Kenneth Gamble
Suzanne & Ralph Roberts
2014
Marsha Levick
2015Kenneth Gamble is a legend in Philadelphia's - and the nation's - music industry, and has also deeply involved himself in community development and empowerment, education and entrepreneurship. As a songwriter, music producer and entrepreneur, he was one of the founders of Philadelphia International Records in 1971, which generated The Sound of Philadelphia - known throughout the world.
B eyond this imprint on Philadelphia with his musical genius, Mr. Gamble was moved to address the problems of this city's urban communities. His Universal Companies, one of the largest African-American real estate developers, has been a conduit for over $1.5 billion of real estate development and investment in extremely distressed neighborhoods.
Cognizant that education is essential to effectuate neighborhood transformation, his Universal Companies now educates over 5,500 students in 11 schools, primarily in South Philadelphia. Mr. Gamble was awarded the Philadelphia Award on May 6, 2015.