Get a bowl of popcorn, sit back, relax, and adjust your speakers because this is Earl Young like you've never
seen him! His deep bass vocals, his outstanding drum skills, his explosive dance moves catapulted Earl to the
brightest star in the universe! With every pop of the snare, every kick of the bass drum, every crash of the
cymbal is poetry in sound. His lighting fast dance steps rival that of the late great "Michael Jackson", plus a
sexy voice tone that rivals the hottest men of love music, the late "Barry White and Isaac Hayes"!
Earl Young was born in Philadelphia Pennsylvania and raised in two foster homes with very little to get by.
Without the luxury of a pampered life or close friends, none of those things got in the way of his dream. Earl
retain the ambitions of a young man longing to be an entertainer in spite of his surroundings. With sticks in
hand Earl would beat on anything that made sound. Starting off at very young age he manage to play for a
small marching band at his school. He took the sticks to a snare and started beating and right then he knew he
had a rhythmic sound that would become that Signature Philly Sound. He has an ear for melodies and
impeccable timing! He learn to dance and could do the splits as quick as the late "God father of soul - "James Brown".
seen him! His deep bass vocals, his outstanding drum skills, his explosive dance moves catapulted Earl to the
brightest star in the universe! With every pop of the snare, every kick of the bass drum, every crash of the
cymbal is poetry in sound. His lighting fast dance steps rival that of the late great "Michael Jackson", plus a
sexy voice tone that rivals the hottest men of love music, the late "Barry White and Isaac Hayes"!
Earl Young was born in Philadelphia Pennsylvania and raised in two foster homes with very little to get by.
Without the luxury of a pampered life or close friends, none of those things got in the way of his dream. Earl
retain the ambitions of a young man longing to be an entertainer in spite of his surroundings. With sticks in
hand Earl would beat on anything that made sound. Starting off at very young age he manage to play for a
small marching band at his school. He took the sticks to a snare and started beating and right then he knew he
had a rhythmic sound that would become that Signature Philly Sound. He has an ear for melodies and
impeccable timing! He learn to dance and could do the splits as quick as the late "God father of soul - "James Brown".
Baker Harris and Young!
In 1975 Earl Young, Ronnie Baker and Norman Harris went on to
perform and record under the title "B-H-Y" (Baker-Harris-Young)
and became the central rhythm section of the super hot
"Sal-Soul Orchestra"!
The B-H-Y team were the owners of the Golden Fleece record label. They were
featured prominently on many Gamble, Huff and Bell recordings before moving on to
Salsoul Records as part of the house band for the label. They recorded extensively
at Philadelphia's Sigma Sound Studios. Now cemented in music history, Earl Young is
the inventor of the disco sound. That famous TISSS-OOP,,, sound you here from the
hat-hat was the official disco emblem !
Two of the greatest recordings of disco music came from that dynamic innovation.
Hailed as the very first disco records in history was the 1972 recording "The Soul
Train Theme" featuring the "Three degrees". This recording was created for hit TV
show SOUL TRAIN. An American musical variety show that aired in syndication from
October 1971 to March 2006. Created and hosted by Don Cornelius, who also
served as a executive producer. Then there's the frantic dance hit by Harold Melvin &
The Blue Notes's "The Love I Lost" from 1973. This was a hot cut that really set the
world on fire while Earl Young just exploded on the drums!!
In 1975 Earl Young, Ronnie Baker and Norman Harris went on to
perform and record under the title "B-H-Y" (Baker-Harris-Young)
and became the central rhythm section of the super hot
"Sal-Soul Orchestra"!
The B-H-Y team were the owners of the Golden Fleece record label. They were
featured prominently on many Gamble, Huff and Bell recordings before moving on to
Salsoul Records as part of the house band for the label. They recorded extensively
at Philadelphia's Sigma Sound Studios. Now cemented in music history, Earl Young is
the inventor of the disco sound. That famous TISSS-OOP,,, sound you here from the
hat-hat was the official disco emblem !
Two of the greatest recordings of disco music came from that dynamic innovation.
Hailed as the very first disco records in history was the 1972 recording "The Soul
Train Theme" featuring the "Three degrees". This recording was created for hit TV
show SOUL TRAIN. An American musical variety show that aired in syndication from
October 1971 to March 2006. Created and hosted by Don Cornelius, who also
served as a executive producer. Then there's the frantic dance hit by Harold Melvin &
The Blue Notes's "The Love I Lost" from 1973. This was a hot cut that really set the
world on fire while Earl Young just exploded on the drums!!
At age 19, Earl was playing the cocktail drum!
Earl Young and MFSB! 1967 through 1974, The Golden Years!
