PHILADELPHIA — On store shelves now is a new coffee table book that tells the story of our city’s mark on the music business.
From musicians to artists to performances, coupled with moments in history, “The Philadelphia Music Book: Sounds of a City” starts at the beginning and takes us to the present.
“Philly is a music town, and it’s been one of the most important music towns in the world,” says editor and longtime concert promoter Larry Magid.
Our music history, our legacy, is laid out in the book’s close to 400 pages.
Magid says it’s a nostalgic trip down memory lane.
“When I started in 1968, this was the place to get your record played and get your record broken in,” he recalls. “A lot of big stars, including Bruce Springsteen, got their start here in Philadelphia. Big names like Billy Joel and Bette Midler. It’s endless
how many people got started here. That’s the genesis of the book.”
From every era, to every genre, to every story, Magid says this was a labor of love.
“It was a lot of fun putting it together,” he says. “It took a while, but it was fun. I learned a lot. I thought I knew most of it, and I didn’t.”
Classical, gospel, blues, jazz, rock and roll, the book features names from the past, and the sounds taking our city into the future.
“I’m proud to be a Philadelphian and to have the opportunity to present this book to the world,” says Magid.
Proceeds go right back to the Philadelphia Music Alliance and their work with artists and the music community.
“We are absolutely keeping the creativity alive,” says Magid.