Phil Hurtt talks O'Jays, Sister Sledge and Village People

[Ndugu]

Phil Hurtt was one of the multi-talented folks who made the music happen at Philadelphia International in the '70s. He wrote the lyrics to "All Be Around," produced the first recordings for Sister Sledge, and crafted the first Village People album [[he was asked to be their lead singer, but declined).

In this recent interview, he tells those stories and explains how they would mix and match producers, songwriters and singers on groups like the O'Jays and The Stylistics. Also a great anecdote about how he cut his lyrical chops ghostwriting love letters when he was in the Air Force:

http://www.songfacts.com/blog/interviews/phil_hurtt_i_ll_be_around_/

[tsull1]

Great story, didn't realize all the artists he'd worked with, including Sister Sledge, and of course "I'll Be Around" is simply one of the greatest songs ever. It was interesting to read about the music business back in the 70's and all the talent roaming around Philly.

It's too bad that Motown-Philly album didn't take off more, it's a good one. But still, his mark on soul music is incredible.

[MIKEW-UK]

tsull, my first thought too, how disappointing that the A Soulful Tale of Two Cities didn't sell. I was extremely impressed with it when I bought it. Sad such great recordings just don't get heard and therefore don't get the support they deserve. No radio play, no hope, and this stuff just doesn't get radio support these days. Now the CD is out of print, you can pay up to $606.99 on Amazon marketplace!!!!! Or if in the UK, you can download the entire 30 tracks on the album for a mere £7.49, or from Amazon US $8.99. Lamont Dozier, Bobby Taylor, Bunny Sigler, Kim Weston, George Clinton, Sister Sledge, Jean Carne, The Velvelettes etc etc.
THE MUSICIANS: Funk Brothers: Bob Babbit, Joe Hunter, Robert Jones, Uriel Jones, Ray Monette, Eddie Willis, Spider Webb, Treaty Womack - MFSB: Charles Collins, T. Conway, Bobby Eli, Rikki Hicks, Vince Montana, Jr.
, and Jimmy Williams - Also: Nathaniel "Crockett" Wilkie, Darryl Johnson, Sr. and Theo Primas, Bunny Sigler, Nathaniel "Crocket" Wilkie
THE SINGERS: Carla Benson, Evette Benton, Jean Carne, George Clinton, Carolyn Crawford, Lamont Dozier, Jimmy Ellis of the Trammps, Major Harris, William "Poogie" Hart of the Delfonics, Carl Helm, Phil Hurtt, Barbara Mason, Ted Mills of Blue Magic, Philly Degrees, Freda Payne, Bunny Sigler, Kathy Sledge, Bobby Taylor, Russell Thompkins, Jr.
, The Velvelettes, Kim Weston, and Ali "Ollie" Woodson
THE PRODUCERS: Lamont Dozier, Bobby Eli, Phil Hurtt, Clay McMurray, Bunny Sigler

Here's Heikki's review
http://www.soulexpress.net/soulfultale.htm

and Lamont Dozier "Close The Door"


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxLDq2SNEkg

[MIKEW-UK]

Bobby Taylor on the O'Jays "Sunshine"


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Y1tjfRtzXk

[MIKEW-UK]

Russell Thompkins - Love Knocks Me Off My Feet" - interesting demonstration of Russell's tenor - not falsetto.... vocal

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xqzzv0_russell-thompkins-jr-knocks-me-off-my-feet_music

[nosey]

I bought the CD as well. Time to pull it out and give it a listen again.