“I AM AN AMERICAN” TO BE SHOWCASED AT 110TH
ARMY/NAVY GAME
ACCLAIMED NEW SYMPHONIC ODE TO PATRIOTISM
FROM ‘PHILADELPHIA SOUND’ PIONEER KENNY GAMBLE
GAINS NATIONAL MILITARY SPOTLIGHT AT HOME IN CRADLE OF LIBERTY
INCLUSION HONORS ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAMER’S COMMITMENT TO COMBAT HOMELESSNESS AMONG VETERANS IN THE NAME OF RENEWING OUR NATION’S PATRIOTIC SPIRIT AS FIREWORKS DISPLAYS, PARADES, MARCHING BANDS INCORPORATE MUSIC INTO PATRIOTIC PROGRAMMING
Show Your Patriotism at the New Website: www.iamanamerican.us
“Like the country it honors, (‘I Am An American’) is a veritable melting pot, musically hop-scotching between almost hymn-like modes and the kind of heart-pumping martial sounds that were popular when American doughboys were marching off to put the kibosh on the Kaiser in World War I.”
– Chuck Darrow, Philadelphia Daily News
PHILADELPHIA – Just a month since its dedication to battle homelessness among veterans, “I Am An American,” the acclaimed new symphonic ode to patriotism from legendary music pioneer and co-creator of “The Philadelphia Sound” KENNY GAMBLE, has been catapulted to the field of the ultimate military sports combat – the 110th Army/Navy game.
The song will be heard throughout Lincoln Financial Field during pre-game ceremonies on Saturday, Dec. 12 while images from the newly released DVD/CD commemorative package, I Am An American: The Making of An Anthem , will be featured on video screens in and around the stadium. I Am An American: The Making of An Anthem, is a documentary revealing Gamble’s decades-long mission and behind-the-scenes work to ultimately bring modern relevance to this traditional song through his lifelong friend, fellow “Philly Soul” legend Patti LaBelle, and the Temple University Symphony & Choir. The commemorative set includes a CD featuring new edits of the extraordinary recording project that has been a deeply personal labor of love and relentless commitment from Mr. Gamble. His brother, Carl also served the country as a Vietnam War veteran.
To Gamble, the inclusion of “I Am An American” in the Army/Navy game is the greatest honor his project has earned in the year since the recording’s release. He is indefinitely committed to addressing homeless veterans – “our greatest patriots” – and interacting to help impact and positively change the lives of these men and women and their families who have served honorably in America’s armed forces and are now down on their luck and desperately in need of help.
“At a time of change in history, I believe America has a renewed feeling of patriotism. I’m proud to have produced a song in hopes of keeping that spirit alive through music and the message it gives,” says Gamble, the multiple Grammy-winning producer-songwriter whose “message” songs comprised most of his hundreds of classic hits with partner Leon Huff such as “Love Train,” “For the Love of Money” and “Me and Mrs. Jones.” “It is even more of an honor to have the opportunity to share it during the Army/Navy game. It is my hope that we as Americans continue to have the renewed sense of pride and patriotism that ‘I Am An American’ inspires.”
The Philadelphia Sports Congress, which produces the Army/Navy Game, welcomed home the arrival of “I Am An American” as part of the 82nd time this inter-service rivalry has been played here in the Cradle of Liberty. The Army/Navy Game was recently ranked fifth among “Best Sporting Events to See Live.”
“We’re delighted that we’re able to include our own Philadelphia legends, Kenny Gamble and Patti LaBelle, and their new anthem for America,” said Larry Needle, executive director of the Philadelphia Sports Congress. “Between the message that the song conveys and everything the Army/Navy game is about, It’s a natural fit. ‘I Am An American’ captures the patriotism and emotion that emanates from the stadium into America’s living rooms during the game.”
Gamble’s goal is to bring a renewed sense of patriotism to this country through “I Am An American” and restore the public’s spirit during these difficult times. A portion of proceeds from sales of I Am An American: The Making of An Anthem are being donated to the Veterans Administration, to help raise money for homeless veterans and awareness for this vital issue.
