Gamble & Huff

RIP Disco Legend Vincent Montana, Jr.

Darren Ressler Leave a Comment

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Vince Montana, Jr., best known for his work as a composer, arranger, producer, vibraphonist and percussionist for MFSB and the founder of the 35-member Salsoul Orchestra (“Love is The Message”), has died. Known for his classic string arrangements and percussion passages during the disco era that drew influence from a variety of musical styles, Montana also worked with famed house music duo Masters at Work and the Pet Shop Boys on “New York City Boy.” During his lengthy career Montana racked up over 25 gold and platinum album awards. An amazingly talented bandleader, musician and visionary, Montana started his career as a jazz musician in the ’50s before connecting with Gamble & Huff in the ’70s and helping to define the Philly sound that became a global phenomenon.

Montana’s body of work remains timeless. We will never see another like him ever again.

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Dance Music Artists Remember Michael Jackson

Darren Ressler Leave a Comment

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It’s still hard to believe that the King of Pop is gone. While Michael Jackson‘s personal life was plagued with alleged addiction to prescription drugs, trials, lawsuits and all sorts of bizarre behavior, he gave the world its greatest-selling album of all time, Thriller, and a body of work that will live on forever. And let’s not forget how he moonwalked into history with some of the best videos and his unprecedented dance moves. Big Shot asked a few prominent dance music artists to share their thoughts on MJ’s legacy.

Gamble & Huff: “Michael was a great and wonderful artist and performer. We were privileged and honored to record him and his brothers here at Philadelphia International Records…. We are very honored to have been a part of Michael Jackson’s music and creative career in helping to write and produce his own music with his brothers. We know his music and legacy will live on for a very long time.”

Scott Kirkland, The Crystal Method: “The controversy that has surrounded him the last 20 years is only eclipsed by the genius of Off The Wall and Thriller.”

Duvdev, Infected Mushroom: “Today is a sad for music. He as a great singer,  a great artist and one of the best performers on the planet. We were looking forward to seeing him back in his full glory on stage, and now with his passing we’ll have to remember him when he was BAD.”

Dave Audé: “I speak for the dance music community when I say Michael Jackson’s music has rocked more dance floors than any other artist, period. I was definitely looking forward to heading over to London to catch a few of his shows. His musical genius will be sorely missed.”