We’re still soaking up the sounds of Philadelphia soul today. Last week, I mentioned the trinity of Philly soul when I posted a Thom Bell tune. This week, we have the other legs of that soul stool: Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff.

I’m about to get formal; don’t leave in a huff. Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff wrote Love Train in 1971. The OG O’Jays version wasn’t released until December 1972 when it became a number 1 hit on both the R&B and pop charts.

I don’t usually go in for uplifting music. The mere word makes me mildly queasy but if there was ever a time for uplift, it’s now. Let’s join in on the Love Train.

We begin at the beginning with the O’Jays:

Z is for Zulema:

All aboard with The Holmes Brothers:

Now boarding, Kevin Moore DBA Keb Mo:

The Rolling Stones put their outstanding backing vocalists to good use in this 2003 cover:

Finally, The O’Jays pay Daryl Hall a visit:

That’s it for this week. Let’s drink to the last Friday in July. It’s what Huff, Bell, and Gamble would want. Never argue with them.