Please replace these sections with these updated edits. I also have some usable DVD's that should help the look of the update (send me a bill and I'll make some type of payment on it). Thanks. Dr. K E. Benson. Also, I got the hint - I'll get another proofreader for my book.

BIO

MFSB is the band and background singers that assisted the legendary songwriting team Gamble and Huff in creating the world-famous “Sound of Philadelphia.” MFSB recorded many of the biggest songs in music history. Classic Soul Songs like: Love Train; For the Love of Money; and Ain’t No Stopping Us Now.

But they didn’t stop there. MFSB members performed with more Platinum selling R&B artist, than any group in history: Al Green, Ashford and Simpson, Billy Paul, Billy Preston, Blue Magic, Bobby Caldwell, Bobby Womack, Bootsy Collins, Burt Bacharach, Chaka Khan, the Dells, Dionne Warwick, the Four Tops, Gerald Levert, Elton John, Grace Jones, Harold Melvin and the Bluenotes, the Jackson’s (with Michael), James Ingram, Jerry Butler, Lou Rawls, Luther Vandross, McFadden & Whitehead, Michael McDonald, Musiq Soul Child, the O-Jays, Peabo Bryson, Patti LaBelle, Phyllis Hyman, Ronald Isley, Ruben Studdard, Smokey Robinson, the Spinners, Steve Winwood, Stevie Wonder, the Stylistics, Teddy Pendergrass, the Temptations, and many more music icons.

As World Ambassadors for TSOP and RB music, in 2003, MFSB members were chosen to go to Detroit to help Motown’s legendary backup group, the Funk Brothers, with a major motion picture – the movie classic, “Standing in the Shadows of Motown.” In fact, Keith Benson (MFSB since 1975) was one of the film’s Associate Producers.

HISTORY

Throughout the years, there have been several musicians in MFSB. To better understand their contributions, MFSB is categorized into three distinct periods.

1. Original – Original MFSB featured:

Carl Chambers and Earl Young on drums;

Norman Harris, Roland Chambers and Bobby Eli on guitar;

Winnie Wilford and Ronnie Baker on bass;

Vince Montana and Larry Washington on vibes and percussion,

Leon Huff and Thom Bell on keys.

The original period lasted from the late 1960’s through the mid 70’s. Songs like Cowboys to Girls, Love Train, Me and Mrs. Jones, I’ll Be Around, and The Love I Lost were recorded by the Original MFSB.

2. In-Between-ers – The “In-Between-ers” featured:

Charles Collins on drums;

Michael “Sugar Bear” Foreman on bass;

Dennis Harris and TJ Tindall on guitar;

Leon Huff, Victor Carstarphen, and Lenny Pakula on keys.

This period featured songs like, She Used to be My Girl; Wake Up Everybody, You’ll Never Find, I Don’t Love You Anymore, and Enjoy Yourself. This was also the time Gamble and Huff moved into their world headquarters at 309 South Broad St. This was an important period. For it proved conclusively that Gamble and Huff could create hits with whomever they chose. This period lasted from about 1974 through 1976.

3. Music Family – The Music Family featured;

Dennis Harris on guitar;

Keith Benson and Quinton Joseph on drums;

Jimmy Williams on bass;

Leon Huff and Dexter Wansel on keys.

MFSB Music Family is the final incarnation. While MFSB Original recorded the most Gold singles – MFSB Music Family recorded more Gold and Platinum LP’s than any previous group. This is because MFSB Music Family’s first recording turned out to be Teddy Pendergrass’ first solo album and “TP” was the biggest selling artist at “PIR.” MFSB Music Family also recorded “PIR’s” biggest single, ever, – Ain’t No Stopping Us Now.

MFSB Music Family stayed on with Gamble and Huff for seven years, from 1977 until the first PIR era came to a close, in 1983.

There were other musicians outside the rhythm sections that also helped to define MFSB – Zach Zachary, Bobby Martin, Jack Faith, Don Renaldo, Fred Joiner, the Sweeties, and a few others. However, the only constant throughout the entire fourteen year run was none other than Leon Huff – co-founder of Philadelphia International and MFSB.

MFSB “Key Members” alphabetically:

Bass:

Ronnie Baker. Michael “Sugar bear” Foreman, Anthony Jackson, Jimmy Williams

Drums:

Keith Benson, Carl Chambers, Charles Collins, Quinton Joseph, Earl Young

Guitar:

Bobby Eli, Dennis Harris, Norman Harris, T Life, and TJ Tindall,

Keys:

Victor Carstarphen, Leon Huff, Lenny Pakula, Dexter Wansel

Others:

Bobby Martin, Vince Montana, Don Renaldo, the Sweeties, Larry Washington, Zach Zachary

The NEW MFSB

The NEW MFSB made its debut performance across the street from the headquarters of the world famous Philadelphia International Records. They played the Kimmel Center (home of the Philadelphia Orchestra) in the fall of 05. Since then they have played many successful engagements, including the Wachovia Center, and Unity Day with Steve Harvey, for over a million people. Everyone agrees that the new MFSB is special. It kept all of the soul of the original funky orchestra, yet it has expanded the audio and visual excitement, even further.

One of the things that make the new MFSB so unique is that the members have recorded or performed with more Platinum-selling acts than any group in history. So they understand R&B music and entertainment in a way few other artists have been able to. MFSB knows how to have a good time at a concert setting, in the studio, or in any situation in which they find themselves. Their specialty is getting the audience “in the zone” – quickly.

John Ingram – lead vocals – was a staff writer at Philadelphia International Records. He recorded, and toured with Patti La Belle, was featured in the film, “Standing in the Shadows of Motown,” and occasionally tours with the Funk Brothers as their lead singer. Carla Benson – background vocals – was with MFSB from the beginning. She recorded 80% of all of the Philly Sound Hits. She is quick to point out she only recorded 50% of the duds. She has over two hundred Gold and Platinum Albums to her credit. Her brother, Keith Benson – drummer - recorded almost all of the Philadelphia International artists. He recorded the Sound of Philadelphia’s anthem, and their biggest hit, ever, “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now.” Dennis Harris – guitar - has more Gold and Platinum Albums than anyone in the business. He is one of few musicians in the world with over 30 Gold and Platinum Record Awards. Michael Clark represents “New MFSB.” Jazzy, Funky, Fresh, Cool, Talented, he’s from New York and completes the front line of the group. They represent the core of the New MFSB. They are committed to keeping the Sound of Philadelphia alive, and they are committed to keeping classic R&B alive, and vibrant, by "playing it the right way."

MFSB is as current today as they were in the 1970’s. They are the hottest group in advertising. Television commercials, advertising everything from beer to trucks use their music. And Hollywood is in the MFSB catalogue, also.

Mother, Father Sister, Brother. “MFSB” - feel them for the first time, all over again.

For more information please visit our website at: www.mfsb.org.