Мэр Филадельфии вручила Кенни Гэмблу ключи от города на торжественном концерте

Mayor Cherelle Parker presented music legend Kenny Gamble with the key to the city during a sold-out tribute concert at the Dell Music Center on Thursday evening. Gamble, alongside co-founders of Philadelphia International Records Leon Huff and Thom Bell, was there to celebrate the company’s 55th anniversary. The ceremony highlighted the influence of Gamble, whose songwriting, production and entrepreneurial vision helped create the internationally celebrated “Sound of Philadelphia,” a musical legacy that transformed soul and R&B music and made Philadelphia a global cultural destination. “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 Gamble and Huff in a news release. “All we wanted was to create a ‘message in our music’ — one of love and empowerment.” As co-founder of Philadelphia International Records, Gamble helped produce a catalog of hits that defined an era and influenced generations of artists. With Huff and Bell, he crafted a distinctive sound that helped launch and sustain the careers of some of the biggest names in music while placing Philadelphia at the center of the soul music movement. During the presentation, Parker praised Gamble not only for his musical accomplishments but also for decades of service to Philadelphia neighborhoods. The mayor noted that his contributions extended far beyond the recording studio through his leadership of Universal Companies, a community development organization committed to revitalizing urban communities through housing, education and workforce development initiatives. “Philadelphia’s story cannot be told without Kenny Gamble,” Parker said during the tribute. Founded by Gamble, Universal Companies has played a major role in neighborhood redevelopment, helping drive more than $1.5 billion in investments focused on affordable housing, commercial development and educational opportunities. Thursday’s concert featured 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 included Philadelphia native Carol Riddick performing a tribute to Phyllis Hyman and Damon Williams performing a tribute to Billy Paul and Teddy Pendergrass. The recognition came during the finale of the Dell Music Center’s 2026 summer concert season, which celebrated the contributions of Gamble, Huff and Bell to American music. The evening featured performances by legendary entertainers and brought together longtime fans, city leaders and members of Philadelphia’s music community. “The Dell has always been more than a concert venue. It is a place where generations of Philadelphians have come together to experience and celebrate Black music and culture,” said Susan Slawson, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation commissioner. As applause filled the Dell following the presentation, the moment underscored Gamble’s legacy as both a music pioneer and community builder. “His music gave the city a soundtrack, and his community-building efforts helped create opportunities for generations of residents,” Parker said. Stay informed and connected — subscribe to The Philadelphia Tribune NOW! Click Here