Philadelphia International Records — 309 South Broad Street

Philadelphia International Records, founded by Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff in 1971 at 309 South Broad Street, created the lush, orchestral sound known as 'Philadelphia Soul' or 'The Sound of Philadelphia' (TSOP). Operating from Sigma Sound Studios nearby, the label produced a string of classics including The O'Jays' 'Love Train' and 'Back Stabbers,' Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes' 'If You Don't Know Me by Now' (featuring Teddy Pendergrass), and Billy Paul's 'Me and Mrs. Jones.' The Philly Sound was a direct bridge between Motown and disco.

Gamble and Huff, along with arranger Thom Bell, assembled a world-class house band known as MFSB (Mother Father Sister Brother) and a stable of arrangers who could create sweeping orchestral soul productions. Their work influenced everything from disco to hip-hop — the TSOP theme became the first disco track to hit number one. The label's South Broad Street headquarters was the nerve centre of an operation that rivalled Berry Gordy's Motown in both artistic vision and commercial success.

The building at 309 South Broad Street still stands on Philadelphia's 'Avenue of the Arts,' surrounded by theatres, concert halls, and cultural institutions. It is now part of the University of the Arts campus. There is a historical marker on the building, and Philadelphia has increasingly embraced its soul music heritage in recent years. Sigma Sound Studios, where the records were actually cut, was located at 212 North 12th Street but closed in 2002.