MFSB<div hidden>M.F.S.B.</div>
MFSB, short for "Mother, Father, Sister, Brother," was a renowned 1970s house band from Philadelphia's Sigma Sound Studios. Assembled by producers Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff for their Philadelphia International Records label, the group of over 30 studio musicians defined the lush "Philly Soul" sound.
Formed around 1971 from musicians who backed acts like Cliff Nobles & Co., MFSB included key players such as guitarists Bobby Eli, Norman Harris, and Roland Chambers; bassists Ronnie Baker and Winnie Wilford; drummers Earl Young and Karl Chambers; keyboardists Leon Huff and Thom Bell; and percussionists/vibraphonist Vincent Montana Jr. and Larry Washington. They supported Philly soul stars including The O'Jays, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, The Spinners, Billy Paul, and The Three Degrees at Sigma Studios.
Their 1973 debut album MFSB launched their profile, but 1974's "TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia)"—an instrumental theme for Soul Train featuring The Three Degrees—topped the Billboard Hot 100, R&B, and adult contemporary charts. The group released successful albums and singles through the 1970s, blending soul, funk, and disco, with tracks like those from Love Is the Message (1974).
Lineups evolved into the mid-1970s with additions like Dexter Wansel and later revivals, including a 2005 iteration led by drummer Keith Benson. MFSB's orchestral style influenced hip-hop sampling and remains a cornerstone of Philadelphia soul.
Love Is The Message
Arranged By – Bobby Martin
Producer [Produced By] – Gamble-Huff
Written-By [Uncredited] – Burton Lane, Frank Loesser 0:23
A1.b Love Is The Message
Arranged By – Bobby Martin
Producer [Produced By] – Gamble-Huff
Written-By – K. Gamble-L. Huff 6:35
A2 Cheaper To Keep Her
Arranged By – Bobby Martin
Producer [Produced By] – Gamble-Huff
Written-By – M. Rice 6:52
A3 My One And Only Love
Producer [Produced By], Arranged By – Vince Montana
Written-By – G. Wood, R. Mellin 4:34
B1 TSOP (The Sound Of Philadelphia)
(Theme From The Television Show "Soul Train")
Arranged By – Bobby Martin
Featuring, Vocals [Uncredited] – The Three Degrees
Producer [Produced By] – Gamble-Huff
Written-By – K. Gamble-L. Huff 3:43
B2.a Zack's Fanfare
Arranged By – Bobby Martin
Producer [Produced By] – Gamble-Huff
Written-By [Uncredited] – Burton Lane, Frank Loesser 0:50
B2.b Touch Me In The Morning
Arranged By – Bobby Martin
Producer [Produced By] – Gamble-Huff
Written-By – M. Masser, R. Miller 6:21
B3 Bitter Sweet
Arranged By – Jack Faith
Producer [Produced By] – Bruce Hawes, Jack Faith
Written-By – B. Hawes, J. Faith 5:26
Label: Philadelphia International Records – KZ 32707
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Country: US
Released: 1973
Genre: R&B Jazz, Funk, Soul
Style: Philly, Disco
MFSB's Love Is the Message (1973) is a landmark Philly Soul album, showcasing the Philadelphia International Records house band's rich fusion of orchestral soul, funk, and proto-disco, featuring iconic tracks like the #1 hit "TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia)" (Soul Train theme) and the soulful title track, defining the smooth, lush "Philadelphia Sound" and paving the way for disco with its danceable grooves and jazzy arrangements.
A definitive album for the genre, blending lush strings, tight rhythms, and soulful melodies. Produced by the legendary duo Gamble & Huff, highlighting their signature sound with expansive arrangements.
It featured early disco elements, especially in "TSOP" and the title track, becoming club staples.
Showcases MFSB (Mother, Father, Sister, Brother), a large collective of studio musicians, in a rare outing as a featured artist, with jazzy solos and interplay.
Notable Tracks:
"TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia)": Featuring vocals by The Three Degrees, this track became a global #1 hit and served as the iconic theme song for the television show Soul Train. It won the 1974 Grammy for Best R&B Instrumental Performance.
"Love Is the Message": The title track is a foundational anthem in club culture, later ranked by Rolling Stone as one of the 200 Greatest Dance Songs of All Time. It is celebrated for its signature "sermon-like" melody promoting unity and social harmony.
"Zack's Fanfare": An instrumental opener with jazz influences.
"Touch Me in the Morning": A soulful cover.
A commercial success, reaching #4 on the Billboard 200 and #1 on the R&B charts. Its blend of soul, jazz, and early disco cemented MFSB's status and influenced countless artists. Beyond its commercial success, the album is cited as a "cultural beacon" that bridged the gap between traditional soul and the emerging disco revolution of the mid-1970s.