Photo credits: Philadelphia International
In 1973, The O’Jays, a pioneering soul and R&B band, began recording what would go down in history as the group’s only live record project.
When the finished product came together, after roughly seven months of recorded work was completed, it was time for a release date. On June 7, 1974, the Philadelphia International record label launched The O’Jays – Live in London, according to Album of the Year. A report from All Music stated that this timeless project was recorded at two different places while the group members spent time touring in the U.K.
The O’Jays put their soul-stirring grooves on record at the Central Hall in Chatham, England, as well as the Hammersmith Odeon in London, England. Unforgettable songs from this seven-track album (such as “Backstabbers” and “Love Train”) have commercially withstood the test of time. A 2020 episode of The Masked Singer and a 2005 Coors Light television advertisement featured the two hit songs respectively.
According to the RIAA, The O’Jays – Live in London has been certified gold after selling over 500,000 units. In the U.S., it peaked at number 17 on the mainstream music charts for pop albums and at number two on the R&B album charts.
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