for lush strings, prominent bass, crisp percussion, and sophisticated arrangements. Major acts included the O’Jays, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, Billy Paul, Teddy Pendergrass, and MFSB. Hits included “Back Stabbers,” “Love Train,” “If You Don’t Know Me by Now,” and “TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia).”

A common mix-up is confusing the label with MFSB, its resident studio collective, or with TSOP Records, a related subsidiary named after the famous instrumental. Philadelphia International’s catalog ultimately became part of Sony’s Legacy Recordings holdings.