Dexter Wansel Reggie Lucas Keith Benson Ron Kersey Anthony Jackson Charles Collins Victor Carstarphen Carla Benson Harold "Ivory" Williams Don Renaldo John Ingram Norman Fearrington TJ Tindall Lenny Pakula Michael Foreman Dennis Harris Eddie Green Tony Williams Theodore Life Winnie Wilford Robert Kreinar Eli Tatarsky Leon Zachery
ex Leon Huff, Norman Harris, Earl Young, Ron Baker, Thom Bell, Vincent Montana, Jr., Larry Gold, Quinton Joseph, Larry Washington, Roland Chambers, John Davis, Karl Chambers, Fred Joiner, John Davis MFSB (abbreviation for Mother, Father, Sister, Brother) was a Philadelphia-based R&B, funk, disco band, formed by producers
Gamble & Huff of the Philadelphia International Records label, that gained prominence in the 1970s. The band’s roots can be traced back to the house band at Philadelphia’s Sigma Sound Studios, where they played on numerous hit records by artists such as
The O’Jays,
Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, and
The Stylistics.
MFSB was comprised of a rotating cast of musicians, many of whom were former members of Philadelphia’s legendary session band,
The Delfonics. The band was known for their tight grooves and intricate arrangements, which blended elements of funk, soul, jazz, and disco. Their signature sound was characterized by a rich horn section, funky bass lines, and infectious rhythms.
MFSB had their first major hit in 1973 with the instrumental track TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia), which served as the theme song for the television show Soul Train. The song reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earned the band a Grammy Award for Best R&B Instrumental Performance.
Throughout the 1970s, MFSB continued to release successful albums and singles, including Love Is the Message, Sexy and K-Jee. The band’s music was featured in a number of films and television shows, and their influence can be heard in the work of numerous artists in the funk and disco genres.
Despite a number of lineup changes over the years, MFSB continued to perform and record throughout the 1980s and 1990s. The band’s legacy as one of the pioneers of the Philadelphia soul sound continues to be felt today, and their music remains beloved by fans of funk and R&B.