Legendary producers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff expressed ‘outrage’ and ’sorrow’ over the devastating fire at their Philadelphia International Records headquarters.  But the team vowed to move forward, discover the reasons behind the ’suspicious’ fire, and rebuild the legendary house of Philadelphia Soul.  “Our space has been violated by someone who chose to set fire to it,” Gamble & Huff stated during an afternoon press conference at the Doubletree Hotel in Philadelphia.  “But what’s most important is that we will build it again and continue to rebuild. Nothing is going to stop us.”

The depressing news is compounded by a number of events that suggest arson.  A number of people reportedly fled the burning building, and one individual had to be saved from a ledge.  But Huff noted that no one was authorized to enter the edifice during the early-morning period.

More details emerged on the damage, and unfortunately, some relics are melted forever.  A preliminary survey of the monumental brick building on Broad Street revealed that roughly 40 percent of memorabilia was burned or damaged by smoke and water.  That includes gold and platinum awards, as well as various CDs and other recordings.  “Some of the things we lost in the fire are irreplaceable,” said Gamble & Huff.  “We will know better in the days ahead what our total losses will be.”

Fortunately, the studio itself was largely unaffected, according to information released.  And, most importantly, there were no casualties and only minor injuries tied to the fire.

Report by Alexandra Osorio.

Tags: Broad Street, Gamble & Huff, Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff, Music recording sales certification, Philadelphia International Records, Philadelphia Soul

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