We are sad to inform SoulTrackers of the death of Philadelphia songwriter, producer and keyboardist Victor Carstarphen. He was part of an incredible team of songwriters who helped create The Sound of Philadelphia in the 1970s, working with such notables as Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff, Thom Bell and more. Castarphen co-wrote some of the biggest hits for the label, including Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes’ “Wake Up Everybody” and “Bad Luck,” and the Intruders’ “I Will Always Love My Mama.”
Castarphen also produced and arranged for a bevy of legendary artists such as Lou Rawls, Teddy Pendergrass, The O’Jays, and Jean Carn.
During the 1980s, Castarphen worked with the Temptations on the road and on some of their great albums during the period of their return to Motown, most notably Truly For You and Phoenix Rising.
We are sad to inform SoulTrackers of the death of Philadelphia songwriter, producer and keyboardist Victor Carstarphen. He was part of an incredible team of songwriters who helped create The Sound of Philadelphia in the 1970s, working with such notables as Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff, Thom Bell and more. Castarphen co-wrote some of the biggest hits for the label, including Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes’ “Wake Up Everybody” and “Bad Luck,” and the Intruders’ “I Will Always Love My Mama.”
Castarphen also produced and arranged for a bevy of legendary artists such as Lou Rawls, Teddy Pendergrass, The O’Jays, and Jean Carn.
During the 1980s, Castarphen worked with the Temptations on the road and on some of their great albums during the period of their return to Motown, most notably Truly For You and Phoenix Rising.
In a year where we seem to be experiencing more than our share of deaths of soul music stars, Victor Casterphen’s passing also reminds us of the brilliant musicians and songwriters who quietly helped usher in the Golden Era of soul music. He will be missed.
By Chris Rizik