Legacy Recordings

Thieves in the White House. Young lives being stolen in Vietnam. Crime in the streets. A bullet-ridden list of martyrs. The dream of integration had betrayed Black America in 1972. With each strangled note, “Back Stabbers” was the last gasp of a dying empire. Like an oracle shaming the hypocrites, it set the tone and the standard for the spectacular success of Philadelphia International Records. With a huge, complex production and remarkable musicianship by the monumental house band, MFSB, “Back Stabbers” prophesied disco rhythms and established The O’Jays, three blood brothers from Canton, Ohio, as America’s Greek Chorus of the 1970’s.

(L. Huff/G. McFadden/J. Whitehead); Produced by Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff; arranged by Thom Bell; Eddie Levert, Walter Williams, William Powell, lead and background vocals; Ronnie Baker, bass; Earl Young, drums; Roland Chambers, Norman Harris, guitars; Lenny Pakula, organ; Leon Huff, piano; Vince Montana, vibes; with Don Renaldo and his strings and horns; Rec. Philadelphia, 1972. From Back Stabbers, Philadelphia International 31712; P 1972 Sony Music Entertainment Inc.
Back Stabbers by The O’Jays