Kenny Gamble to release 'American' record

NEW YORK, June 30 (UPI) -- U.S. producer and songwriter Kenny Gamble is to release his new version of "I Am An American" in time for Independence Day, Sony BMG Masterworks said.

Featuring special guest performances by Patti Labelle and the Temple University Symphony Orchestra and Choirs, the song will be available through all digital service providers Tuesday, the label said.

The new version of the song adopted by the late U.S. spiritual leader Father Divine and his International Peace Mission movement was recorded by Gamble, a recent Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame inductee.

Gamble is also the co-founder of the Philadelphia International Records, which is known for hundreds of classic hits by such artists as The O'Jays, Teddy Pendergrass and LaBelle, among others.

Sony said the new recording is "full of huge orchestral crescendos, excerpts from important speeches in American history and original words, along with Ms. LaBelle's powerful and soulful voice."

Gamble said in a statement that he hopes the song can "lift the spirits for America that has always been destined to be a country standing for freedom, justice and equality."