The Sound of Philadelphia

Sir Lenny Henry presents a special concert marking 50 years of Black-owned soul music label Philadelphia International Records. This one-night-only event will feature hits from the label’s extensive back catalogue, performed by an array of guest stars accompanied by the BBC Concert Orchestra and music director Chris Cameron. Philadelphia International Records, founded in 1971, was a major force behind the Philly soul genre. Characterised by funk influences and lush string and horn arrangements, Philly soul would lay the groundwork for the emergence of disco later in the 1970s. The label’s roster included the O’Jays, Patti LaBelle, Lou Rawls, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, and Teddy Pendergrass among others, with hits including Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now, Don’t Leave Me This Way, Love Train,Me and Mrs. Jones and When Will I See You Again.