MFSB - The mighty Gamble and Huff band that provided the music behind such groups as Harold
Melvin & the Blue Notes, the O’Jays, the Stylistics, the Spinners, Wilson Pickett, and Billy Paul, and
countless others. It was one of Earls most favorite and cherish group to play in. Along with his
partners "guitarist Norman Harris" and "basses Ronnie Baker", they were the central
nerve system of this sizzling orchestra. The golden years of the Philly sound
incorporating the greatest musicians in the history of Philadelphia!
The main core from 1967 through 1974 were,
Drums, Carl Chambers and of course the master of the sticks himself, EARL YOUNG!
Lead and rhythm guitars, Norman Harris, Roland Chambers, Bobby Eli, & TJ Tindall.
Bass Guitars, Winnie Wilford and Ronnie Baker.
Vibes and Percussion, Vince Montana Jr.
Keyboards & Piano, Leon Huff, Thom Bell, Ron Kersey, Bruce Hawes, Victor Carstarphen,
Bongo, Congas and Percussion, Larry Washington.
Organ, Lenny Pakula.
For the "sugar on the top" that sweeten the sound to perfection, it was "Don Renaldo's strings
section" and the mighty MFSB horns featuring Zach Zachary, Jack Faith, and Rocco Bene. Raw Soul
& R&B from the hottest musicians of Philly. From the start these guy's were there to create MUSIC!
Many others played in this historic orchestra, to see them & more on MFSB, Click here!
MFSB - The mighty Gamble and Huff band that provided the music behind such groups as Harold
Melvin & the Blue Notes, the O’Jays, the Stylistics, the Spinners, Wilson Pickett, and Billy Paul, and
countless others. It was one of Earls most favorite and cherish group to play in. Along with his
partners "guitarist Norman Harris" and "basses Ronnie Baker", they were the central
nerve system of this sizzling orchestra. The golden years of the Philly sound
incorporating the greatest musicians in the history of Philadelphia!
The main core from 1967 through 1974 were,
Drums, Carl Chambers and of course the master of the sticks himself, EARL YOUNG!
Lead and rhythm guitars, Norman Harris, Roland Chambers, Bobby Eli, & TJ Tindall.
Bass Guitars, Winnie Wilford and Ronnie Baker.
Vibes and Percussion, Vince Montana Jr.
Keyboards & Piano, Leon Huff, Thom Bell, Ron Kersey, Bruce Hawes, Victor Carstarphen,
Bongo, Congas and Percussion, Larry Washington.
Organ, Lenny Pakula.
For the "sugar on the top" that sweeten the sound to perfection, it was "Don Renaldo's strings
section" and the mighty MFSB horns featuring Zach Zachary, Jack Faith, and Rocco Bene. Raw Soul
& R&B from the hottest musicians of Philly. From the start these guy's were there to create MUSIC!
Many others played in this historic orchestra, to see them & more on MFSB, Click here!
| In 1989, new comers Ten City would seek out Young to work on their debut album for the House Music scene, |
All while drumming for both MFSB and the Sal Soul Orchestra, Earl took time to form and
perform in the explosive disco group "The Trammps"! His very own group that had a major
smash hit record with "Disco Inferno" and "Zing went the strings of my heart"! They were
known as the first band to become KINGS OF DISCO! Earl played the drums and sang in a bass
voice on all the sessions from 1972 to 1979. Yes Earl was the founder of the legendary
Trammps!
The band's first major success was their 1972 cover version of "Zing! Went the Strings of My
Heart", while the first disco track they released was "Love Epidemic" in 1973. However the
group is best known for their 1976 Grammy winning song, "Disco Inferno" that took them to
stardom! The classic line-up was Jimmy Ellis, lead vocals, Earl Young, Bass vocals and drums,
Robert Upchurch background vocals, Stanley Wade bass guitar and vocals, and Herold "Doc"
Wade rhythm guitar and vocals. Ronnie Baker, Earl Young, and Norman Harris played on the in-house
recording sessions while the Wade brothers and other musicians played on the live shows.
Working as a drummer, vocalist, dancer and coordinator earned Earl the same title as James
Brown, "The hardest working man in show business"!
Click here for the history of the Trammps!
perform in the explosive disco group "The Trammps"! His very own group that had a major
smash hit record with "Disco Inferno" and "Zing went the strings of my heart"! They were
known as the first band to become KINGS OF DISCO! Earl played the drums and sang in a bass
voice on all the sessions from 1972 to 1979. Yes Earl was the founder of the legendary
Trammps!
