Sigma Sound Studios

Last updated

Sigma Sound Studios
Industry Recording studio
FoundedPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. (1968 (1968))
Founder Joseph Tarsia
Defunct2014 (2014)
FateClosed
Headquarters
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
,
U.S.
Number of locations
2

Sigma Sound Studios was an American independent recording studio in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, founded in 1968 by recording engineer Joseph Tarsia. Located at 212 North 12th Street in Philadelphia, Sigma Sound is closely associated with Philadelphia soul, and was the location of numerous recordings of Gamble and Huff's Philadelphia International Records, the group of session musicians known as MFSB, and producer Thom Bell.

Contents

Sigma Sound is credited with well over 200 gold and platinum awards with an extensive client list that includes Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, The O'Jays, The Spinners, MFSB, David Bowie, Teddy Pendergrass, Patti LaBelle, The Roots and others. [1]

From 1977 through 1988, the studios also operated a New York City location in the Ed Sullivan Theater building, which hosted recording projects by artists including Talking Heads, Madonna, the Ramones, Aretha Franklin, and the B-52s.

History

Background

In fall of 1967, Joseph Tarsia, who had worked as a service technician for various Philadelphia recording studios before becoming chief engineer at Cameo-Parkway Studios, leveraged all of his assets to secure a $40,000 loan, which he used to lease 212 North 12th Street in Philadelphia in a location formerly occupied by Emil Corson's Rec-O-Art Studios. Rec-O-Art was a mono-only recording facility with a 40-foot long room and a 6x12x40 foot echo chamber where Tarsia had previously done service technician work. [2]

Sigma Sound Philadelphia

Tarsia opened his new recording studio, renamed Sigma Sound, in August 1968, hosting sessions for Gamble and Huff, Weldon McDougal, and The Delfonics on the first day. [2] From the beginning, Sigma Sound was strongly associated with Philadelphia soul and, in the 1970s, the sound of Gamble and Huff's Philadelphia International Records (PIR), as well as the classic, sophisticated productions of Thom Bell, [3] hosting recording sessions for PIR acts and others.

More than 30 resident session musicians, known collectively as MFSB ("Mother Father Sister Brother"), were based at this studio and backed up most of the recordings. [4] Some of the musicians also acted as arrangers, writers, or producers for Philadelphia International as well as for other labels recording in the city. They included Bobby Martin, [5] Norman Harris, Thom Bell, Ronnie Baker, Vince Montana and, later, Jack Faith, Dexter Wansel, and John Usry.

The studios' large productions with strings and horns became known as "The Sound of Philadelphia," or "T.S.O.P.", a term which became trademarked. [6] In 1972, MFSB began recording as a named act for the Philadelphia International Label, and recorded the theme for the American musical TV show Soul Train at Sigma Sound. The song, "TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia)", was the first television theme song to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. [7]

In 1969 Dusty Springfield recorded A Brand New Me and its hit title track at Sigma Sound. The following year, Wilson Pickett teamed up with Gamble and Huff at Sigma Sound for Wilson Pickett in Philadelphia and two of Pickett's most popular singles from the early 1970s - "Engine No. 9" and "Don't Let the Green Grass Fool You". In 1971 Harry Chipetz, former general manager of Cameo-Parkway, joined Sigma as general manager. [8] The same year, Laura Nyro and Labelle recorded Gonna Take a Miracle at the studio. On April 15, 1972, singer-songwriter and pianist Billy Joel and his touring band played an hour-long concert at Sigma Studios. The recording of "Captain Jack" from this event received extensive radio play in the Philadelphia area, long before Joel became widely known, which helped him establish a national following. [9]

In 1972, the O'Jays recorded their breakthrough album Back Stabbers at Sigma Sound, along with its hit single "Love Train", one of the first disco songs. The same year, Billy Paul recorded his best-selling hit song "Me and Mrs. Jones" at the studio. [10] Other artists who experienced commercial success working with Gamble and Huff, Philadelphia International, and Sigma Sound Studios included Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, The Spinners, and Teddy Pendergrass.

