Vince Montana

With over 25 gold and platinum album awards, Vincent Montana, Jr. is truly a musical success story. During the '70s and '80s, the multi-talented composer/arranger/conductor/percussionist/bandleader and renowned vibraharpist was a member of MFSB, the studio house band for Gamble & Huff's Philadelphia International Records (PIR), and later founded the Salsoul Orchestra for Joe, Stan, and Ken Cayre's Salsoul Records. Montana's Salsoul Orchestra set a high musical standard by introducing the first disco orchestra and inventing a new style of dance music. The orchestra's impact spilled over into the house music of the '80s and the disco-influenced electronica of the '90s. Born and raised in South Philadelphia, Montana was playing local dance clubs by the time he was sixteen. During the early '50s, he worked in jazz clubs as a backup for such legends as Charlie Parker, Sarah Vaughn, Buddy DeFranco, Stan Getz, Clifford Brown, and Red Garland. Eventually, Montana moved to Las Vegas, playing at the Freemont Hotel, the Golden Nugget, and others. After a few years, Montana returned to Philadelphia and started his own band playing the dance circuit. He also did studio work for local record labels Cameo Parkway and Chancellor Records. Montana can be heard on hits by Chubby Checker, Bobby Rydell, Frankie Avalon, Fabian, and others. Around this time, Montana became a member of the band of the nationally syndicated TV talk show The Mike Douglas Show, which was produced in Philly. Douglas would engage in light banter with Montana, giving the musician his first real taste of national exposure. After leaving The Mike Douglas Show, Montana became active in the burgeoning Philly soul sound, contributing vibes, arrangements, percussion, and production skills to a slew of hits that originated...