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Kenny Gamble Releasing I Am An American: The Making of An Anthem


11/06/2009
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(PR) 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 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 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. "

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.



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