New York, NY (Top40 Charts/ Randex Communications) - 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 Nov. 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 extraordinarymake a substantial difference and have a lasting impact,' says Gamble, the multi-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.'
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 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 Ms. 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 interviews that speak to the meaning and inspiration behind this project, and the tremendous honor that resulted from this unique collaboration.
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. His 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.
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.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT:
www.gamble-huffmusic.com
