Philadelphia Music Scene

Philadelphia's music scene encompasses a rich tapestry of genres from the Philadelphia Sound soul and R&B that defined 1970s pop music to the hardcore punk movement of the 1980s, contemporary hip-hop, indie rock, and a thriving classical music tradition centered on the Philadelphia Orchestra. The city has produced legendary artists including The Roots, Hall & Oates, Patti LaBelle, Teddy Pendergrass, Boyz II Men, and Meek Mill. Venues range from intimate clubs in Fishtown and Northern Liberties to the massive Wells Fargo Center and outdoor festivals like Made in America. Philadelphia's diverse musical heritage makes it one of America's most important music cities.

Musical Heritage

Philadelphia Sound

Soul and R&B:

• 1970s phenomenon
• Philadelphia International Records
• Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff
• MFSB, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes
• "The Sound of Philadelphia"

American Bandstand

Television influence:

• Broadcast from Philadelphia (1952-1963)
• Dick Clark hosting
• National platform for artists
• Shaped pop music

Jazz History

Jazz scene:

• Historic jazz clubs
• John Coltrane (native)
• Grover Washington Jr.
• Contemporary venues

Contemporary Scenes

Hip-Hop

Rap culture:

• The Roots*** - Legendary group, Tonight Show band
• Meek Mill*** - Major artist, criminal justice reform
• Lil Uzi Vert***
• Strong hip-hop culture

Rock and Indie

Guitar music:

• Vibrant indie scene
• Venues in Fishtown, Northern Liberties
• Local bands
• Rock history

Punk and Hardcore

Alternative:

• 1980s hardcore scene
• Dead Milkmen, Poison Idea influence
• Continuing legacy
• DIY venues

Major Venues

Large Venues

Concerts:

• Wells Fargo Center*** - Major tours
• The Mann*** - Outdoor amphitheater
• The Met Philadelphia*** - Historic opera house, concerts
• Theatre of Living Arts (TLA)*** - Mid-size

Medium Venues

Club scene:

• Fillmore Philadelphia*** - Fishtown
• Union Transfer*** - Spring Garden
• World Cafe Live*** - University City
• The Foundry*** - Fillmore adjacent

Small Venues

Intimate clubs:

• Johnny Brenda's*** - Fishtown
• Kung Fu Necktie*** - Fishtown
• Boot & Saddle*** - South Philadelphia
• Milkboy*** - Center City

Classical/Jazz

Concert halls:

• Kimmel Center*** - Philadelphia Orchestra home
• Academy of Music*** - Historic opera house
• Chris' Jazz Cafe*** - Jazz club
• South*** - Jazz venue

Festivals

Made in America

Major festival:

• Jay-Z/Roc Nation production
• Benjamin Franklin Parkway
• Labor Day weekend
• Hip-hop focus, diverse lineup

XPoNential Music Festival

WXPN event:

• Camden waterfront
• World music, Americana, indie
• Radio station sponsored

Other Festivals

Annual events:

• Philadelphia Folk Festival (Schwenksville)
• Musikfest (Bethlehem area)
• Jazz festivals

Musical Institutions

Philadelphia Orchestra

World-class:

• Founded 1900
• Kimmel Center resident
• Historic recordings
• International reputation

Curtis Institute of Music

Elite conservatory:

• Free tuition for all students
• World-class training
• Notable alumni
• Center City location

Settlement Music School

Community music:

• Founded 1908
• Multiple locations
• Accessible education
• Youth programs

Record Labels

Historic Labels

Philadelphia labels:

• Philadelphia International Records*** - Gamble and Huff
• Influential soul label
• Philly sound originator

Contemporary Labels

Modern scene:

• Independent labels
• Local artists
• DIY distribution

Notable Artists

Legends

Philadelphia musicians:

• Patti LaBelle***
• Hall & Oates***
• Teddy Pendergrass***
• The O'Jays***
• Boyz II Men***
• Chubby Checker***

Contemporary

Current artists:

• The Roots***
• Meek Mill***
• Lil Uzi Vert***
• Tierra Whack***
• Jazmine Sullivan***

Radio

WXPN

Public radio:

• 88.5 FM
• University of Pennsylvania
• Adult album alternative
• World Cafe show (national)

Commercial Radio

Stations:

• WMMR - Rock
• WUSL (Power 99) - Hip-hop
• WOGL - Oldies
• Multiple formats

See Also

• Philadelphia Sound
• The Roots
• Philadelphia Orchestra
• Made in America Festival