MFSB (abbreviation for Mother, Father, Sister, Brother) was a Philadelphia-based R&B, funk, disco band, formed by producers Gamble & Huff of the Philadelphia International Records label, that gained prominence in the 1970s. The band's roots can be traced back to the house band at Philadelphia's Philadelphia International Records, where they played on numerous hit records by artists such as The O'Jays, [a=Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes], and The Stylistics.
MFSB was comprised of a rotating cast of musicians, many of whom were former members of Philadelphia's legendary session band, The Delfonics. The band was known for their tight grooves and intricate arrangements, which blended elements of funk, soul, jazz, and disco. Their signature sound was characterized by a rich horn section, funky bass lines, and infectious rhythms.
MFSB had their first major hit in 1973 with the instrumental track "TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia)", which served as the theme song for the television show Soul Train. The song reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earned the band a Grammy Award for Best R&B Instrumental Performance.
Throughout the 1970s, MFSB continued to release successful albums and singles, including "Love Is the Message", "Sexy" and "K-Jee". The band's music was featured in a number of films and television shows, and their influence can be heard in the work of numerous artists in the funk and disco genres.
Despite a number of lineup changes over the years, MFSB continued to perform and record throughout the 1980s and 1990s. The band's legacy as one of the pioneers of the Philadelphia soul sound continues to be felt today, and their music remains beloved by fans of funk and R&B.
2022
Brookside (2)
12"
2018
Robinsongs
2xCD, Comp
2018
Philadelphia International Records
32xFile, AAC, Comp
2010
2004
EMI Music Special Markets
CD, Comp
1999
1998
1997
1995
1994
1990
Old Gold (2)
12", Comp
1990
1985
Philadelphia International Records
12", Promo
1985
Streetwave
12", Ltd
1980
1980
1980
1980
1978
1978
1978
1978
1977
Frankford/Wayne Mastering Labs, Philadelphia International Records
Acetate, 12"
1977
Epic
LP, Comp
1977
1977
1977
1977
1976
Epic, Epic
LP, Album, Comp
1976
CBS
7", Single, Promo
1976
CBS
7", Single, Sol
1976
1976
1976
1976
1976
1976
1975
Philadelphia International Records
7"
1975
Philadelphia International Records
7", Single
1975
MCA Records, Philadelphia International Records
7", Jukebox
1975
Philadelphia International Records
7", Jukebox
1975
Not On Label
Acetate, 8", S/Sided
1975
Philadelphia International Records, Philadelphia International Records
LP, Comp
1975
Philadelphia International Records
7", EP
1975
Philadelphia International Records
7"
1975
Philadelphia International Records
7", Single
1975
Philadelphia International Records
7", EP
1975
Philadelphia International Records
7", EP
1975
Philly International Records, De-Lite Records
Acetate, 10"
1975
Epic
7", EP
1975
Philadelphia International Records
7", Single
1975
1975
1975
1975
1975
1975
1975
1975
1975
1975
1975
1974
CBS, Philadelphia International Records
7", Jukebox
1974
Discos CBS
7", EP
1974
CBS Columbia
7", Single
1974
1974
1974
1974
1974
1974
1974
1974
1973
1973
1973
1973
1973
Philadelphia International Records
12"
Singles, Ep's & eXhits, Singles, Ep's & eXhits
12"
Underground Records (3)
7"
Disco Queen Records
Acetate, 12"
Philadelphia International Records
7"
Epic
7", EP, Comp
2023
Vocalion
2xSACD, Hybrid, Multichannel, Album, Comp, Quad, R
2020
Vocalion, Philadelphia International Records
SACD, Hybrid, Multichannel, Comp, Quad, RM
2020
Vocalion, Philadelphia International Records
SACD, Hybrid, Multichannel, Comp, Quad, RM
2020
2018
Sony Music
4xCD, Comp
2018
Vocalion
2xSACD, Hybrid, Multichannel, Comp, Quad, RM
2018
100 Hits, Sony Music
5xCD, Comp
2018
Magic Records
2xCD, Comp
2016
Brookside (2)
12", RM
2015
2015
2014
2010
Sony Music
4xCD, Comp
2010
Sony Music
4xCD, Comp, Dig
2010
MFSB
MFSB
MFSB
MFSB
MFSB
MFSB
MFSB
MFSB
MFSB
MFSB
MFSB
MFSB
MFSB
MFSB
MFSB
MFSB
MFSB
MFSB
MFSB
MFSB