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 adventurous soul singer Billy Paul. Usually identified by his diverse vocal style which ranged from mellow and soulful to low and raspy, Questlove of The Roots has equated Paul to Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder, calling him “one of the criminally unmentioned proprietors of socially conscious post-revolution ’60s civil rights music.” The vinyl LP collection The Best of Billy Paul gathers 12 of the artist’s finest on Philadelphia International including his definitive single “Me and Mrs. Jones,” the confronting “Am I Black Enough for You,” and the redemptive ballad “Thanks For Saving My Life.”