Harry J. Coombs

Harry Coombs, Veteran Philadelphia International Records Executive, Dies at 85

Coombs helped launch the careers of The O’Jays, Teddy Pendergrass, Lou Rawls and more.

Veteran music industry executive Harry J. Coombs died on Sept. 3, Billboard has learned. Coombs, 85, passed away of pulmonary fibrosis/acute pulmonary hypertension in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Coombs, born Sept. 19, 1935 in Washington, D.C., was best known for his 30-year tenure at Philadelphia International Records. He joined PIR -- then distributed by CBS Records (now Sony Music) -- as a national promotion manager in 1972. He earned his first gold record that year for The O’Jays hit “Backstabbers.” Promoted to PIR’s executive vp internal operations and promotion in 1974, Coombs continued to play an integral role in building the label’s iconic “Philly Sound” legacy as he oversaw projects released by hit-making acts such as The Stylistics, Teddy Pendergrass, Lou Rawls, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, Billy Paul and Phyllis Hyman in addition to The O’Jays.

In a joint statement, PIR co-founders and songwriting-production duo Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff said, “Harry started with our organization from the beginning, and he was a tremendous asset in working with CBS on our behalf in sales and marketing efforts. Harry not only was a wonderful team player but also a great friend to us over the years. He truly will be missed. We send our sincere prayers and condolences to his dear wife and family.”

Links to magazine articles below:

Harry Coombs Dead: Exec Helped Launch The O'Jays | Billboard

Harry Coombs, Veteran Philadelphia International Records Executive, Dies at 85 (headtopics.com)

ARTISTS MENTIONED

Teddy Pendergrass

The O'Jays

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