The Philadelphia Sound is weeping today at the passing of classic R&B producer and composer Bobby Martin, who passed away Friday at a San Diego, Calif. hospital. He was 83.

1930 - 2013

Bobby Martin was one of the architects who developed the Philly Sound that provided a unique twist of soul and funk records of the 1960s and 70s. As a producer he worked with many top artists of the day and as an arranger he gave us the blend of blues and funk on “For the Love of Money” with the O’Jays as well as smooth love songs such as the Bluenote’s big hit “If You Don’t Know Me By Now,” which featured a young Teddy Pendergrass. Bobby’s passion for music as a vibraphonist began when he first heard Lionel Hampton in concert and his career in music soon followed.

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Some say that Bobby Martin is The Sound of Philadelphia. One thing for sure, he was definitely a major part of TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia). Although some may consider Bobby Martin as being the Grandaddy of R&B and Soul, Bobby Martin himself has stated that he did not do it all alone. Bobby Martin has made one of the biggest contributions to soul and R&B music ever. Most people remember Bobby Martin for his productions or his Philadelphia Sound Arrangements on artists like The Jacksons, Lou Rawls or The O' Jays. There is a list of Bobby Martin Music that goes on and on.

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Bobby Martin produced the Manhattans for Clive Davis. "Blue Lovett" (The vocalist) has mentioned in interviews that he felt the hit power of sides such as "Kiss and Say Goodbye", which was originated partially from the modern country influences Bobby Martin brought into R&B music. This was before solo artist Lionel Richie had become known in this way. Martin was also the first producer/Arranger to add strings to Soul and R&B music. This was on Patti LaBelle And The Bluebells first album. After forming his own production company named Bobby Martin Productions, the legendary producer then returned directly back to his jazz roots, producing the Killer Joe, a 1977 hit album featuring saxophonist and composer Benny Golson and Quincy Jones.

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After Philadelphia International Records slowed down in the late 1970s early 1980s Bobby Martin moved out to sunny California only to win another Grammy Award for a production he did on The Bee Gees album Saturday Night Fever. There's a whole lot more to this discussion including facts, pictures, records, discographies and biographies about the legendary Bobby Martin. He is best known for arranging and producing the music of top icons in the music industry including The Jacksons, The O’ Jays, L.T.D., Lou Rawls, Tavares, MFSB, Patti LaBelle, The Manhattans, The Intruders, Dusty Springfield, Larry Graham, Quincy Jones, Harold Melvin & The Blue notes, Jerry Butler, Billy Paul, Nancy Wilson, Jean Terrell, Teddy Pendergrass, The Bee Gees, Whitney Houston, Don Cornelius, Sweet Inspirations, The Intruders, Archie Bell & The Drells, The Three Degrees, Continental 4, and so forth. The list of hit songs and records goes on and on. Most of us remember Bobby Martin for hits like “Me And Mrs. Jones”, and “You’ll Never Find a Love Like Mine.”

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Great Interview, discussing the arrangment for "For The Love of Money" O.jays

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http://www.namm.org/libra...bby-martin

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Classic Bobby Martin

[Edited 9/10/13 16:15pm]

He produced Tavares' 1979 album Madam Butterfly....one of my favorite albums by them

http://blogs.phillymag.co...phia-soul/

The Philadelphia Sound is weeping today at the passing of classic R&B producer and composer Bobby Martin, who passed away Friday at a San Diego, Calif. hospital. He was 83.

Best known for his arrangement of Billy Paul’s “Me and Mrs. Jones” and his work on the Soul Train theme song, Martin started his long-running career right here in Philly in 1959. Through Leon Huff and Kenny Gamble’s Philadelphia International Records, Martin helped to establish the soulful Philadelphia Sound, earning him his moniker, “Grandaddy of R&B and soul music.”

Throughout his career, Martin teamed up with major artists like Whitney Houston, Dusty Springfield the Bee Gees and Lou Rawls. He even gave Patricia Holte-Edwards her stage name: Patti LaBelle.

Publicist Belinda Foster addressed Martin’s death via a statement:

“Through his gift in arranging music, he has birthed hit records that have risen to the occasion to become timeless classics. His warm smile, kind heart, and passion for creating music shine on in our memories of Mr. Bobby Martin. He will forever be the Maestro of the Philadelphia Sound to all who knew him well.”

At the time of his death, Martin was working on a compilation of previously unheard Philadelphia Soul tracks while simultaneously starting his nonprofit, the Bobby Martin Foundation.

Funeral plans are currently forthcoming.

SoulAlive said:

He produced Tavares' 1979 album Madam Butterfly....one of my favorite albums by them

He also produced one of the best tracks on the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack...."K-Jee" by MFSB

RIP without him those productions would have been shit.

RIP

This has to be my favorite album produced by Bobby

Lot's of truth...


Music for adventurous listeners

tA

Tribal Records

[Edited 9/10/13 17:53pm]

G3000 said:

This has to be my favorite album produced by Bobby

G3000 said:

This has to be my favorite album produced by Bobby

This is the best L.T.D album their strongest,most consistent album.Every song is a winner.

SoulAlive said:

G3000 said:

This has to be my favorite album produced by Bobby

This is the best L.T.D album their strongest,most consistent album.Every song is a winner.

Rest In Peace

Thank you for the music