A PROPOSAL
Introduction
With the Broadway triumphs of “Motown: The Musical” and “Aint’t Too Proud”, Berry Gordy has taken his signature brand to the summit of popular culture. Starting in music, Motown has been celebrated in every conceivable venue- books, movies, TV, restaurants, dolls, memorabilia, and a museum. And before you pick up your jaw, consider this: the greatest black music machine since Motown has been virtually ignored.
This is especially disturbing when one remembers that Philadelphia International dominated the Seventies the way Motown had dominated the Sixties. No, they didn’t have an assembly line of matinee idols. There was no Diana Ross, no Smokey, Marvin, Stevie, or Michael. But Philly International had as many hits and as many stories. If Motown was the MGM of soul music’s golden age, then Philly International was its Paramount. As fate would have it, the less touted brand has had a greater influence on contemporary music.
This is one of several reasons why it is essential to make a comprehensive documentary film on the Philly Sound. Not only has its hits provided the theme for contemporary ad campaigns (think Coors Beer) and hit TV shows (like “The Apprentice”), this legendary institution has furnished even deeper connections to contemporary audiences. Take, for instance, today’s disconnection between freedom and romance. In contrast to today’s machine beats and sexual overdrive, Philly International’s symphonic soul urged restraint as the key ingredient in desire. Like Hip Hop, the Philly Sound grew up in an age of prosperity and protest. But the latter’s approach to dance, musicianship, and song writing saved romance by balancing winners and losers at love, something lost in today’s ‘winner take all’ culture.
A loving documentary would bear witness to the inner workings of the last black-owned juggernaut of the soul era. And, of course, we’d get to celebrate a sound whose sweet sophistication ushered in Disco music and provided the foundation for Hip Hop.
(Additional material on request)