Kenneth Gamble, Patti Labelle & the Temple University Orchestra & Choir.

Full of huge orchestral crescendos, and Patti LaBelle’s powerful and soulful voice, “I Am An American” has been played as the finale to the Welcome America! Celebration on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia for the past two years; at the Rose Bowl’s Americafest in Pasadena this year’s July 4th; and even inspired its very own exhibit in Atlanta’s National Museum of Patriotism that was unveiled this past April. “I Am An American” will have an expanded presence in 2009 Veterans Day parades around the country, including New York, Detroit and San Diego.

The 45-minute documentary DVD, The Making of an Anthem, follows Mr. Gamble through the “I Am American” recording process at the Kimmel Center with the Temple University orchestra and choir, and goes behind the scenes into the legendary Philadelphia International Records studio with the iconic Patti LaBelle. A powerful segment of the history of Father Divine and the Peace Mission Movement comes to life with vintage footage from the 1960s. The film is interspersed with a number of interviews that speak to the meaning and inspiration behind this project, and the tremendous honor that resulted from this unique collaboration.

“In this time of many changes in the world, I decided to not only honor my brother - a veteran himself, but to do something for all Veterans as well as America as a whole that would be extraordinary… make a substantial difference and have a lasting impact. For me, music is that catalyst.”
- Kenny Gamble

"Many have honored Kenny Gamble's achievements....this time he is bestowing the gratitude
...on his country."
– Michael Smerconish, CBS Radio

“If a person hearing this does not get goose bumps, does not horripilate, then they’re deaf or dead.”
- Lionel, Air America morning host