Dexter Wansel: Interview with the songwriter, producer and architect of the 'Philly Sound'

Born in August 1950 Dexter Wansel is one of the most influential figures of the Philly Soul. As the A+R Director for Philadelphia International Records, songwriter, arrangeur and producer Wansel was responsible for legendary records from acts like Lou Rawls, Patti LaBelle, The Jacksons, Teddy Pendergrass, Instant Funk, MFSB and Yellow Sunshine.
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[@dominichetherington2287]

Said it many times the man is a pure genius 👏👌🙌

[@trwatson129]

The Philly's sound contained rich orchestral elements that to me hark back to chopin and debussy in its melancholic beauty. The horn and string arrangers always seemed to find the melancholic beauty even in a happy song to add tearful beauty at ornamentation to music. I am proud to be an african american who grew up in the 70's to hear this absolutely beautiful genius. Dexter Wansel is a rich part of our musical history.

[@mmafan3]

A truly underrated master. Next to George Duke, Donald Byrd and others this brother is 🔥 I am glad he is still here to share his wisdom.

[@anthonyharty1732]

I first saw the name Dexter Wansel on the MFSB Album Philadelphia Freedom in 1975. The two tracks When Your Love Is Gone and Morning Tears were way ahead of there time, they were so different to anything else. Jazz funk had just come out and Dexter was one of the first to do that type of music. I bought all his albums from then on, he is a fantastic writer producer and keyboard player. A musical genius, he never got the recognition he deserves.

[@BroBritt-kc6zh]

Dude I patterned my playing behind your sound because of your Album Life on Mars. Thank you for your contribution.

[@Discophonic]

This man is a walking LEGEND ! 🌟🤩

[@albertknight1187]

Dexter is the man

[@KeithCopeland778]

Dexter Wansel is one of the planet's most underrated keyboardists, arrangers, and composers!!! His Life on Mars recording is one of the most incredible projects ever as well as the musicianship!!! Yeah, the string and horn arrangements are one of the factors that distinguish the PIR sound from Motown.

[@friendlyhorseuk7220]

2 great Dexter Wansel songs I'd mention........ Lovers Holiday - Lou Rawls I Think I'll Stay Home Today - Billy Paul

[@wofat6300]

The Life on Mars album is one of the best albums ever made.

[@Earthomo]

You’re a gift to us all! Thank you for all the gifts you’ve given us over the years.

[@jammck1399]

Out of the Gamble/Huff's Philadelphia international records or PIR/TSOP roster There was Dexter wansel who produced for The Jacksons, Phyllis Hyman, Shirley Jones, Patti Labelle, including himself and other PIR artists.

[@freein2339]

I wouldnt put much stock on the Jacksons because they felt the "Philly Sound" was not a good fit for them....and they were right...But the the other artists you mentioned fit right in with the Philly sound....

[@gregmcintyre9936]

Saw Dexter 3x, Extraordinary Musician!!!

[@jtuck07]

THE GOAT

[@deewoo2776]

I still listen to The Sweetest Pain which is the original version before Loose Ends did it. Still sounds wonderful to my ears. REAL MUSIC! Dexter Wansel is a GENIUS!

[@friendlyhorseuk7220]

Think the drummer was Charles Collins. First played about 1976, prob on You'll never find.

[@thecolorcomputer]

Good on you guys for shining a light on this music pioneer! Much appreciation and gratitude from Philly 🕺✨️

[@moretimeneeded56]

Dexter talks so much sense. Pure facts about Red Lining, Stop and Frisk etc. An all round great man!

[@dappdaddy33]

…greatest sound ever in music history The Philly Sound NOT debatable 😳💯✔️….

[@freein2339]

You need to listen to more "sounds"....

[@reginaldwright247]

The Guy with the GOODS! Georgie Woods!

[@KingRiceDa1st]

My Dad played with Bobby Eli back in the day... He was a Drummer... Howard "Little" Rice...

[@resah18]

This was a great interview. So much wisdom. So much wonderful context. Thank you!

[@BKaneNp8]

Philly Love 215

[@Pistol_Knight]

I live in the UK and back in the day I Loved TSOP one of my most treasured labels I have on vinyl, the sound was one of the best not forgetting one of the best Vinyl albums I own, Life on Mars

[@kincamell]

Gratitude

[@jaywalters5255]

What a fantastic being you've managed to document sir. Congratulations and salute !!

[@ksager123]

@59:50 lol Lauryn hill

[@Fernando-qs7bl]

What is the world coming to", is one of his songs off of the Life on Mars LP. It's not funny but I can biblically answer that question. May God bless you and yours.

[@domniqueisleseer5101]

Nice interview of a great man, got to see him at the jazz cafe in London the other night 🤩 he is of course a GENIUS 💯💯💯 Just wondering though why the interviewer couldn't help him out with Lauryn Hills name 🤔

[@ronald33313]

Dexter was way ahead of his time. I listened to his music back in the '70s which then was different. Some of the music was borderline eclectic like the track the ring of Saturn. It started my jazz journey which I prefer today.

[@dariusvbryant.]

Great!!!!!!!

[@scottarmsteadel2233]

Incredible innovator✨🔥🔥🔥🎹

[@Hector-yg6ps]

Cosmic funk Genius!

[@matthewhammock7828]

Let's not forget Herbie Hancock

[@p4rt_t1me_g0d]

Nobody forgets about HH, that's part of the reason for interviewing DW. Please just let him enjoy his flowers, Herbie gets his regularly enough.

[@wade565]

Love Dexter Wansel!! Hope he never does another interview with you again!! Terrible editing!!! What was the point? "Time Is The Teacher"

[@jaywalters5255]

@wade565 You can breathe now, it's over. Hopefully, you'll grow up mentally and not be outrageous in your comments towards goodwill and intent of value from people less talented as yourself.

[@dawudabdullaah6977]

Why is he asking Dexter about red ligning and Levittown? Dumb interview, didn't talk about music.

[@jazziccoolcat]

Because there is a connection between red lining, Levittown, systematic white supremacy and its connections with the black experience, black music etc. which is something you should be able to understand, Dawud. So therefore, this is a great and very important interview. Please do further research.

[@studiobencivengamarcusbenc5272]

@@jazziccoolcat really ? Why do they not talk about music is still unanswered- spare us the Communist party of America hypocrisy!

[@jazziccoolcat]

@@studiobencivengamarcusbenc5272 Really? Why don't you start start being more open-minded by doing further research and having less denial about America's history? And STOP TROLLING and MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS.😠

[@thescatman5029]

Because it affected those musicians' ability to live, and work. He said, straight up, that there were places Black musicians couldn't work. And it did affect their music!

[@jaywalters5255]

@dawudabdul.... One reason why so-called red lining (rascism) continues today is that it's often sanitized. I'm pleased that Dexter was asked about the blatant discrimination that crushes the lives of so many black people. People who think like you can go watch Fox News. They have a more suitable lineup of artists for you. Great interview imo. Can't please er'body, especially the perfectly sanitized beings.

[@dawnjohnson8277]

Christopher Wansel has it in him too. The LOVE for music ❤. Great interview ❤.

[@caribbeangtr8077]

Miseducation of Lauren Hill. SOB didn't edit!