This week we will dedicate our session to one of the most important labels to ever emerge in American music, Philadelphia International Records. The label founded by Kenneth Gamble & Leon Ruff(aka: Mother Father Sister Brother) in the year of 1971, shaped the sound of Philadelphia to the world, and still today is considered to be one of the most influential labels ever, helping the development of genres such as Disco and releasing a broad spectrum of artists and hits. Some of the artists that recorded on the labels all start roster include: Billy Paul, The Spinners, Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, The Jacksons, Patti Labelle, Instant Funk, Bunny Sigler, MFSB and Lou Rawls, just to name a few. The sound of Philadelphia was highly influential and is recognized for it’s mix of Funk, R&B, Soul, Jazz and Disco, with long instrumental lines and musicians going wild on beautiful solos. The label is also responsible for fantastic artworks as you can see below.
1. MFSB – Philadelphia Freedom
The 3rd release from Gamble & Huff the pioneers and architects of the “Philly Sound” include massive hits such as Morning Tears and of course “Get Down With The Philly Sound”. The cover design was elaborated by Ed Lee who worked on the majority of MFSB’s sleeves.
Year: 1975
Label: Philadelphia Int. Records
Art Direction: Ed Lee
Illustration: Alex Edel
Photography: John Pearson
2. Teddy Pendergrass – Teddy
Also produced by Gamble & Huff, Teddy is described as bedroom ballad album. Nevertheless the album is also responsible for some of Teddy’s most noteworthy hits like Turn Off The Lights and also the dancefloor filler If You Know Like I Know. Teddy was known as of the biggest heart throbs of soul music performing sold out concerts with an audience packed with hysterical women. The cover that also brings direction from in house designer Ed Lee show’s vibrant pink colors with a seductive Teddy starring at the camera held by a women at his back.
Year: 1979
Label: Philadelphia Int. Records
Art Direction: Ed Lee
Photography: Frank Lafitte
3. The Jacksons – Destiny
Destiny marked the first recording album done by the Jacksons after leaving their longtime label Motown, This was Jeff Scales first big commercial assignment. For his production crew, he brought along his two best friends, a lesbian couple. The first photo session was at a Beverly Hills studio. That yielded the color group portrait (Slide 2) that served as the album gatefold. The second session was at the recording studio, the Record Plant, in Los Angeles. That was where the individual portraits of Michael Jackson were taken. “They were exhilarating to be around,” Mr. Scales recalled. “When you pushed the ‘on’ button, it was like nothing you’d ever seen before.”But he was also able to push the “off” button with Mr. Jackson and did so deliberately, even knowing that the pictures would not be used as album art. “As with all commercial photo assignments,” Mr. Scales said, “you want to get the pictures the client needs and then you want to do your own personal work.”
Year: 1978
Label: Philadelphia Int. Records
Art Direction: Gary Meyer
Photography: Jeffrey Scales
4. The O’Jays – Family Reunion
With another outstanding production from Gamble & Huff, Family Reunion also brings art direction from Ed Lee. The illustration brings a classical approach to a painting that focusing on the importance of the family structure at gatherings.
Year: 1973
Label: Philadelphia Int. Records
Art Direction: Ed. Lee
Illustration: James Barkley
This selection is brought to you by Arara: a creative & production studio run by Malu Barretto, Rodrigo Peirão and Pedro Igor Alcantara located in Rio de Janeiro, follow them on instagram @ararainc.