The band's first major success was their 1972 cover version of "Zing! Went the Strings of My
Heart", while the first disco track they released was "Love Epidemic" in 1973. However the
group is best known for their 1976 Grammy winning song, "Disco Inferno" that took them to
stardom! The classic line-up was Jimmy Ellis, lead vocals, Earl Young, Bass vocals and drums,
Robert Upchurch background vocals, Stanley Wade bass guitar and vocals, and Herold "Doc"
Wade rhythm guitar and vocals. Ronnie Baker, Earl Young, and Norman Harris played on the in-house
recording sessions while the Wade brothers and other musicians played on the live shows.
Working as a drummer, vocalist, dancer and coordinator earned Earl the same title as James
Brown, "The hardest working man in show business"!
Click here for the history of the Trammps!
Earl Young along with his partners Ronnie Baker,and Norman
Harris were inducted into the Philadelphia Music Alliance
Walk of Fame.
Earl accepted the honor from soul balladeer Jerry Butler, on behalf of his
fallen brothers.
“This was the first time I had gotten an award, so I wasn’t as sharp as I should
have been,” Young said of the bittersweet moment. “Jerry Butler came in and
he gave me a big hug, because I had played for Jerry on all his records — all
of Gamble’s stuff. I’ve always felt like they left me. It’s like losing your kid. I’ve
always felt like Norman and Ronnie left me behind.
I always felt like we should have always been together, because we’ve always
been together doing everything. It was a pretty sad moment for me, because I
could imagine if they were there — how much they would appreciate that. It
wasn’t the same as if we had all three, or even two of us. I was there by
myself.” Fortunately, on that important occasion, Young had the full support of
his family.
Harris were inducted into the Philadelphia Music Alliance
Walk of Fame.
Earl accepted the honor from soul balladeer Jerry Butler, on behalf of his
fallen brothers.
“This was the first time I had gotten an award, so I wasn’t as sharp as I should
have been,” Young said of the bittersweet moment. “Jerry Butler came in and
he gave me a big hug, because I had played for Jerry on all his records — all
of Gamble’s stuff. I’ve always felt like they left me. It’s like losing your kid. I’ve
always felt like Norman and Ronnie left me behind.
I always felt like we should have always been together, because we’ve always
been together doing everything. It was a pretty sad moment for me, because I
could imagine if they were there — how much they would appreciate that. It
wasn’t the same as if we had all three, or even two of us. I was there by
myself.” Fortunately, on that important occasion, Young had the full support of
his family.
Earl was the first to make extensive and distinctive use of the Hi Hat cymbal throughout his drum playing history. The famous 2/4 and 4/4 beat, and of course the
sweet "TISSS-OOP" sound of the Hi Hat. This was the official disco sound and in turn led to DJ's favoring Earl's drum recordings because they could hear the
cymbal quite easily in their headphones as they "cued up" records to be mixed!
sweet "TISSS-OOP" sound of the Hi Hat. This was the official disco sound and in turn led to DJ's favoring Earl's drum recordings because they could hear the
cymbal quite easily in their headphones as they "cued up" records to be mixed!
With all thats been said about the achievements of a man that grew up the ghetto of Philadelphia,
Earl is the most humble and down to earth guy you'll ever meet. Not stuck on himself nor isolated
in a self absorbed lifestyle, he's a everyday guy you could sit down and talk about anything.
Thats right! Earl doesn't bask in a selfish world of his own world, he takes time to go back to the
streets and schools and speak to the youth in all aspects of life. Be it music, personal conduct,
dreams and ambitions or appreciating the life God has giving you. Earl's motto is; "Never-ever give up
on a dream, if you have a desire to achieve something in life, Burn Baby Burn"!
Earl is the most humble and down to earth guy you'll ever meet. Not stuck on himself nor isolated
in a self absorbed lifestyle, he's a everyday guy you could sit down and talk about anything.
Thats right! Earl doesn't bask in a selfish world of his own world, he takes time to go back to the
streets and schools and speak to the youth in all aspects of life. Be it music, personal conduct,
dreams and ambitions or appreciating the life God has giving you. Earl's motto is; "Never-ever give up
on a dream, if you have a desire to achieve something in life, Burn Baby Burn"!
| Ronnie Baker, Earl Young, and Norman Harris Find out more on this legendary trio here! |
Cocktail Drum
| Left to right- Herold "Doc"Wade, Robert Upchurch, Jimmy Ellis, Stanley Wade, and the great Earl Young! |
| Check out the Alyshia Live Interview with Earl Young! Some Philly history from the doctor himself, |
| EARL YOUNG ON THE OPRAH WINFREY SHOW! Even Oprah gets up and dance! |
It's what put Earl on the map! One of the first and finest examples of the sweet, lush sound that came to
be called Philly soul. Singer/songwriter Barbara "Lady Love" Mason, is one of the true pioneers of Philly
Love music. Although she, like so many other young girls, had dreams of a becoming a star, she never
thought it would happen to her. But it did. She was still a minor when she had her first hit record "Yes, I'm
Ready" in 1965. Even today this song still invoke tears of joy from girls who met their boyfriend for the
first time. A timeless masterpiece with a melody unchallenged by any other love song. Our very own Earl
Young played on it. It just doesn't get any better then this! Oh and by the way, who do you think was
signing that heavenly "YES IN READY" vocals in the background? That was none other than an eighteen
year old Kenny Gamble!
