(January 22, 2017) While Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff orchestrated The Sound of Philadelphia with bands like Harold Melvin and The Bluenotes, Billy Paul, and MFSB on Philadelphia International Records, there was also some incredible soul music being made around the edges of the music scene in the City of Brotherly Lovee. The record label Sound Gems Records was responsible for much of that music, and the label has just released a new compilation of Philly R&B and soul, Lost Soul Gems.
In the 70’s Sound Gems was primarily a 45 RPM label. The label worked with artists like William DeVaughn (“Love in Any Language”), Billy “The Human Percolator” Harner, Spice (featuring Bunny Davis), and many others. Sound Gems was founded by songwriter and producer Frank Fioravanti, who worked on DeVaughn’s “Be Thankful” with MFSB’s John Davis. DeVaughn’s song reached #1 on Billboard’s R&B charts, and #4 on the Hot 100 charts in 1974.
Sound Gems Records’ Lost Soul Gems is a fantastic collection of rare soul and R&B. Some of these hard to find tracks have appeared on Northern Soul music collections and are sought by record collectors. The most notable song on the album is “Love in Any Language” by William DeVaughn., a silky, sexy number.
Below is DeVaughn’s “Love in Any Language,” our new First Listen. You can see the full CD at Amazon by go clicking here.
William DeVaughn – “Love In Any Language”
