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Songwriter-producers Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff, responsible for the influential "Sound Of Philadelphia" brand of pop soul, will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame as the first recipients of the Ahmet Ertegun Award, named for the late co-founder of Atlantic Records.
Gamble and Huff founded Philadelphia International Records and introduced such artists as Teddy Pendergrass, the O'Jays, and Billy Paul to pop music during the 1970s. They celebrated their 45th anniversary as partners this past year, and recently announced a new licensing agreement of their catalog with Sony/BMG.
The duo released a joint statement on December 17th. It reads: "We are extremely happy and appreciative of this honor. We have always wanted to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and wholeheartedly thank the foundation for this prestigious induction. We are especially excited about being the first inductees under the newly named Ahmet Ertegun Award. Moreover, the timing couldn\'t be better as we celebrate a 45-year creative vision that has impacted people and music all over the world including the music of Rock and Roll."
The Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony will take place March 10th at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City.
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