Modern Drummer Magazine

On the 50th anniversary of the founding of Philadelphia International Records in 1971, MD pays tribute to the drummer who drove so many of the label’s soul classics—Earl Young. We also dig into the hit factory that was Sigma Sound Studios, the production genius of Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff (as well as Thom Bell), and the ferocious and funky rhythm section that was Baker Harris Young. Oh, and let’s not forget that Young also invented the disco beat. By Billy Amendola