In 1974, David Bowie visited Sigma Sound Studios to work on recordings with Ava Cherry, and returned to Sigma Sound for the initial recording sessions for his 1975 album Young Americans . Local fans, whom Bowie referred to as the "Sigma Kids", waited outside the studio over the course of the sessions. On the final day of tracking, these fans were invited into the studio to listen to rough versions of the new songs. [11]

In 1976, Lou Rawls recorded his first album for PIR at Sigma Sound, All Things in Time , including Rawls' most successful single, "You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine". The same year, following their tenure at Motown as "the Jackson 5", the Jacksons recorded their self-titled 1976 album and their subsequent album, Goin' Places , at the studios. [2]

In 1979, Tarsia purchased the former United Artists screening room and studio at 13th and Vine Streets in Philadelphia, which Sigma converted to 3 additional studios to meet demand. [12]

Sigma Sound was one of the first recording studios in the United States to offer 24-track recording and the first anywhere to successfully employ console automation. [13] The varied list of artists attracted by the studios' success included the Trammps, The Manhattans, Robert Palmer, Melba Moore, the Salsoul Orchestra, The Ritchie Family, Grace Jones, Loleatta Holloway, Linda Clifford, Gloria Gaynor, John Travolta and others. [14]

Sigma Sound New York

In 1977, Tarsia opened a second Sigma Sound studio location in New York City. Located in the Ed Sullivan Theater building, this studio was used by the Village People for their albums Macho Man (1978) and Cruisin' (1978).

Sigma Sound's New York location was a favorite of Talking Heads who, beginning with 1980's Remain in Light , recorded some or all of their albums at Sigma Sound in New York City. [15] [16]

In 1983, Madonna used the New York studios to record her 1983 debut album, Madonna .

Other artists who recorded at Sigma Sound's New York studios include Rick James, Aretha Franklin, the B-52s, the Ramones, [17] Whitney Houston, Steely Dan, Roy Ayers, Ashford & Simpson, Paul Simon and others. [1] [14]

Sale and closure

Tarsia sold the New York studios in 1988 and the Philadelphia location in 2003, but they still retained the Sigma Sound Studios name. [1] The 6,000 unclaimed tapes from Sigma's 35-year-old tape library are now part of The Drexel University Audio Archive. [1] In 2019, Drexel University's MAD Dragon Music Group released 14 formerly-lost tracks from funk-soul group Nat Turner Rebellion that had been a part of the archive. [18] [19]

The Philadelphia studio closed in 2014. [1] In March 2015, the building that housed Sigma Sound Studios was sold for $1.55 million, with plans to renovate the space for office, retail or residential use. [20]

Legacy

On October 15, 2015, the original building for Sigma Sound Studios was officially dedicated as a historic site by the City of Philadelphia. The historic site marker was placed at 212 N. 12th Street. [21] On November 13, 2020, the Philadelphia Historical Commission voted unanimously to add the building to the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places. [22] [6]

In 2016, Sigma Sound Studios founder Joseph Tarsia was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum. [1]

Special Collections Research Center

Information on Sigma Sound Studios exists at the Special Collections Research Center at Temple University in Philadelphia. The memorabilia available includes newspaper and magazine clippings, collected ephemera and other publications. There are also photographs of both the New York City and Philadelphia studios, as well as advertising and promotional materials which include "AddZest" materials that are primarily in Japanese. Additionally, there is a limited selection of several types of studio records, and clippings. [23]


See also

Related Research Articles

Philadelphia soul, sometimes called Philly soul, the Philadelphia sound, Phillysound, or The Sound of Philadelphia (TSOP), is a genre of late 1960s–1970s soul music characterized by funk influences and lush string and horn arrangements. The genre laid the groundwork for the emergence of disco later in the 1970s by fusing the R&B rhythm sections of the 1960s with the pop vocal tradition and featuring a more pronounced jazz influence in its melodic structures and arrangements. Fred Wesley, trombonist with the J.B.'s and Parliament-Funkadelic, described the Philadelphia soul sound as "putting the bow tie on funk."

