Philly R&B Legend Bobby Martin Dies

 

A legend of the Philadelphia music scene has died.
The Sound of Philadelphia remains forever strong, albeit with one less person responsible for its creation. Producer, arranger and songwriter Bobby Martin, whose work was an integral part of shaping the legacy of Philadelphia International Records has died. He passed away in San Diego last Friday at the age of 83. While you may not know his name, you’ll likely know his work. Along with Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, Martin was a crucial part of the team that wrote and produced so many of the great “Sound of Philly” songs we’ve come to love over the years. Martin arranged some of the classics like “For The Love of Money,” “Backstabbers,” “TSOP,” “Me & Mrs. Jones,” Let’s Just Kiss and Say Goodbye,” “Cowboys To Girls,” and “If You Don’t Know Me By Now.” He gave a young singer named Patricia Holt her stage name – Patti Labelle. In addition to working on numerous Grammy award winning records Martin received a Grammy Award for Album of the Year award in 1979 for his work with The Bee Gees on the soundtrack to Saturday Night Fever. Martin not only worked help sculpt The Sound of Philly. He also worked with Whitney Houston, Etta James, Dusty Springfield and many more. Below, listen to one of the classics, and watch an interview with Martin talking his early days in the music business.


Martin began producing music in Philadelphia in 1959 and he work with artists including Whitney Houston, Lou Rawls, Dusty Springfield, the Bee Gees and many more. He worked with Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff’s Philadelphia International Records. He is also credited with giving Patti LaBelle her stage name.
According to Foster, Martin was currently working on releasing a series of unheard Philadelphia Soul songs as well as launching the Bobby Martin Foundation, a nonprofit to support youth in music.
Funeral plans are pending.

R.I.P. Legendary soul music producer Bobby Martin

   

 

      Bobby Martin, known as one of the architects of the "Sound of Philadelphia," has died at age 83. Martin was a key producer and arranger who worked with virtually every great soul music artist of the 70s, from Lou Rawls, to LTD to the Manhattans to Tavares.  Songs ranging from "Me and Mrs. Jones" to "Kiss and Say Goodbye" to the theme from Soul Train all bore Martin's deft touch. Martin is also credited with giving Patti LaBelle her stage name.
Philadelphia International Records founders Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff issued a statement: “He was the greatest arranger. We were able to work together with him to come up with a fantastic sound. He was part of a group of arrangers with us that included Thom Bell, Norman Harris, and Roland Chambers, and a vital part of the MFSB team who made major contributions. Bobby was tireless. He used to work all night on arrangements for us. Remembering his work ethic, and what it was like to just be around him, reminds us what a great time it was to be in the music business. “

The Tavares Brothers worked with Martin back in 1979 on their Madam Butterfly album and so respected him that they said they were "devastated" when Martin was unavailable to work with them on their next album.
Martin's own biography describes his history in this way:" Bobby Martin is THE SOUND OF PHILADELPHIA, also known as The Granddaddy of R&B and Soul music." 
We couldn't have said it any better. Godspeed, Bobby Martin.

- See more at: http://www.soultracks.com/story-bobby-martin-dies#sthash.BXTWua7b.dpuf

R.I.P. Legendary soul music producer Bobby Martin

   

 

      Bobby Martin, known as one of the architects of the "Sound of Philadelphia," has died at age 83. Martin was a key producer and arranger who worked with virtually every great soul music artist of the 70s, from Lou Rawls, to LTD to the Manhattans to Tavares.  Songs ranging from "Me and Mrs. Jones" to "Kiss and Say Goodbye" to the theme from Soul Train all bore Martin's deft touch. Martin is also credited with giving Patti LaBelle her stage name.
Philadelphia International Records founders Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff issued a statement: “He was the greatest arranger. We were able to work together with him to come up with a fantastic sound. He was part of a group of arrangers with us that included Thom Bell, Norman Harris, and Roland Chambers, and a vital part of the MFSB team who made major contributions. Bobby was tireless. He used to work all night on arrangements for us. Remembering his work ethic, and what it was like to just be around him, reminds us what a great time it was to be in the music business. “

The Tavares Brothers worked with Martin back in 1979 on their Madam Butterfly album and so respected him that they said they were "devastated" when Martin was unavailable to work with them on their next album.
Martin's own biography describes his history in this way:" Bobby Martin is THE SOUND OF PHILADELPHIA, also known as The Granddaddy of R&B and Soul music." 
We couldn't have said it any better. Godspeed, Bobby Martin.

- See more at: http://www.soultracks.com/story-bobby-martin-dies#sthash.BXTWua7b.dpufR.I.P. Legendary soul music producer Bobby Martin
 

     
Bobby Martin, known as one of the architects of the "Sound of Philadelphia," has died at age 83. Martin was a key producer and arranger who worked with virtually every great soul music artist of the 70s, from Lou Rawls, to LTD to the Manhattans to Tavares.  Songs ranging from "Me and Mrs. Jones" to "Kiss and Say Goodbye" to the theme from Soul Train all bore Martin's deft touch. Martin is also credited with giving Patti LaBelle her stage name.
Philadelphia International Records founders Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff issued a statement: “He was the greatest arranger. We were able to work together with him to come up with a fantastic sound. He was part of a group of arrangers with us that included Thom Bell, Norman Harris, and Roland Chambers, and a vital part of the MFSB team who made major contributions. Bobby was tireless. He used to work all night on arrangements for us. Remembering his work ethic, and what it was like to just be around him, reminds us what a great time it was to be in the music business. “
The Tavares Brothers worked with Martin back in 1979 on their Madam Butterfly album and so respected him that they said they were "devastated" when Martin was unavailable to work with them on their next album.
Martin's own biography describes his history in this way:" Bobby Martin is THE SOUND OF PHILADELPHIA, also known as The Granddaddy of R&B and Soul music."
We couldn't have said it any better. Godspeed, Bobby Martin.
- See more at: http://www.soultracks.com/story-bobby-martin-dies#sthash.BXTWua7b.dpuf