Written and performed by Kenneth
Gamble
featuring superstar Patti Labelle and the orchestra and choir of Philadelphia's Temple
University... Copyright 2008 ~ All Rights
Reserved
Timing is everything and in a
historic year of change in the United States, a new piece of
music reflects a deeply-held sentiment of empowerment,
patriotism and pride. A recording of “I Am An American,” a song adopted by U.S. spiritual leader, the late Father Divine and his International Peace Mission movement has been produced by legendary music producer and songwriter and recent Rock Roll Hall of
Fame inductee Kenneth Gamble, the co-founder of Philadelphia
International Records (known for hundreds of classic hits by
such artists as The O'Jays, Teddy Pendergrass and Patti Labelle among many others).
A Sony BMG Masterworks recording available now exclusively at i-Tunes, “I Am An American” features the orchestra and choir of Philadelphia's Temple University (under the direction of Louis Biava, Professor of Music at Temple and Grammy Award-wining producer and arranger Bill Cunliffe, also of the University's music department), with a special spoken introduction by Gamble (based on a number of historic speeches along with his own words) and featuring superstar Patti Labelle.
Multiple Grammy-winning hitmaker Gamble recalls that some two decades ago, he was collecting photos of American heroes and spiritual leaders for his office: “I had pictures of W.E. DuBois, Malcolm X, Martin Luther King, Daddy Grace but I didn't have one of Father Divine. Growing up in Philadelphia, I was aware Father Divine's mission and his philosophy of racial equality, economic self-sufficiency and helping the poor and needy. I went down to the Circle Mission Church on Broad Street and asked if they had a picture of Father Divine...”
Gamble's request led to his attendance at the mission's famous banquets for feeding the poor and at one such gathering, he heard “I Am An American.” He found the song so inspiring that he vowed to record it at some point: a confluence of events led to the eventual fulfillment of Gamble's commitment in 2008.
When Temple University honored Gamble and his wife Faatimah for their community work in Philadelphia, the famed music man was inspired by hearing the prestigious educational institution's choir and orchestra and envisioned using them for “I Am An American.”
Adding Patti Labelle – with whom he has worked many times since their childhood days in Philly – was Gamble's idea and the powerhouse vocalist's performance on the song showcases a whole new side of her artistry, her first classically-oriented recording.
The writer of songs of
empowerment such as “Wake Up Everybody” and “Message In
Our Music,” Kenny Gamble views “I Am An American” as a
recording meant to inspire, uplift and encourage a sense
of pride in the nation: “In recent times, Americans have
been depressed about many things and not always happy
about
the country. The words of this
song and the performance by Patti, the Temple choir and
orchestra can lift the spirits for America has always been destined to be a country standing for freedom, justice and equality. It is the first time in the history of humanity that we have people of all creeds, colors and races in one place at one time. This recording is about being proud to be an American because, in 2008, we are doing a lot of great things. I'm hopeful that “I Am An American” will be a new song for our country, that it will raise our morale and raise the consciousness of the people at a time when destiny has put us at a turning point in our history as a nation.”
