By April MacIntyre Nov 18, 2009, 4:51 GMT
"Many have honored Kenny Gamble's achievements....this time he is bestowing the gratitude...on his country." – Michael Smerconish, CBS Radio
Patti LaBelle - I Am An American: The Making of An Anthem, a documentary revealing the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer’s behind-the-scenes work to bring modern relevance to this traditional song through his lifelong friend Patti LaBelle and the Temple University Symphony & Choir, includes a CD featuring new edits of the recording project that has been a personal labor of love and commitment from Mr. Gamble. © Janet Mayer / PR Photos
“If a person hearing this does not get goose bumps, does not horripilate, then they’re deaf or dead.” - Lionel, Air America morning host
In honor and loving support of our nation’s veterans, legendary music pioneer and co-creator of “The Philadelphia Sound” Kenny Gamble is releasing a new DVD/CD commemorative package of his acclaimed new symphonic ode to patriotism, “I Am An Am American,” on November 10, 2009 to help raise funds and awareness for battling homelessness among veterans.
I Am An American: The Making of An Anthem, a documentary revealing the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer’s behind-the-scenes work to bring modern relevance to this traditional song through his lifelong friend Patti LaBelle and the Temple University Symphony & Choir, includes a CD featuring new edits of the recording project that has been a personal labor of love and commitment from Mr. Gamble.
His brother, Carl also served the country as a Vietnam War veteran.
A portion of proceeds from sales of I Am An American: The Making of An Anthem are being donated to the Veterans Administration, to help raise money for homeless veterans and awareness for this vital issue.
“In this time of many changes in the world, I decided to not only honor my brother, a veteran himself, but to do something for all veterans as well as America as a whole that would be extraordinary…make a substantial difference and have a lasting impact,” says Gamble, the multiple Grammy-winning producer-songwriter whose “message” songs comprised most of his hundreds of classic hits with partner Leon Huff such as “Love Train,” “For the Love of Money” and “Me and Mrs. Jones.” “For me, music is that catalyst. It changes lives, lasts forever in our hearts and minds. Brings us together and encourages us. “
From Air America to Access Hollywood, “I Am An American” has been hailed by media nationwide since its 2008 release. The 45-minute documentary follows Mr. Gamble through the “I Am American” recording process at the Kimmel Center with the Temple University orchestra and choirs, and goes behind the scenes into the legendary Philadelphia International Records studio with the iconic Patti LaBelle.
A powerful segment of the history of Father Divine and the Peace Mission Movement comes to life with vintage footage from the 1960s. The film is interspersed with a number of interviews that speak to the meaning and inspiration behind this project, and the tremendous honor that resulted from this unique collaboration.
“I decided to produce what I like to call ‘A New Anthem for America,’ and a DVD to tell the story of its origin and journey,” says Gamble. “It’s a song all Americans can relate to and be proud of. Its message reminds us that no matter what race, creed or color, we are all ONE PEOPLE as Americans.”
Gamble made a recent appearance at the Philadelphia portion of STAND DOWN, the massive nationwide volunteer effort to ease the suffering of hundreds of homeless military veterans, organized and totally run entirely by veterans. Gamble is indefinitely committed to addressing homeless veterans and interacting to help impact and positively change the lives of these men and women and their families who have served honorably in America’s armed forces and are now down on their luck and desperately in need of help.
Gamble’s goal is to bring a renewed sense of patriotism and restore the public’s spirit during these difficult times.
Full of huge orchestral crescendos and Ms. LaBelle's powerful and soulful voice, "I Am An American" has been the soundtrack the past two years to the Independence Day Welcome America! celebration on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia, and at this year’s July 4th Americafest at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA, as well as inspiring its very own exhibit in Atlanta’s National Museum of Patriotism in April. The film captures Mr. Gamble and Ms. LaBelle being honored with The Patriotism Award for their song -- the highest honor bestowed by the museum – during the exhibit’s unveiling in the spring.
Gamble is encouraging everyone to show their patriotism by logging onto the new website, www.iamanamerican.us
“Each of us has something to contribute,” he says. “My brother and I hope all Americans are moved and encouraged to embrace our brothers and sisters who served this country and now need their country's help. Be proud to say ‘I Am An American.’”
I Am An American: The Making of An Anthem, will be available on www.iamanamerican.us and can be purchased now at www.gamble-huffmusic.com and the National Patriotism Museum in Atlanta and in Philadelphia’s primary souvenir stores – including National Constitution Center, Independence Visitors Center and The Sound of Philadelphia Souvenir Shop.
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