The fire started Sunday morning on the third floor of Philadelphia International Records on Broad Street near Spruce.
First responders say they saw several young people running from inside the building. One ended up getting stuck inside. He was then rescued by firefighters and treated for minor injuries. He was then taken in for questioning and released, Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers says, "for now."
The fire is believed to have begun on the third floor which was the heart of the company's rich musical history.
"That's where our main studios are; that's where we recorded so many of the artists through the years. We're just so concerned about all the potential damage that could have happened," Gamble said.
The effects of the fire are being felt by many.
"It's going to be very sad because Gamble and Huff is the Philadelphia sound," Kimmel Center volunteer Joan Goldberg said.
The Philadelphia International Records was where the Philadelphia sound was born. Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff guided such artists as the late Teddy Pendergrass, whose funeral they recently attended, as well as Patti LaBelle, Chubby Checker, Michael Jackson and others. Their list of hits included anthems like 'Love Train,' and 'Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now.' Luckily, all were securely stored off sight.
While all of those hits from all of those artists will be their musical legacy, Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff are also immortalized on Broad Street, not just in the soul of Philadelphia, but also in Broad Street's Walk of Fame.
Both Gamble and Huff were out of town when the fire erupted.
