Turn Em All On Then Turn Em All Down

"Turn 'em all on, then turn 'em all down..."

A House on Fire

"If You Don't Know Me By Now," "The Love I Lost," "The Soul Train Theme," "Then Came You," "Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now"--the distinctive music that became known as Philly Soul dominated the pop music charts in the 1970s. In A House on Fire, John A. Jackson takes us inside the musical empire created by Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff, and Thom Bell, the three men who put Philadelphia Soul on the map. Here is the eye-opening story of three of the most influential and successful music producers of the seventies. Jackson shows how Gamble, Huff, and Bell developed a black recording empire second only to Berry Gordy's Motown, pumping out a string of chart-toppers from Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, the Spinners, the O'Jays, the Stylistics, and many others. The author underscores the endemic racism of the music business at that time, revealing how the three men were blocked from the major record companies and outlets in Philadelphia because they were black, forcing them to create their own label, sign their own artists, and create their own sound. The sound they created--a sophisticated and glossy form of rhythm and blues, characterized by crisp, melodious harmonies backed by lush, string-laden orchestration and a hard-driving rhythm section--was a glorious success, producing at least twenty-eight gold or platinum albums and thirty-one gold or platinum singles. But after their meteoric rise and years of unstoppable success, their production company finally failed, brought down by payola, competition, a tough economy, and changing popular tastes. Funky, groovy, soulful--Philly Soul was the classic seventies sound. A House on Fire tells the inside story of this remarkable musical phenomenon.

The Ivory Trail

In "The Ivory Trail," Talbot Mundy transports readers into the heart of Africa during the early 20th century, intricately weaving a narrative that explores themes of adventure, colonialism, and the quest for honor. The novel is marked by Mundy's vivid descriptions, rich characterizations, and a literary style that merges thrilling action with philosophical musings. Set against the backdrop of the ivory trade, it frames the moral complexities of its characters'Äô pursuits, capturing the spirit of the era while questioning the ethical ramifications of their endeavors. Drawing on his firsthand experiences in Africa, Mundy's narrative exudes authenticity and depth, merging historical detail with compelling storytelling. Talbot Mundy, an adventurous spirit and a raconteur at heart, was born in 1879 in England. His varied life experiences, from soldiering to journalism and travel writing, informed his unique perspective on colonial societies. Mundy's fascination with Eastern mysticism and his years spent in India and Africa inspired his works, which often reflect a belief in the interconnectedness of all life and cultures, making "The Ivory Trail" both an adventure and an intellectual exploration. For readers seeking an exhilarating journey that piques the imagination while fostering critical thought on issues of morality and imperialism, "The Ivory Trail" is a must-read. Mundy'Äôs masterful storytelling not only provides pure entertainment but also invites contemplation of the human condition within the broader tapestry of history.