TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia)

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"TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia)" is a 1974 hit single by MFSB featuring vocals by The Three Degrees. A classic example of the Philadelphia soul genre, it was written by Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff as the theme for the American musical television program Soul Train, which specialized in African-American musical performers. The single was released on the Philadelphia International label.

The song is essentially an instrumental piece, featuring a lush blend of strings and horns in the Philadelphia soul style. There are only two vocal parts to the song: a passage close to the beginning during which The Three Degrees sing "People all over the world!"; and the chorus over the fade out, "Let's get it on/It's time to get down". "TSOP" hit number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in the spring of 1974.

Although it was rerecorded a number of times for future versions of the show, "TSOP" has remained the theme song for Soul Train through the disco, 1980s R&B, new jack swing, hip-hop, and neo soul eras of Black music.

The song was also covered by Dexys Midnight Runners and released as a B-side on the 12" version of the "Jackie Wilson Said" single, later issued on the remastered version of the album Too-Rye-Ay. The band also used it to open some of their live shows.

Another notable cover was made in 1978 by influential Reggae band Inner Circle, who had a history of covering American Soul songs in the typical laid back Reggae style of the late 70's.

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Preceded by "Bennie and the Jets" by Elton John

Billboard Hot 100 number one single April 20, 1974

Succeeded by "The Loco-Motion" by Grand Funk