Am I Dreaming?
My first visit to Philadelphia, a soulful whirlwind - Kenny Gamble, Norman Harris, Phil Hurtt, Bunny Sigler, Lorraine Ellison and more...
As I continue my year-long 60th anniversary as a soulful scribe, I’m particularly elated at the response to my last Substack post so much so that I figured I’d follow it up with Pt. 2 of my “Blues & Soul” column from November 1974 which detailed my first visit to America, the month before.
Reviewing this particular wrap up of my activities during my fortnight in New York, I am completely amazed at how much I did and that I made a lightning trip to Philadelphia!
Am I dreaming?
During my whirlwind visit to The City of Brotherly Love, I got to visit Philadelphia International Records on Broad Street, bumping into Mr. Kenny Gamble, who remembered me from the first extensive interview I did with him and Leon Huff in London a few years earlier at the time of the UK launch of PIR.
As you’ll read in this post, being in Philly was a remarkable experience and also included stopping by the legendary Sigma Sound Studios and catching up with key music makers such as Norman Harris (working with Blue Magic, pictured here), Phil Hurtt and Tony Bell.
Am I dreaming?
I met up with Lorraine Ellison whose stunning recordings for Loma and Warner Brothers had become prize possessions among deep soul music lovers, particularly in the UK, kicking off with her immortal “Stay With Me” (recorded in one take at a 1966 recording session that was ‘meant’ for Frank Sinatra, a whole story of its own!).
Spending time with Lorraine at home was truly a joy; that decades later, I had the opportunity to put together a 3CD set of all Lorraine’s recordings for Warners (including a whole set of demos) in 2006 is the stuff of dreams come true!
Am I dreaming?
Reflecting on that first visit back in 1974, I can see clearly now (nod to Johnny Nash!) that at 26, I was truly like a kid in a soul music candy store!
Coming back to New York to begin my stint as the on-the-ground correspondent for “Blues & Soul” in February 1975 was inspired by those two weeks in November.
Enduring thanks to John Abbey, the founder of Blues & Soul for the opportunity; and to my friend Gary W. whose invitation to visit turned into a trip that was life-altering.
Finally…a little ‘housekeeping’ announcement: I only recently re-launched my Substack platform and I am thrilled to see the response.
I am still pondering if I should add a paywall (as is the case with many successful Substackers) or create premium content that would be available to paid subscribers for a mere $6 a month. Your feedback would be valuable!
With soulful regards,
David N
© 2025, David Nathan/Blue Butterfly Entertainment Ltd. (UK), all rights reserved