“I AM AN AMERICAN: THE MAKING OF AN ANTHEM” DVD/CD

ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAMER ANNOUNCES ONGOING COMMITMENT TO COMBAT HOMELESSNESS AMONG VETERANS IN THE NAME OF RENEWING OUR NATION’S PATRIOTIC SPIRIT

FIREWORKS DISPLAYS, PARADES, MARCHING BANDS INCORPORATE MUSIC INTO PATRIOTIC PROGRAMMING

NEW YORK CITY EMBRACES “I AM AN AMERICAN” BY FEATURING SONG IN THIS YEAR’S VETERANS DAY PARADE AND SHOWING VIDEO TO RETURNING TROOPS AT “THANK YOU FOR SERVING” CONCERT

PHILADELPHIA — 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 surrounding Veterans Day 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 decades-long mission and behind-the-scenes work to ultimately 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 extraordinary recording project that has been a deeply personal labor of love and relentless 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. “

“If a person hearing this does not get goose bumps, does not horripilate, then they’re deaf or dead.” – Lionel, Air America morning host

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.

Show Your Patriotism at the New Website: www.iamanamerican.us

Gamble’s goal is to bring a renewed sense of patriotism to this country through “I Am An American” 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 envisions patriotic fireworks displays around the country to follow suit, and marching bands nationwide to utilize the new arrangement he is currently developing to adapt “I Am An American” for live audiences everywhere. Next week, “I Am An American” will have an expanded presence in Veterans Day parades around the country, including New York, Detroit and San Diego. In New York, “I Am An American” will be featured on a Veterans Day Parade float, as well as the “Thank You for Serving” Concert that day at the Fighting 69th Armory, where the video will be shown to 3,000 returning troops from Iraq and Afghanistan.

“I Am An American” may become one of our country’s great anthems – musically waving our flag for all to hear.  Gamble is encouraging everyone to show their patriotism by logging onto the new website, www.iamanamerican.us,  which launches on Veterans Day.

“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.  

"Many have honored Kenny Gamble’s achievements….this time he is bestowing the gratitude…on his country." – Michael Smerconish, CBS Radio

Gamble & Huff wrote over 3,000 songs with in 35 years, including R&B #1 hits, pop #1 hits, gold and platinum records, Grammy winners and BMI songwriters’ awards honorees. Featured prominently in television programs ("The Apprentice"), films ("The Nutty Professor") and advertising spots (Verizon, Old Navy, The Gap) for more than 30 years, Gamble and Huff’s songs have entered the musical DNA of contemporary culture. In fact, one of their songs is played on the radio somewhere in the world every 13.5 minutes. With a stable core of artists led by the O’Jays, Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, Billy Paul, MFSB and the Three Degrees, Gamble and Huff co-founded Philadelphia International Records and created monster hits almost from the first day of its inception. Songs they have written and produced together, like "Back Stabbers," "Love Train," "For The Love Of Money," "If You Don’t Know Me By Now," "Cowboys to Girls," "Don’t Leave Me This Way," "Enjoy Yourself," "I’m Gonna Make You Love Me," "Only the Strong Survive" and "TSOP," have received songwriters’ awards from Broadcast Music International (BMI). All told, the Gamble-Huff/PIR music machine has generated over 100 Gold and Platinum records and over 70 #1 hits.

In 1999, four years after being inducted into the National Academy of Songwriters’ Hall of Fame, Gamble & Huff were honored by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences with the Trustees Award for their extensive body of work, both as producer and songwriter, and their contribution to the entire fabric of popular music. Last year, Gamble & Huff were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Gamble & Huff also have appeared on American Idol in a show devoted entirely to their music, and have been inducted twice into the Dance Music Hall of Fame and the R&B Hall of Fame.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT: www.gamble-huffmusic.com