Philly Groove was founded in 1967 by record executive and Philadelphia native Stan Watson. Under the leadership of Watson and the label’s principle A&R executive, Songwriter Hall of Fame inductee Thom Bell, Philly Groove quickly became one of the most culturally significant record companies of the classic soul era, both for its African American executive staff and its signing of the Grammy Award-winning trio The Delfonics, whose records would go on to sell millions of copies and top R&B and pop music charts alike. Artists include The Delfonics, Ben Aiken, Billy Bass, Broadway Express, Coupe De Villes, David Lasley, Ernest Wright, Finishing Touch, First Choice, Flashlight, Jamo Thomas, Jesse James, Mary Holmes, and Music Machines, among others.