Gene McFadden

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Gene McFadden (1949 – January 27, 2006) was an American singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is best known as one of the key members of the Philadelphia International record label, and was one-half of the successful team of McFadden & Whitehead with John Whitehead.

[edit] Biography

McFadden met Whitehead as a teenager and together they founded the Epsilons, a soul group. The group was discovered by Otis Redding, whom acted as their manager and the Epsilons later toured with until his death in 1967. After Redding's death, they signed with Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff’s record label, Philadelphia International. Their songwriting ability soon gained attention when their song "Back Stabbers," recorded by The O'Jays, became a No. 3 pop hit. McFadden and Whitehead wrote many songs for other Philadelphia International artists and had hits such as Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes' "Wake Up Everybody (Part 1)", The Intruders' "I’ll Always Love My Mama," and their own, "Ain't No Stopping Us Now" (#1 R&B) in 1979. McFadden, along with Whitehead, was instrumental in defining the sound of Philadelphia soul.

McFadden was diagnosed with liver and lung cancer in 2004 and died from the disease at his home in the Mount Airy section of Philadelphia on January 27, 2006. He was survived by his wife Barbara, two daughters, and two sons.