Metro Philadelphia
The Dell Music Center will close out its 2026 summer season with a tribute to the Philadelphia music pioneers who helped shape the city’s sound.
Mayor Cherelle Parker, in partnership with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and the Dell Music Center, will host the special concert on Thursday, Sept. 3, honoring legendary producers and songwriters Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff and Thom Bell, as well as the artists behind the ‘Sound of Philadelphia,’ city officials announced.
The concert will also celebrate the 55th anniversary of Philadelphia International Records and continue the Dell’s season-long recognition of the city’s cultural history as Philadelphia marks America’s 250th anniversary.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with the concert beginning at 7 p.m.
“As Philadelphia continues to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, we continue to recognize the people, culture and accomplishments that have shaped our city and our nation,” said Parker. “Our music is an important part of that story.”
The lineup will include The Spinners, The Legendary Blue Notes, The Delfonics, Russell Thompkins Jr. & The New Stylistics, Jean Carne, The Three Degrees, The Jones Girls, Keith Busey & The Unit Band and Philly’s Intruders.
The evening will also include Carol Riddick performing a tribute to Phyllis Hyman and Damon Williams performing a tribute to Billy Paul and Teddy Pendergrass.
Founded by Gamble and Huff in 1971, Philadelphia International Records helped usher in a distinctive sound combining soul, R&B, orchestration and socially conscious songwriting. The label became home to artists including Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, Billy Paul, The Three Degrees and The O’Jays, helping establish Philadelphia as a major force in American popular music.
“We are always proud and honored to be celebrated by our hometown of Philadelphia, which served as the launching pad for our global success both for ourselves, our artists, songwriters and producers,” said Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff. “All we wanted was to create a ‘message in our music’ — one of love and empowerment.”
If you go…
The Tribute to Gamble, Huff, Bell and the Sound of Philadelphia will take place on Thursday, Sept. 3 at The Dell Music Center, 2400 Strawberry Mansion Drive.
For more information and tickets, visit TheDellMusicCenter.com.
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Keywords
Dell Music Center,
Sound of Philadelphia,
Kenny Gamble,
Leon Huff,
Thom Bell,
Philadelphia International Records,
Philadelphia music,
Philadelphia concerts,
Cherelle Parker,
The Spinners,
The Delfonics