Gamble Huff on Fire

GAMBLE AND HUFF ON FIRE: Legendary producers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, the seminal R&B songwriting team and co-architects of “The Sound of Philadelphia” and founders and partners of Philadelphia International Records, are calling a press conference today to speak out on the “devastating losses” to the historic office building that has been their home since 1970, when they took it over with legendary producer and partner Thom Bell. The birthplace for over 100 gold and platinum records and more than 70 #1 hits, including the O’Jays’ “Love Train” Billy Paul’s “Me & Mrs. Jones” and Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes’ “If You Don’t Love Me By Now,” among others, was severely damaged in a Sunday morning fire that officials have termed “suspicious” and remains under investigation. The studio was also where Chubby Checker recorded “The Twist” and Dee Dee Sharp cut “Mashed Potato Time” as the home of the Cameo-Parkway record label. “Our space has been violated by someone who chose to set fire to it,” said the pair in a joint statement. “But what’s most important is that we will build it again and continue to rebuild. Ain't no stopping us now," quoting their McFadden & Whitehead smash of the same name, while surveying the extensive damage. (2/23p)