EXCLUSIVE: Songwriting | Music Legends Gamble, Huff & Bell Discuss Their Iconic Songs with BMI

2022 marks the 60th year of BMI’s uninterrupted relationship with the legendary Kenneth Gamble, Leon Huff and Thom Bell. To commemorate this monumental occasion, we are very pleased to share a conversation with all three gentlemen who have gathered together, by Zoom and phone, for the first time in a decade. With a catalog that defines them as one of the preeminent songwriting/producing trios of all time, they have more than earned their place in the pantheon of great American music. In three video chapters, these master music creators discuss their unparalleled body of work, creative process, impactful legacy and rich history with BMI.
The architects of the Philadelphia Sound, a blend of classic soul with groovy funk, Gamble & Huff formed the legendary Philadelphia International Records (PIR) in 1971. Conceived as an alternative to Berry Gordy’s Motown, PIR swiftly became the driving force behind 120 internationally-beloved albums and over 40 gold and platinum records like “For the Love of Money,” “When Will I See You Again,” “I Love Music,” “Now That We Found Love,” “Cowboys to Girls,” “Only the Strong Survive,” “Me and Mrs. Jones,” “If You Don’t Know Me By Now” and so many more. The label became home to artists like The O’Jays, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, Teddy Pendergrass, MFSB, The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Patti LaBelle and Lou Rawls. Thom Bell was an integral figure in the shaping of their signature sound, augmenting Gamble & Huff compositions with his arrangements for “Back Stabbers,” “Love Train,” and several other classics. Originally an in-house arranger for PIR, Bell was also an accomplished songwriter, responsible for hits like “Then Came You” by Dionne Warwick and the Spinners, “People Make the World Go Around” by the Stylistics and “Rubberband Man” by the Spinners. After crafting several iconic tracks with Gamble & Huff, Bell joined the duo in forming a music publishing company for their songs, Mighty Three Music. In this chapter, the gentleman discuss the stories behind of some of their most celebrated songs.
Produced By: Lyndsey McFail
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ABOUT BMI:
Celebrating over 80 years of service to songwriters, composers, music publishers and businesses, Broadcast Music, Inc.® (BMI®) is a global leader in music rights management, serving as an advocate for the value of music. BMI represents the public performance rights in over 17 million musical works created and owned by more than 1.1 million songwriters, composers, and music publishers. The Company negotiates music license agreements and distributes the fees it generates as royalties to its affiliated writers and publishers when their songs are performed in public. In 1939, BMI created a groundbreaking open-door policy becoming the only performing rights organization to welcome and represent the creators of blues, jazz, country, and American roots music. Today, the musical compositions in BMI’s repertoire, from chart toppers to perennial favorites, span all genres of music and are consistently among the most-performed hits of the year. For additional information and the latest BMI news, visit bmi.com, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @BMI or stay connected through Broadcast Music, Inc.‘s Facebook page.

[@1tgrowe]

Marvelous! I'm definitely inspired to become a songwriter, myself. Thanks, endlessly; and God bless.

[@jwardbass4452]

This is very illuminating. They took the singer’s vocal range into account and they can all sing and imitate the artists they’re producing!

[@jfefan97]

The greats!!!

[@rda6029]

Three of the best to ever do it!

[@DoughboyGod]

❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

[@NURREDIN]

My heroes!

[@savannahsmyles]

Mighty Three 💜

[@obvioustruths]

Those guys served humanity well. Unlike the music of today, that creates savage beasts, their music soothed the savage breast.

[@theXy50Podcast]

My Mentors... Literally

[@EarlDeanDonte909]

Wow, I grew up listening to the songs. I remember sneaking my grandmother‘s record and getting in trouble because she kept them organized and a certain category. I really appreciate watching. The history of how you created the lyrics in the content of these songs thank you so much for the wonderful music..