be called Philly soul. Singer/songwriter Barbara "Lady Love" Mason, is one of the true pioneers of Philly
Love music. Although she, like so many other young girls, had dreams of a becoming a star, she never
thought it would happen to her. But it did. She was still a minor when she had her first hit record "Yes, I'm
Ready" in 1965. Even today this song still invoke tears of joy from girls who met their boyfriend for the
first time. A timeless masterpiece with a melody unchallenged by any other love song. Our very own Earl
Young played on it. It just doesn't get any better then this! Oh and by the way, who do you think was
signing that heavenly "YES IN READY" vocals in the background? That was none other than an eighteen
year old Kenny Gamble!
 |
To best describe Earl Young's drum style is define by 2 titles; The "FAT" SOUND and the DISCO SOUND! The fat sound consist of using the
fat end of the stick to hit both the snare & the rim for that loud POP, think of the Delfonics "Didn't I blow your mind this time" song. The
disco sound featured hitting a semi closed HI-Hat cymbal to get that famous "TISS-OOP" sound that defined disco. Think of the hit from the
TV show SOUL TRAIN and "Bad Luck" by Herold Melvin ad the Blue Notes and you get the idea. His drum work with his group The Trammps
shot Earl into orbit! SO WITHOUT FURTHER INTRODUCTION WE PRESENT - EARL YOUNG & THE SOUND OF PHILADELPHIA!
fat end of the stick to hit both the snare & the rim for that loud POP, think of the Delfonics "Didn't I blow your mind this time" song. The
disco sound featured hitting a semi closed HI-Hat cymbal to get that famous "TISS-OOP" sound that defined disco. Think of the hit from the
TV show SOUL TRAIN and "Bad Luck" by Herold Melvin ad the Blue Notes and you get the idea. His drum work with his group The Trammps
shot Earl into orbit! SO WITHOUT FURTHER INTRODUCTION WE PRESENT - EARL YOUNG & THE SOUND OF PHILADELPHIA!
EARL YOUNG
EARL YOUNG
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A man and his drum - The Heartbeat of Philadelphia!
| Raised in the ghetto - grew in foster homes - taught himself how to play drums using phone books - pots & pans. Yet became one of the greatest legends in music history. Earl Young is indeed "The Heartbeat of Philadelphia"! |
They commissioned Earl for remixing of some of the material as well as session drumming. The main drive of house / Techno music is the 4/4 beat with that
frantic hi hat sound. This sound can also be associated with Electronica! Because of Earl the youth of today people enjoy this pulsating sound. By
speakers. Yes the Philly days were good to him but he knows you have keep up with the times and stay current on the music scene. The
young people need him so we'll all stay focus. Heck, they already sample all the good stuff from back in the day, why not show them where it
came from.
frantic hi hat sound. This sound can also be associated with Electronica! Because of Earl the youth of today people enjoy this pulsating sound. By
speakers. Yes the Philly days were good to him but he knows you have keep up with the times and stay current on the music scene. The
young people need him so we'll all stay focus. Heck, they already sample all the good stuff from back in the day, why not show them where it
came from.
This was his very first drum kit and he made good use of it! He played in small venues around Philly
and develop a beat that would be lighting fast and people took notice. He had to lug this kit all around
Philly for gigs he had set up. One day Weldon McDougal's main drummer didn't show up for a gig and
Earl spoke up . Weldon use him on the landmark recording that became mother of all love songs.
Yes I'm ready by Barbara Mason and the rest is history!
and develop a beat that would be lighting fast and people took notice. He had to lug this kit all around
Philly for gigs he had set up. One day Weldon McDougal's main drummer didn't show up for a gig and
Earl spoke up . Weldon use him on the landmark recording that became mother of all love songs.
Yes I'm ready by Barbara Mason and the rest is history!
Yes It was Earl Young who drummed on
the sweet & innocent 1965 hit song
"Yes I'm Ready" by Barara Mason!
the sweet & innocent 1965 hit song
"Yes I'm Ready" by Barara Mason!
Burn Baby Burn ! Legendary Disco Group, The Trammps!
Burn Baby Burn ! Legendary Disco Group, The Trammps!
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