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Just like Los Angeles has its heralded Hollywood Walk of Fame, Philadelphia has its own musical Walk of Fame which pays tribute to those hitmakers who have created the Sound of Philly over time.
On December 15, 1986, the Philadelphia Music Alliance (PMA) established the Walk of Fame as a “living tribute” to the city’s rich music history. The plaque at the Southwest corner of Broad and Walnut Streets reads, “In commemoration of those members of the Philadelphia-area music and arts community whose outstanding achievements have significantly enhanced the quality of our cultural lives and the reputation of our city.”
Located along the Avenue of the Arts (Broad Street) between Walnut and Spruce Streets, there are cool plaques affixed in the sidewalk which honor various musical legends. Note that there are plaques on both sides of the Avenue of the Arts between Walnut and Spruce Streets.
Over time, the Philly music scene has evolved and played to large audiences, locally and globally. In 1985, Philadelphia hosted the Live Aid concert conceived by Bob Geldof as an international fundraising platform designed to bring awareness and relief to those suffering in the Ethiopian famine. The Hooters (see below) who are from Philadelphia opened Live Aid. Since then, Philadelphia has hosted many other signature concerts such as Live 8 and Jay-Z’s annual Made in America.
The PMA has recognized honorees across a wide spectrum of musical genres including R&B, pop/contemporary, rock, churban, jazz, rap and soul. Some of the chart topping pioneers with Philadelphia roots who are recognized on the Walk of Fame include Patti LaBelle, John Coltrane, Stan Getz, Dizzy Gillespie, Billie Holiday, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Joan Jett, Darryl Hall and John Oats, The Roots, Boyz II Men, Eric Bazilian and Rob Hyman (of The Hooters) and more. In total, there are 140 inductees to date.
The Avenue of the Arts proudly houses various performance venues including the Academy of Music, Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, the Wilma Theater, the Merriam Theater, and the Suzanne Roberts Theater.
Insider Info
In addition to Rob Hyman and Eric Bazilian of The Hooters being honored on the Walk of Fame, The Hooters drummer, David Uosikkinen can certainly be a candidate for future induction on the Walk of Fame, including for his work with The Hooters, but also for In The Pocket that he started in 2010. In the Pocket brings awareness to music education and pays homage to all of the great music that has come out of Philadelphia. In The Pocket brings together all-star Philly musicians to cover classic Philadelphia tunes.
For those Walk of Fame aficionados, there is another walk of fame in Philadelphia, and it is called Signers’ Walk. Located on Chestnut Street between 6th and 7th Street (south side of Chestnut Street), Signers’ Walk pays tribute to the 56 Founding Fathers who risked their lives, reputations and fortunes to sign The Declaration of Independence. See the sidewalk plaques that run along Chestnut Street.
How to Get There
The Philadelphia Music Alliance Walk of Fame is conveniently located on the Avenue of the Arts between Walnut and Spruce Streets. For guests of The Constitutional Walking Tour, the Philadelphia Music Alliance Walk of Fame is just a short 1.1 mile walk from the National Constitution Center. From the Constitution Center, walk up 6th Street heading South and make a right onto Walnut Street. When you get to Avenue of the Arts (also known as Broad Street) make a left and the Walk of Fame will be visible on the sidewalk below.
Additional Information
Philadelphia Music Alliance Walk of Fame
Avenue of the Arts (between Walnut and Spruce Streets)
Philadelphia, PA 19102
