(June 26, 2019) PHILADELPHIA – Legendary Sound of Philadelphia architects Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff returned to Citizens Bank Park last night to host the 15th annual Phillies African American Heritage Celebration presented by The Sound of Philadelphia, prior to the team’s game against the New York Mets.
The 2019 Gamble & Huff Community Service Award was presented to five notable R&B artists and music industry legends, led by Russell Thompkins Jr., former lead singer of the legendary group The Stylistics, known for smash hits like “You Make Me Feel Brand New.” Thompkins also performed “You Make Me Feel Brand New” at the start of the pre-game on-field festivities. Also receiving the award was Lloyd Parks, the last surviving original member of the iconic group Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes, which had global hits such as “If You Don’t Know Me By Now” and “The Love I Lost (Part 1)” with Gamble & Huff.
Other honorees on hand were Alan Rubens, label executive responsible for R&B artists such as Blue Magic (“Sideshow”), Major Harris (“Love Won’t Let Me Wait”) and Frankie Smith (“Double Dutch Bus”); Chuck Gamble, former executive vice president of Philadelphia International Records, responsible for managing and branding the Gamble & Huff catalogue for the past two decades; and Mimi Brown, WDAS radio personality celebrating 40 years on the radio, who also had the honor of throwing a ceremonial first pitch.
The Phillies African American Heritage Celebration was emceed by popular WDAS radio personality Patty Jackson.
