Philadelphia International Records was founded in 1971 by innovative and prolific songwriters/producers Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff, and became the birthplace, incubator and launching pad for the sophisticated Philly Soul sound also known as “The Sound of Philadelphia.” The duo amassed an extraordinary array of producers, songwriters, musicians and engineers including Thom Bell, Dexter Wansel, Bobby Martin, MFSB, Joe Tarsia and more to help craft some of the most memorable lyrics and melodies of the past five decades. The legendary roster of stars who helped bring these chart-topping disco, R&B, soul and funk sounds to life included The O’Jays, Patti LaBelle, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, Billy Paul, Teddy Pendergrass, Lou Rawls, McFadden & Whitehead, The Three Degrees, Phyllis Hyman, The Intruders, and many others.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Philadelphia International Records, Sony Legacy releases brand new vinyl compilations of six classic label artists including the consummate Lou Rawls. The voice is unmistakable – casual and conversational in its naturalness and wonder. Frank Sinatra once said he had “the silkiest chips in the singing game.” Cool, classy, stylish and sophisticated, Lou Rawls was a true music icon with a four-octave vocal range. The vinyl LP collection The Best of Lou Rawls gathers ten of Sweet Lou’s finest on Philadelphia International such as “You’ll Never Find Another Love Like Mine,” “Groovy People,” “Lady Love,” and “See You When I Git There.”