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Celebrating 50 Years Of Philly Soul

Courtesy Philadelphia International Records

Sunday, February 7

There's lots of “Philly Soul” ahead on Soulsations as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the historic music label Philadelphia International Records. The groundbreaking label was founded by the phenomenally talented songwriters/producers Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff. Together they lead the way in creating some of the most memorable lyrics and melodies of the past five decades. The label included such artists as McFadden and Whitehead, Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, and Patti LaBelle. We'll hear a bit from Wichita listener Bernard Knowles about growing up in Philadelphia, surrounded by the rich music.

Plus, this week’s DoubleTake features the Stevie Wonder song “Until You Come Back To Me” performed by the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin and followed by the Queen of Funk Chaka Khan. Khan recently released a live version of the tune recorded in her hometown of Chicago.

Learn more about Philadelphia International Records with this first episode of P.I.R. 101:

Here's Chaka Khan performing "Until You Come Back To Me" in honor of Aretha Franklin at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's 2011 Music Masters:

Carla Eckels is Director of Organizational Culture at KMUW. She produces and hosts the R&B and gospel show Soulsations and brings stories of race and culture to The Range with the monthly segment In the Mix. Carla was inducted into The Kansas African American Museum's Trailblazers Hall of Fame in 2020 for her work in broadcast/journalism.