VIA PRESS RELEASE | From American Bandstand to The Sounds of Philadelphia and Live Aid, Philadelphia has always been a hub for musical excellence. Tracing back a lineage of decades or even centuries, every neighborhood has a story to tell about the famous artists who have performed in and called the city home.
Now, in a beautiful coffee table book and new collection that spans generations of the city’s most iconic artists and performances, The Philadelphia Music Book: Sounds of a City, 2nd Edition ($49.95 hardcover) due November 12, 2025 (Camino Books) is a weighty, glossy, 390-page, 296-image volume. This edition (the first available to the public) adds new content alongside dozens of updates and revisions that further flesh out the city’s musical culture.
Proceeds from the sales of the book will help Philadelphia Music Alliance (PMA) create, support, and sponsor programs and events that enrich and strengthen Philadelphia’s musical community. PMA is the city’s premier music authority dedicated to celebrating the significant contributions of Philadelphians across all music genres.
Over a dozen contributors lend their knowledge, understanding, and lived experience in Philadelphia, including local journalists who recount the stories of Philadelphia’s homegrown musical heroes and capture their triumphs and challenges in the full context of their lives.
Writers 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, alongside editor and legendary concert promoter, Larry Magid, guide readers on a nostalgic and inspiring journey throughout The Philadelphia Music Book.
This rich musical heritage of Philadelphia spans genres and generations. Classical, gospel, blues, jazz, rock and roll, countless others—if you can name it, Philadelphia has likely played a role in its growth. With this book, you’ll travel through time and get to know artists and their lasting impact across music history
Proceeds from the sales of the book will help Philadelphia Music Alliance (PMA) create, support, and sponsor programs that enrich and strengthen Philadelphia’s musical community. PMA is the city’s premier music authority dedicated to celebrating the significant contributions of Philadelphians across all musical genres.
The PMA is preserving the memories of legends and increasing awareness of music’s integral role in our city. The project was financed in part by a grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Community and Economic Development.
This book preserves the contributions of the city’s musical legends, increasing awareness of music’s role in the city’s history. Ultimately, we’re celebrating an integral part of what makes Philadelphia the city it is today: a place with an indelible spirit that proudly produces creative souls and innovators. Philadelphia’s finest music writers have taken advantage of this unique project to offer both their critical insights and their factual knowledge about the city’s musical legacy.
Sometimes, the show is just as iconic as the artist, and The Philadelphia Music Book also covers some of the city’s most important performances. As the music industry boomed in the 20th century, countless ensembles and solo artists rose to prominence in venues that served as hotbeds for musical talent. And one of our largest and most famous shows—the Live Aid concert of 1985—was produced by Magid, cementing his legendary status. The book presents the fascinating history of Philadelphia music in a clear and compelling manner with the help of its passionate contributors, all of whom are from the city.
“Philadelphia is a magical place,” says Greg S. Harris, President and CEO, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame & Museum in the 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.”
BOOK RELEASE EVENT
Thursday, November 20 at 7 p.m.
The Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA
Free and Open to the Public (Registration required)
Host: Sam Katz Interviews Larry Magid
Registration Available: HERE
