Philadelphia International Records (P.I.R.) was the most influential modern Black music company of the 1970s. The label sold tens of millions of albums and singles through its marketing, promotion and distribution relationship with CBS Records before CBS was sold to Sony.

“Golden Gate Groove: The Sound Of Philadelphia Live 1973” documents the only time that the stars of P.I.R. ever played in concert with the label’s fabled house band, known as MFSB (“Mother Father Sister Brother”). After nearly 40 years in the vaults, this recording is superb and shining example of Philly talent showcasing in a concert that took place in San Francisco during the annual CBS Records convention at the Fairmont Hotel on July 27, 1973 before 1,500 guests.

“It was a historical night in music — the beginning of a major change for rhythm and blues music in America,” said P.I.R. co-founder Kenny Gamble. “It opened the doors not only for Philly International’s groups, but for other rhythm ad blues artists at CBS. They were already the number one pop company. After that night — not right away but eventually — CBS became the number one company for R&B.”

The power and drama of the performances by The O’Jays, Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, The Three Degrees, Billy Paul and MFSB inspired and motivated the CBS staff to launch the juggernaut that would become the Sound of Philadelphia — affectionately known as T.S.O.P. Emceed by the recently deceased “Soul Train” founder Don Cornelius, the one-night only affair featured a rare public performance of MFSB, the ethnically diverse 35-piece studio orchestra that ultimately became a hit-producing group in its own right. The concert contains the stuff of legends: from the stunning performances by artists who would become household names (including a young Theodore Pendergrass Jr. belting out powerful vocals in his pre-Teddy days) to Cornelius commenting on the other side of hearing “TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia)” for the first time (which when released as a single, became a pop and R&B radio hit in 1974 and remains Soul Train’s best-known theme).

“Don Cornelius and his creation of ‘Soul Train’ and its legacy had a great impact on American culture,” noted Gamble on learning of Cornelius’ suicide on February 1. “Don’s vision allowed for African-American artists to be exposed to people all over the world through the power of television. We were glad to help Don Cornelius fulfill his dream and legacy by creating the theme song for his hit show. The ‘Soul Train’ and TSOP brands will forever be inseparable.”

This remarkable concert became a historical footnote, more rumored than known and would have remained so, save for the fact that the performances were recorded. After sitting on a studio self for nearly four decades, the tapes have finally been taken down, mastered and released. There is a message in the music, and it ca be found in “Golden Gate Groove: The Sound of Philadelphia Live 1973” which features the best of that special night and the tremendous contributions each and every participant made to the entertainment world.

Contact staff writer Bobbi Booker at (215) 893-5749 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .