The world lost one of its musical greats last night when glam-rock superstar David Bowie died from cancer at age 69. As the world mourns the loss, Philly radio station WXPN is playing Bowie hits all-day long while the city looks back on the musician's history in the city of Brotherly Love—namely, his time spent recording at Sigma Sound Studios at 212 N. 12th St.
Bowie recorded his album "Young Americans" here in 1974 from August to November with the help of R&B legend Luther Vandross. The album later reached the Top 10 List in America. Fun fact: Drexel University currently owns some of the original reels from the recording.
In fact, Sigma Sound Studios, where "The Sound of Philadelphia" was born, recently received a historical marker designation in October 2015. The studio was established in 1968 by Joseph Tarsia and produced hits by not just Bowie, but also the O'Jays, Stevie Wonder, and the Village People.
Despite efforts by a Change.org petition to save the building, Sigma Sound Studios was bought in February 2015 by North 12th Street Investments, LLC. The current plans are to convert the property in apartments, retail, or office space.
While the studio will be no more, there's a documentary in the works that will feature Sigma's lasting impact on Philadelphia's music history. Sigma Sound: The Sound Heard 'Round The World is expected to drop this year. For now, you can watch the trailer here.
·David Bowie's Philadelphia [PI]
·Historic marker honors Sigma Sound Studios [PT]
·How did Drexel end up with rare David Bowie recordings? [Drexel]
·Sigma Sound Studios building sold, will be converted to apartments [PBJ]
·New documentary will immortalize Philly-based Sigma Sound Studios [The Key]