Anthony White
Anthony White (born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) is an American soul and disco singer best known for his work in the mid-1970s and his high-profile collaborations within the house music scene in the late 1980s.
In 1975, White signed with the legendary Philadelphia International label. He released his debut album, Could It Be Magic, in 1976, which achieved significant popularity in the U.K..
Signature Songs: "Hey Baby": His debut single for Philadelphia International in 1975. "Could It Be Magic": A popular cover of the Barry Manilow class. "Stop and Think It Over": A notable track from his 1976 album. "I Can't Turn You Loose": Recorded for the disco-heavy Salsoul label in 1977. The B-side, "Block Party," became a staple in the New York disco scene.
In 1989, he resurfaced as a featured vocalist for Paul Simpson on a house-inflected cover of David Ruffin's "Walk Away From Love".
His music blended soul with disco, and he was a respected voice in the Philly soul scene, even if his solo career peaked in the 70s and early 80s before his later collaborations. Anthony White left a mark with his distinctive voice and contributions to both soul and disco, particularly his dancefloor hits that remain favorites in nostalgic circles.
Could It Be Magic
A2 Never Repay Your Love (B. Hawes 3:49)
A3 Could It Be Magic (A. Anderson, B. Manilow 4:48)
A4 Stop And Think It Over (J.B. Jefferson, S. Marshall 4:21)
A5 There Will Never Be Another (A. Felder, A. White, R. Tyson 3:50)
B1 Never Let You Get Away From Me (A. Felder, B. Sigler, N. Harris, R. Tyson 3:01)
B2 Love Grows Strong (P. Terry, T. Conway, T. Life 7:26)
B3 Yes You Need Love (B. Hawes, C. Simmons, S. Marshall 3:34)
B4 I'm So Much In Love With You (S. Marshall, T. Wortham 4:44)
B5 Only Child's Play (P. Terry, T. Conway, T. Life 4:03)
Label: Philadelphia International Records – PZ 33841
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1976
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Disco
The album Could It Be Magic by Anthony White is a classic Philly Soul and modern soul record released on the Philadelphia International Records label. Released in 1976 (some sources also list late 1975), this was White's only album release and is a smooth soul set produced and arranged by the Gamble & Huff team, featuring White's deep, rich vocals.
The album showcases the signature Philadelphia International sound, with lush arrangements, strong grooves, and a mix of ballads and uptempo soul tracks. Music critics consider it an excellent example of 70s Philly soul and a "masterpiece" by some fans. The material on the album highlights an early turn for the label towards the modern soul style that would continue into the 1980s.
The album was primarily recorded at Sigma Sound Studios in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a hub for the Philly Soul sound. The production quality is high, characteristic of the era and the label's output.