The Intruders
The Intruders were an influential American soul music vocal group that emerged in the 1960s, primarily recognized for their contributions to the Philadelphia soul sound. They were initially formed around 1960 and originally comprised members Sam "Little Sonny" Brown, Eugene "Bird" Daughtry, Phillip "Phil" Terry, and Robert "Big Sonny" Edwards. Their formation was marked by an interesting anecdote; they earned their name "The Intruders" by crashing a party, which led to their label as "intruders" in the music scene.
Initially starting as a doo-wop group, The Intruders found their roots in gospel music, which heavily influenced their vocal style and harmonies. They performed in and around Philadelphia, gradually gaining attention and recognition. Their first single, "I'm Sold On You," was released in 1960 on the Gowen label, marking the beginning of their recording career.
The group gained significant popularity in the 1960s and 1970s, especially as one of the pioneering acts for the Philadelphia soul production team of Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, who later became prominent figures in the genre. Their music combined elements of soul, R&B, and pop, which contributed to their success and helped to define the sound characteristic of that era.
Throughout their career, The Intruders released several hit records, with their most notable songs including "Cowboys to Girls," which became a major hit in 1969. They remained active in the music industry until the 1980s, transitioning through various musical styles while maintaining their core sound.
The Intruders' legacy is marked by their unique sound and the impact they had on the Philadelphia soul scene, influencing many artists that followed. Their work continues to be celebrated and recognized for its contribution to the evolution of soul music in the United States.
Energy of Love
Arranged By – Bobby Martin
Written-By – K. Gamble, L. Huff 3:33
A2 Rainy Days And Mondays
Producer, Arranged By [Produced And Arranged By] – Vince Montana
Written-By – P. Williams, R. Nichols 6:28
A3 A Nice Girl Like You
Arranged By – Bobby Martin
Producer [Produced By] – Gamble-Huff
Written-By – K. Gamble, L. Huff 3:30
A4 Jan
Arranged By – Jack Faith
Producer – Bruce Hawes
Written-By – M. Gaye 4:35
A5 Be Thankful For What You Got
Producer, Arranged By [Produced And Arranged By] – John Davis (5)
Written-By – W. De Vaughn 3:13
B1 What's Easy For Two Is So Hard For One
Arranged By – Bobby Martin
Producer [Produced By] – Gamble-Huff
Written-By – W. Robinson 3:19
B2 Lonely Lonely
Arranged By – Bobby Martin
Producer [Produced By] – Gamble-Huff
Written-By – K. Gamble, L. Huff 3:19
B3 Everyone's A Star
Producer, Arranged By [Produced And Arranged By] – John Davis (5)
Written-By – J. Davis 5:42
B4 Plain Ol' Fashioned Girl
Arranged By – Bobby Martin
Producer [Produced By] – Gilbert-Life
Written-By – C. Gilbert, T. Life 2:50
B5 Be On Time
Arranged By – Bobby Martin
Producer [Produced By] – Gamble-Huff
Written-By – K. Gamble, L. Huff 4:54
Label: Philadelphia International Records – PIR 80401
Vinyl, LP, Aston Clinton Pressing
Country: UK
Released: 1974
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Philly Sound
The Intruders' 1974 album, Energy of Love, was their final recording with Philly International/TSOP, showcasing their evolved Philly Soul sound with mellow, sophisticated vibes, featuring tracks like the Gamble & Huff-penned "Energy of Love" and a funky cover of "Be Thankful for What You Got". Backed by M.F.S.B., the album captured a blend of smooth harmonies and heartfelt vocals, bridging early ballads with mature '70s soul, though it wasn't as commercially successful as prior efforts before the group disbanded.
It's considered a strong example of the mature Philadelphia Soul sound, recorded at Sigma Sound Studios. It marked their last work with producers Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff, who contributed to several tracks, and featured the legendary M.F.S.B. session musicians, including the Baker, Harris, Young rhythm section, www.jazzmessengers.com “Electronic” Eli, and Montana Jr.
Bobby Martin arranged most tracks, with contributions from Hawkes and Montana Jr.
While it did not achieve the commercial success of their earlier releases, the album is highly regarded by Philly Soul enthusiasts. Critics have noted the group's "glowing harmonies" and "charming" vocals, especially on the remakes. Despite strong tracks, the album's release came as musical tastes were shifting towards disco, which may have impacted its performance.
Save The Children
Arranged By – Lenny Pakula
Written-By – Gil Scott-Heron
6:58
A2 Mother And Child Reunion
Arranged By – Lenny Pakula
Written-By – Paul Simon
4:04
A3 I Wanna Know Your Name
Arranged By – Norman Harris
Written-By – K. Gamble, L. Huff
5:49
A4 To Be Happy Is The Real
Arranged By – Bobby Martin
Written-By – K. Gamble, L. Huff
3:28
B1 I'll Always Love My Mama
Arranged By – Bobby Martin
Written-By – G. McFadden, J. Whitehead, K. Gamble, L. Huff
6:36
B2 Memories Are Here To Stay
Arranged By – Bobby Martin
Written-By – P. Terry, T. Conway, T. Life
3:15
B3 Teardrops
Arranged By – Bobby Martin
Written-By – B. Goldner, C. Calhoun, E. Charles, H. Stanley
5:07
B4 Hang On In There
Arranged By – Bobby Martin
Written-By – K. Gamble, L. Huff
3:21
Label: Philadelphia International Records – ZX 31991
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1973
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Philly
The Intruders' Save The Children (1973) is widely hailed as a Philly Soul masterpiece, blending poignant social commentary with lush, signature Gamble & Huff production, featuring Little Sonny Brown's amazing falsetto, MFSB's tight musicianship, and standout tracks like the iconic "I'll Always Love My Mama," making it a classic of smooth, danceable soul music that foreshadowed disco.
It's considered a near-perfect example of the mid-70s Philadelphia International sound, with rich orchestration and solid rhythms. Little Sonny Brown's lead vocals and the group's smooth background harmonies are consistently praised.
Iconic Songs: "I'll Always Love My Mama" is a standout, noted for being both heartwarming and a rousing funk tune. Other favorites include "Memories Are Here to Stay" and "To Be Happy Is the Real Thing". The title track, a cover of Gil Scott-Heron's song, offers powerful social consciousness, enhanced by the Philly production.
The album showcases the MFSB Orchestra's excellent musicianship, providing lush backdrops for the soul. The energetic guitar and horn work on tracks like "Mama" are seen as early indicators of the coming disco sound.
Critics and fans view Save The Children as one of The Intruders' best albums, a consistently satisfying listen, and an essential record for fans of 70s soul, marked by its emotional depth, danceability, and impeccable production quality.