Philadelphia International Records was founded in 1971 by innovative and prolific songwriters/producers Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff, and became the birthplace, incubator and launching pad for the sophisticated Philly Soul sound also known as "The Sound of Philadelphia." The duo amassed an extraordinary array of producers, songwriters, musicians and engineers including Thom Bell, Dexter Wansel, Bobby Martin, MFSB, Joe Tarsia and more to help craft some of the most memorable lyrics and melodies of the past five decades. The legendary roster of stars who helped bring these chart-topping disco, R&B, soul and funk sounds to life included The O'Jays, Patti LaBelle, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, Billy Paul, Teddy Pendergrass, Lou Rawls, McFadden & Whitehead, The Three Degrees, Phyllis Hyman, The Intruders, and many others.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Philadelphia International Records, Sony Legacy releases brand new vinyl compilations of six classic label artists including the sensational The O'Jays. In 1972, Gamble & Huff signed The O'Jays to their Philadelphia International label. With this magic formula, The O'Jays scored the first No. 1 and million-seller, "Back Stabbers." Subsequently, the Rock & Roll Hall of Famers succeeded with various chart-topping pop and R&B singles including "Put Your Hands Together" and "For The Love of Money." Equally sentimental and socially conscious, The O'Jays always churned out first-rate harmonies and sterling arrangements. The Best of The O'Jays collects 18-tracks from the band's Philadelphia International tenure across a pair of vinyl LPs.