Icepack: A.D. Amorosi on the news, nightlife and bitchiness beats
Please note: This article is published as an archive copy from Philadelphia City Paper. My City Paper is not affiliated with Philadelphia City Paper. Philadelphia City Paper was an alternative weekly newspaper in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The last edition was published on October 8, 2015.
In last week’s Icepack, arranger/composer/producer Thom Bell talked up the sale of Philadelphia International Records’ (PIR) Broad Street property (to developer Carl Dranoff) and the upcoming jukebox-style musical based on the label’s back catalog. This week, there’s more Sound of Philadelphia news: Sony Music Entertainment (SME) made a deal for global ownership of all PIR recordings made after 1975. Since SME already owned PIR’s 1971-’75 titles, this means all of the label’s music is under one umbrella. “This is a good thing for fans of the Sound of Philadelphia and future generations around the world,” says Kenny Gamble. “The industry’s changing. It’s important our catalogue is in the hands of the right people who can get the most out of it. Our organization is excited to move onto future priorities. It’s time.” If you’re wondering what PIR hits came after 1975, think Teddy Pendergrass’ “Turn Off the Lights” and “Love TKO,” Lou Rawls’ “See You When I Git There” and “Lady Love,” Patti LaBelle’s “Love, Need and Want You,” McFadden & Whitehead’s “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now” and more. Congratulations, gents.
I hear Jose Garces’ crew will finally enter the Old Original Bookbinder’s spot in Old City by the end of February.
Want one more shot at ex-Eagles bad boy Terrell Owens, considering the dis he lobbed at locals with his Carl’s Jr. hamburger ad? Comic Joe Conklin does. That’s why he and Wing Bowl maestro Al Morganti created the 1st Annual Philly Sports Roast, debuting Feb. 20 at the Crystal Tea Room. “Morganti and I thought about doing an event like this for years,” says Conklin. “There are annual sports banquets where I get up and do like 5 to 8 minutes, but I always thought an entire night of silliness would work.” Why T.O.? Originally Conklin went after Donovan McNabb, but he “wussed out because he heard Bernard Hopkins was going to be present,” says Conklin. “Then T.O. does a hamburger commercial ripping Philly fans. It fell on our lap. We called him, agreed to his fee, now he’s coming.” Ask Conklin what that price is, and he laughs. “His fee is high. Obama might be cheaper.” No matter. The money goes to great causes: Mary Kate’s Legacy Foundation and All Hands Working’s firefighter charities. Get your tickets at phillysportsroast.com.
As always, you can find Icepack Illustrated (which is like this, but with photos) every Thursday on City Paper’s news/a&e blog, Naked City.