MFSB, officially standing for "Mother Father Sister Brother", was a pool of more than 30 studio musicians based at Philadelphia's Sigma Sound Studios. They worked closely with the production team of Gamble and Huff and producer/arranger Thom Bell, and backed up Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, the O'Jays, the Stylistics, the Spinners, Wilson Pickett, and Billy Paul.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gamble and Huff</span> American songwriting and record production team

Kenneth Gamble and Leon A. Huff are an American songwriting and production duo credited for developing the Philadelphia soul music genre of the 1970s. In addition to forming their own label, Philadelphia International Records, Gamble and Huff have written and produced 175 gold and platinum records, earning them an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the non-performer category in March 2008.

Philadelphia International Records (PIR) was an American record label based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was founded in 1971 by songwriting and production duo Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff along with their longtime collaborator Thom Bell. It was known for showcasing the Philadelphia soul music genre that was founded on the gospel, doo-wop and soul music of the time. This sound later marked a prominent and distinct era within the R&B genre. During the 1970s, the label released a string of worldwide hits that emphasized lavish orchestral instrumentation, heavy bass and driving percussion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia)</span> 1974 single by MFSB featuring The Three Degrees

"TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia)" is a 1974 recording by MFSB featuring vocals by The Three Degrees. It was written by Gamble and Huff as the theme for the American musical television program Soul Train, which specialized in African American musical performers. The single was released on the Philadelphia International Records label. It was the first television theme song to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

<i>The Jacksons</i> (album) 1976 studio album by The Jacksons

The Jacksons is the eleventh studio album by the Jacksons, the band's first album for Epic Records and under the name "the Jacksons," following their seven-year tenure at Motown as "the Jackson 5". Jackson 5 member Jermaine Jackson stayed with Motown when his brothers broke their contracts and left for Epic, and he was replaced by youngest Jackson brother Randy. The album was released in 1976 for Epic Records and Philadelphia International Records as a joint venture.

Double Exposure is an American, Philadelphia-based disco group. They are best known for their 1976 hit, "Ten Percent".

Vincent Montana Jr., known as Vince Montana, was an American composer, arranger, vibraphonist, and percussionist. He is best known as a member of MFSB and as the founder of the Salsoul Orchestra. He has been called "the Godfather of disco". Montana was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in 2016.

The Salsoul Orchestra was the backing band of session musicians for many acts on the New York City label Salsoul Records and, under its own name, recorded several hit singles and albums between 1975 and 1982.

Joseph Dominick Tarsia was an American recording studio owner and engineer from Philadelphia who was credited on many classic pop music tracks, earning him over 150 gold and platinum record awards. He was the founder and owner of the Sigma Sound Studios, which was the recording base of Gamble and Huff's Philadelphia International Records. Tarsia's recordings between the 1960s and 1980s were noteworthy for their clarity and aural definition, achieved years before the digital era.

<i>A Brand New Me</i> (Dusty Springfield album) 1970 studio album by Dusty Springfield

A Brand New Me is the sixth studio album by English singer Dusty Springfield, released in 1970.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">For the Love of Money</span> 1974 single by The OJays

"For the Love of Money" is a soul, funk song that was written and composed by Kenneth Gamble, Leon Huff, and Anthony Jackson; it was recorded by Philadelphia soul group The O'Jays for the album Ship Ahoy. Produced by Gamble and Huff for Philadelphia International Records, "For the Love of Money" was issued as a single in late 1973, with "People Keep Tellin' Me" as its B-side. The single peaked at number three on the U.S. Billboard R&B chart, and at No. 9 on Billboard's Pop Singles chart in spring 1974. Though the album version of the song was over seven minutes long, it received substantial radio airplay. The song's title comes from a well-known Bible verse, 1 Timothy 6:10: "For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." The song was also used as the opening theme song for NBC’s The Apprentice.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Earl Young (drummer)</span> American drummer

Earl Donald Young is a Philadelphia-based drummer who rose to prominence in the early 1970s as part of the Philly Soul sound. Young is best known as the founder and leader of The Trammps who had a hit record with "Disco Inferno". Young, along with Ronnie Baker and Norman Harris, was the owner of the Golden Fleece record label.

