Philadelphia’s Rich Music History Explored In New Book

PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia has an incredibly rich and deep history due to its hosting of the first Continental Congress in 1774 and the subsequent revolutionary meetings, people, and moments.

But Philadelphia’s history is also inextricably artistic, notably in the music sphere.

And that’s what the second edition of the “The Philadelphia Music Book: Sounds Of A City” lays out.

The new version of the book — which stands at a hefty 390-pages with 296 images — is available now for $49.95 in hardcover. And it’s the time the book has become publicly available.

Proceeds will help Philadelphia Music Alliance create, support, and sponsor programs and events that enrich and strengthen Philadelphia’s musical community. The alliance is the city’s premier music authority dedicated to celebrating the significant contributions of Philadelphians across all music genres.

The tome was edited by legendary concert promoter Larry Magid, who was instrumental in bringing the iconic 1985 Live Aid benefit concert to Philadelphia and establishing the Electric Factory, now Franklin Music Hall.

“There’s an enormous amount of pride in looking into all these people who came out of this area,” Magid said of the generations of Philadelphia musicians. “All Philadelphians should be proud of it.”

The book features 31 chapters, the initial discussing the city’s beloved string bands and the final covering dance music such as hip-hop and disco that came out of the city.

Topics also include concert halls, broadcasters and radio DJs, musical theater, and the Settlement Music School, which was founded more than 100 years ago and provides free music lessons to neighborhood students who might not be able to afford them.

“This is a city of thriving arts,” Magis said. “There are a lot of avenues, people who want to help, but talent conquers all.”

Those who pick up the book will learn about how far back Philadelphia’s music history reaches.

“It was also the center of music in the 18th century,” Magid said.

Even Benjamin Franklin’s foray into music (he invented the glass harmonica in 1761) contributed to the city’s overall musical culture.

Magid, a font of musical knowledge himself, said in editing the book he learned about other aspects otherwise unknown to him regarding the city’s musical history, namely the contributions from the opera and classical music communities.

“I thought I knew a lot about Philadelphia music and was surprised what I learned,” he said. “I knew about 30 to 40 percent of what’s in the book, the rest was submitted by other writers.”

The book’s first edition never hit bookstore shelves.

And in developing the second edition, Magid said writers were calling in to suggest additions to the book. That led to about 40 more people being included in the pages, he said.

Those who wrote for the book are Brent White, Larry Platt, Howard Shapiro, Juli Hittner Vitello, Peter Dobrin, Tom Moon, Chuck Darrow, Clark DeLeon, Dan DeLuca, Tom DiNardo, Jack McCarthy, James McKinney, and Jonathan Takiff.

These writers guide readers on a nostalgic and inspiring journey throughout the book.

“Philadelphia is a magical place,” Greg S. Harris, President and CEO, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame & Museum, wrote in the book’s foreword. “Those profiled in this book have excelled, and reading about it brings us closer to them and brings Philadelphia music history alive. It reminds us there is an energy and vibe in every neighborhood, and the sounds of Philadelphia are broad and diverse. Its musical heritage is rich, from the fife and drum and hymn days, to the Mummers, Philadelphia Orchestra, birth of gospel, blues shouters, jazz masters, birth of rock and roll, soul revues, punk rock, and hip hop today. All to be celebrated, and all shared in this fantastic book.”

Magid said what he hopes people get from the book is a deeper appreciation for Philadelphia’s music scene, which he said is only growing for the better.

Readers should be excited to learn about “anything that came before them,” he said.

“I think the most important thing is what came before modern music and traditions,” he said. “It’s great looking back on different times and eras.”

Those who dive into the book will learn about lesser known figures in the city’s music history, while also learning more about moments and people they are already familiar with.

One example is the Live Aid concert.

“It’s strange to read about yourself. You start looking at yourself in the third person,” Magid said. “I’m probably getting more acclaim than I actually deserve, but I’m not returning it.”

Magid said in recent year’s he has felt immense pride in seeing acts such as Pink, Mt. Joy, Japanese Breakfast, War on Drugs, and more local artist earning national and international recognition.

“These are acts from Philadelphia that can sell out Madison Square Garden or an arena in Los Angeles or amphitheaters in Philly,” he said. “That’s the pride I have that enabled me to write this book.”

The book also speaks to the creativity and resilience of Philadelphia as reflected in the music scene.

“I think this book points to hope, inspiration, and what’s to come,” Magid said. “It’s going to keep perpetuating itself. The climate of creativity here is, ‘if he can make it, I can make it.'”

That spirit comes, in large part, from the community- and neighborhood-mindedness of local artists.

“For every person who makes it, there are 20 people behind them who have helped along the way,” Magid said. “Part of the cultural fiber of the city is to open people up to all forms of art. That’s our birthright as well.”

A release party to celebrate the book is planned for 7 p.m. Thursday at the Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine St. The event is free and open to the public. Sam Katz will interview Magid as part of the event. Register to attend online here.

“The Philadelphia Music Book: Sounds of a City, 2nd Edition” is available at bookstores, online here, or directly from the publisher, Camino Books, Inc., P.O. Box 59026, Philadelphia, PA 19102.