Date: Dec 6th, 2008 · Tags: Jazz Artist Review · Jazz Festivals

ojays

By any measurement, the O’Jays must be considered one of the most important Soul Music groups of the past 35 years. Originally a regionally popular act in Cleveland (and in fact named after local deejay Eddie O’Jay), the group was together for a decade before getting a major break by teaming with young songwriter/producers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff.

Their first album on Gamble & Huff’s Philadelphia International Records, Backstabbers, was a masterpiece, highlighted by McFadden & Whitehead’s composition “Backstabbers.”

In 2008, the O’Jays celebrated their 50th anniversary together.

The O’ Jays will continue to celebrate their 50th anniversary at the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival in January, where they will do a special performance with some of their musical friends.