Philadelphia International Records was founded in 1971 by innovative and prolific songwriters/producers Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff, and became the birthplace, incubator and launching pad for the sophisticated Philly Soul sound also known as “The Sound of Philadelphia.” The duo amassed an extraordinary array of producers, songwriters, musicians and engineers including Thom Bell, Dexter Wansel, Bobby Martin, MFSB, Joe Tarsia and more to help craft some of the most memorable lyrics and melodies of the past five decades. The legendary roster of stars who helped bring these chart-topping disco, R&B, soul and funk sounds to life included The O’Jays, Patti LaBelle, Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, Billy Paul, Teddy Pendergrass, Lou Rawls, McFadden & Whitehead, The Three Degrees, Phyllis Hyman, The Intruders, and many others.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Philadelphia International Records, Sony Legacy releases brand new vinyl compilations of six classic label artists including the mighty soul pillar Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes. Those Gamble-Huff productions, Teddy Pendergrass on drums and vocals these guys were Philly soul superstars! Filled with profound, uplifting and thought provoking songs, the vinyl LP collection The Best of Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes gathers 11 of the outfit’s finest on Philadelphia International including “If You Don’t Know Me by Now,” “Wake Up Everybody,” “The Love I Lost,” “Hope That We Can Get Together Soon,” “I Miss You” and “Bad Luck.”