Morning Headlines: Prior to Apartments, Sigma Sound Studios to Get Historical Marker
Sigma Sound Studios | Image: Google Street View
It will be a difficult task to cram all of the musical history of Sigma Sounds Studio into one blue placard, but the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission will certainly give it their best shot. The Philadelphia Business Journal reports that the legendary studio space will be given its own blue and gold street marker that denotes a key location in the birth of “The Sounds of Philadelphia.”
As you know, the rather unassuming building at 210 N. 12th Street was recently purchased for $1.55 million and will be converted into a yet-to-be-determined number of apartments. A press release offers a glimpse into what could go onto the marker:
A leader in the Philadelphia music scene for nearly 50 years, Sigma Studios produced records for many nationally known acts such as, the O’Jays, the Spinners, Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, David Bowie and Billy Joel. Sigma was on the cutting edge of the soul music scene. It was one of the first in the nation to introduce 24-track recording and console automation. Many of its innovations are still in use today.
Overall, PHMC selected 22 new historical markers, many of which are in Philadelphia or the surrounding area, including the Devon Horse Show, William Penn Charter School, the Terminal Commerce Building and Sullivan Progress Plaza–the first shopping center developed, owned, and managed by African Americans.
• Sigma Sound Studios, more to get historical markers [Philadelphia Business Journal]
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