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This is just another one of the many smash hits written by Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff. This song came into my mind as I am making preparations to attend a family reunion next month. Whenever I hear it I think of the first family reunion I attended with my Dad (it wasn’t mine by the way) and how the very large family showed so much love for one another. To this day this song brings tears to my eyes.
Gamble and Huff’s songs about love, family and betrayal (Back-Stabbers) are all classic Philly Soul and no discussion of oldies would ever be complete without their music.
“Family Reunion” first appeared on the album of the same name released in 1975. This masterpiece set, containing “Unity” AND “Livin’ for the Weekend” AND “Stairway to Heaven” AND “I Love Music” (whew!), went to #7 on the Top 40 Album Chart and #1 on the R&B Album chart. Rightly so — every song on this LP was a smash!
The “Family Reunion” single, released in 1976, charted at only #45 on the Billboard R&B Singles chart — but I find that oh so hard to believe. It simply had to be higher than that. It sure was popular here where I live.
L-r: Walter Williams, William Powell and Eddie Levert.
Well I can’t leave out the brilliant performance of this song by the mighty mighty O’Jays (as Don Cornelius would introduce the group on Soul Train).
Friends Walter Williams, Bill Isles, Jerome Pierson, Bobby Massey, William Powell and Eddie Levert formed a singing group while attending high school in 1958 Canton Ohio. First know as The Triumphs, then The Mascots, the group finally decided in 1963 on the name “The O’Jays” in tribute to radio disc jockey Eddie O’Jay. The group had some regional hits but did not become nationally known until their 1972 hit “Backstabbers”.
The group dwindled down to three members and has remained a trio ever since. Original member William Powell died of cancer in 1977 and was replaced by Sammy Strain of Little Anthony & the Imperials. In 1992, Sammy Strain left the group, and returned to the Imperials, to be replaced by Nathaniel Best, and later, by Eric Grant.
Even thought this is the last day of the month, and I will be moving on from the theme of male vocal groups to something different in July, I will definitely be re-visiting this class act, The O’Jays, in future blogs to come so stay tuned.
Enjoy your summer family reunion. It will make special memories you will have forever. 
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Filed under: Family Reunion, Guy Groups, Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff, Philadelphia International, R&B/Philly Soul, Seventies, The O'Jays
