Artist

MFSB

1971-1980·Philadelphia

Mother Father Sister Brother was Philadelphia International's house band, though the word "band" undersells what they actually were. They were the Sound of Philadelphia rendered in flesh and strings: bassist Ronnie Baker, drummer Earl Young and guitarist Norman Harris formed the B-H-Y rhythm section anchoring nearly every hit to come out of the label, joined by a rotating cast that included vibraphonist Vincent Montana Jr., percussionist Larry Washington, and a horn section capable of shifting from tight funk stabs to full orchestral sweep inside a single track.

The full story is in Philadelphia Soul.

At a glance

Active
1971–1980
From
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Records in the issues
2 (1973), 1 of them a Start here pick
Original label
Philadelphia International Records
Listening guide track
“T.S.O.P. (The Sound of Philadelphia) (feat. The Three Degrees)”

Listen

In the Philadelphia Soul listening guide: “T.S.O.P. (The Sound of Philadelphia) (feat. The Three Degrees)”

In the issues

  • Philadelphia Soul
    Principal · 1967-1980 · Members

    Philadelphia Soul is a music scene from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, 1967–1980. Its principal artists include Gamble & Huff, The O'Jays, MFSB and Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes. This issue covers 10 essential albums and 12 dated events.

Records

Family tree

Bands that shared members with MFSB, and who.

  • The Salsoul Orchestra1974–1982
    Bobby Eli, Charles Collins, Dennis Harris, Michael Foreman, Norman Harris, Ron Baker