UNSUNG HEROES OF SOUL #Philly Soul

A Philadelphia group, Brenda & The Tabulations were clearly influenced by the doo-wop harmonies of the 1950s. Brenda Payton’s voice was sweet and occasionally rough-edged, making the group sound paradoxically innocent and world-weary.

The Delfonics are best remembered for not one, but two, classics of Philadelphia Soul.

In 1967, the Fantastic Johnny C combined two popular dances and created a top ten smash.

British journalist Tony Cummings once wrote, “Eddie Holman’s voice, an astonishing precision instrument which can leap octaves with the speed of mercury and bend notes into shapes unimagined by lesser singers, has assured its possessor a place in soul history.”

The Intruders placed two dozen singles on the Soul chart over ten years (1966-75).

Barbara Mason is a Philadelphia native who wrote and sang her biggest hit, "Yes, I'm Ready," while still in high school.

Walter "Bunny" Sigler was a performer, songwriter and producer who was instrumental in the creation of the "Philly Soul" sound of the 1970s.