Gamble envisions patriotic fireworks displays and marching bands nationwide to utilize the new arrangement he is currently developing to adapt “I Am An American” for live audiences everywhere. Last month, “I Am An American” had an expanded Veterans Day presence nationwide, including parades in Detroit and San Diego. In New York, a portion of the documentary was shown to 3,000 returning troops from Iraq and Afghanistan at the “Thank You for Serving” Concert, and the music was featured at the official reviewing stand during the NYC Veterans Day parade. Full of huge orchestral crescendos and LaBelle’s powerful and soulful voice, “I Am An American” has been the soundtrack the past two years to the Independence Day Welcome America! celebration on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia, and at this year’s July 4th Americafest at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA, as well as inspiring its very own exhibit, unveiled in April, at Atlanta’s National Museum of Patriotism. The film captures Gamble and LaBelle being honored with The Patriotism Award for their song — the highest honor bestowed by the museum – during the exhibit’s unveiling.
From Air America to Access Hollywood, “I Am An American” has been hailed by media nationwide since its 2008 release. The 45-minute documentary follows Gamble through the “I Am American” recording process at the Kimmel Center with the Temple University orchestra and choirs, and goes behind the scenes into the legendary Philadelphia International Records studio with the iconic Ms. LaBelle.
“I decided to produce what I like to call ‘A New Anthem for America,’ and a DVD to tell the story of its origin and journey,” says Gamble. “It’s a song all Americans can relate to and be proud of. Its message reminds us that no matter what race, creed or color, we are all ONE PEOPLE as Americans.”
“I Am An American” may become one of our country’s great anthems – musically waving our flag for all to hear. Gamble is encouraging everyone to show their patriotism by logging onto the new website, www.iamanamerican.us, which launched on Veterans Day.
“Each of us has something to contribute,” he says. “My brother and I hope all Americans are moved and encouraged to embrace our brothers and sisters who served this country and now need their country’s help. Be proud to say ‘I Am An American.’”
I Am An American: The Making of An Anthem, is available on www.iamanamerican.us and can be purchased now at www.gamble-huffmusic.com and the National Patriotism Museum in Atlanta and in Philadelphia’s primary souvenir stores – including National Constitution Center, Independence Visitors Center and The Sound of Philadelphia Souvenir Shop.
Gamble & Huff wrote over 3,000 songs with in 35 years, including R&B #1 hits, pop #1 hits, gold and platinum records, Grammy winners and BMI songwriters’ awards honorees. Featured prominently in television programs (“The Apprentice”), films (“The Nutty Professor”) and advertising spots (Verizon, Old Navy, The Gap) for more than 30 years, Gamble and Huff’s songs have entered the musical DNA of contemporary culture. In fact, one of their songs is played on the radio somewhere in the world every 13.5 minutes. With a stable core of artists led by the O’Jays, Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, Billy Paul, MFSB and the Three Degrees, Gamble and Huff co-founded Philadelphia International Records and created monster hits almost from the first day of its inception. Songs they have written and produced together, like “Back Stabbers,” “Love Train,” “For The Love Of Money,” “If You Don’t Know Me By Now,” “Cowboys to Girls,” “Don’t Leave Me This Way,” “Enjoy Yourself,” “I’m Gonna Make You Love Me,” “Only the Strong Survive” and “TSOP,” have received songwriters’ awards from Broadcast Music International (BMI). All told, the Gamble-Huff/PIR music machine has generated over 100 Gold and Platinum records and over 70 #1 hits.
In 1999, four years after being inducted into the National Academy of Songwriters’ Hall of Fame, Gamble & Huff were honored by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences with the Trustees Award for their extensive body of work, both as producer and songwriter, and their contribution to the entire fabric of popular music. Last year, Gamble & Huff were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Gamble & Huff also have appeared on American Idol in a show devoted entirely to their music, and have been inducted twice into the Dance Music Hall of Fame and the R&B Hall of Fame.
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