Ruby Gamble, the matriarch of Philly soul, dies at 96

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    PHILADELPHIA – Philadelphia International Records mourns the loss and sends its sincere condolences to its founder and Chairman, legendary producer Mr. Kenny Gamble, on the loss of his mother, Ruby Gamble, the lady who inspired one of the most popular songs as a tribute to mothers everywhere, the 1973 “Sound of Philadelphia” classic "I'll Always Love My Mama” by the Intruders. Ms. Gamble died early last Saturday after a brief illness. She was 96.
     
    “Our mother was extremely special,” Mr. Gamble laments, on behalf of the entire Gamble family. “She was the kindest person in our lives. More importantly, she was the inspiration for everything I have done in life, including creating the wonderful music that others have enjoyed around the world. We will truly miss her.
     

    PHILADELPHIA – Philadelphia International Records mourns the loss and sends its sincere condolences to its founder and Chairman, legendary producer Mr. Kenny Gamble, on the loss of his mother, Ruby Gamble, the lady who inspired one of the most popular songs as a tribute to mothers everywhere, the 1973 “Sound of Philadelphia” classic "I'll Always Love My Mama” by the Intruders. Ms. Gamble died early last Saturday after a brief illness. She was 96.
     
    “Our mother was extremely special,” Mr. Gamble laments, on behalf of the entire Gamble family. “She was the kindest person in our lives. More importantly, she was the inspiration for everything I have done in life, including creating the wonderful music that others have enjoyed around the world. We will truly miss her.
     
    “As the matriarch of the family, she was a spiritual person who devoted her life as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Her kindness and peacefulness will never be forgotten.”

    Memorial Services will be held Saturday, March 17 at 1 p.m. at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 6826-40 Ardleigh St., Philadelphia, PA 19119.

    I'll always love my Mama
    She's my favorite girl
    I'll always love my Mama
    She brought me in this world

    A mother's love is so special
    It's something that you can't describe
    It's the kind of love that stays with you
    Until the day you die

    Gamble & Huff are among the most prolific professional songwriting teams of all time, having written and produced over 3,500 songs within 50 years, an output that rivals Lennon-McCartney, Jagger-Richards, Leiber & Stoller and Holland-Dozier-Holland. Their message songs of peace, love, empowerment, social conscience and turmoil sold millions of records, as they fashioned the sweet, soul-stirring, socially conscious Philly Sound at Philadelphia International Records (PIR). More information at www.gamble-huffmusic.com.

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