In the late 70's, Kenneth Gamble got together some of Philadelphia International Records' biggest acts to record a benefit album, with proceeds going towards cleaning up and repairing inner city neighbourhoods and helping young African Americans. The likes of Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, The Intruders, The O'Jays, Billy Paul, and Teddy Pendergrass, along with other PIR artists, each recorded one exclusive track for the album. The centrepiece of the album was the epic, 8-minute "Let's Clean Up The Ghetto," a "posse cut" with all album's featured artists contributing (in similar fashion to the Band Aid/USA For Africa projects that would be recorded seven years later). The project was one of Philly soul's most socially aware efforts, voicing concerns and raising awareness of the voiceless residents of America's ghettos.
Album info. at Discogs:
Available as part of 2-for-1 CD on AMazon:
(amazon.com) Let's Clean Up The Ghetto & Live On Stage
(amazon.ca) Let's Clean Up The Ghetto & Live On Stage
(amazon.co.uk) Let's Clean Up The Ghetto & Live On Stage
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