The Untold Truth Of The O'Jays

May 2024 ยท 1 minute read

Per All Music, The O'Jays song "I'll Be Sweeter Tomorrow (Than I Was Today)" became their first single to enter the R&B charts. Despite their taste of success, the group's other music failed to make a splash. Though they considered quitting, Classic Bands writes that The O'Jays met producers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff. Together, they recorded several singles that did moderately well. However, Gamble and Huff's label went under in 1971, leaving the future of The O'Jays up in the air. Adding to the stress, Massey decided to leave the group. As luck would have it, Gamble and Huff quickly went to another label, Philadelphia International Records (via Black Past). Now a trio, the label put The O'Jays to work.

According to Britannica, the O'Jays music with Philadelphia International Records had funk, rhythm, and "socially conscious" lyrics. Their song "Back Stabbers" would go on to be their biggest hit and topped both the R&B and Billboard Hot 100 Charts. It made The O'Jays bona fide stars, and the song helped create Philadelphia-style soul music. Although they never reached the success of "Back Stabbers," more popular singles followed between 1972 and 1978.

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