<i>MFSB</i> (album) 1973 studio album by MFSB

MFSB is the debut album by Philadelphia International Records houseband MFSB, released in 1973.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bad Luck (Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes song)</span> 1975 single by Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes

"Bad Luck" is a song recorded by American vocal group Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes from their album To Be True. Released as a single in 1975 by Philadelphia International Records, the song was written by Victor Carstarphen, Gene McFadden, and John Whitehead and produced by Gamble and Huff, with MFSB providing instrumentals. The single was number one on the Billboard Disco Action chart for eleven weeks, also peaking at no. 4 on Hot Soul Singles and no. 15 on the Hot 100. With an unusually loud hi-hat by session drummer Earl Young, "Bad Luck" is considered a signature disco song.

<i>Patti</i> (album) 1985 studio album by Patti LaBelle

Patti is the seventh studio album released by American singer Patti LaBelle. It was released by Philadelphia International Records on July 3, 1985, in the United States.

<i>All Things in Time</i> 1976 studio album by Lou Rawls

All Things in Time is an album by American R&B singer Lou Rawls, released in June 1976 on the Philadelphia International Records label. The album includes Rawls's most famous song, "You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine".

<i>Travelin at the Speed of Thought</i> 1977 studio album by The OJays

Travelin' at the Speed of Thought is an album by the American R&B group the O'Jays, released in 1977 on Philadelphia International Records. Unusual for the time, there had been no advance single release from the album; the only single subsequently issued, "Work on Me", became a #7 R&B hit but failed to reach the pop listings, making this the first O'Jays PIR album without a top 100 pop single. Travelin' at the Speed of Thought peaked at #6 on the R&B chart and reached #27 on the pop chart. The album achieved a gold certification.

Bobby Eli was an American musician, arranger, composer and record producer from Philadelphia. He was a founding member and lead guitarist of Philadelphia studio band MFSB.

<i>When Love Is New</i> 1975 studio album by Billy Paul

When Love is New is an album by soul singer Billy Paul. It was produced by Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff; arranged by Bobby Martin, Dexter Wansel, Norman Harris, and Jack Faith; and engineered by Joe Tarsia. Released in December 1975, it reached #139 on the Billboard Pop Album chart and #17 on the Soul chart. It includes the singles "Let's Make a Baby" which hit #83 on the Pop singles chart, #18 on the Soul chart, and #30 in the UK and "People Power" which reached #82 on the Soul chart and #14 on the U.S. Dance chart. The album was reissued on CD in 2010 by the U.K.'s Edsel Records. This was the final album where Paul was backed by MFSB, the house band of Philadelphia International Records (PIR).

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Young, Clive (November 4, 2022). "Studio Legend Joe Tarsia, 1934-2022". Mix. Retrieved June 10, 2024.
  2. 1 2 3 Cogan, Jim; Clark, William (2003). Temples of Sound: Inside the Great Recording Studios. San Francisco, United States: Chronicle Books. pp. 151–163. ISBN   0-8118-3394-1.
  3. ↑ Nite, Norm N. (1978). Rock On: The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Rock N' Roll, 1964–1978. New York: Thomas Y. Crowell. p. 320. ISBN   0-690-01196-2.
  4. ↑ Morrison, Jim (February 18, 2011). "Forty Years of Philadelphia Sound". Smithsonian Magazine. Retrieved July 18, 2020.
  5. ↑ "R.I.P. Legendary soul music producer Bobby Martin". Soultracks.com. September 10, 2013. Retrieved October 4, 2021.
  6. 1 2 "TSOP Trademark of ERSKINE ENTERTAINMENT LLC - Registration Number 5649778 - Serial Number 87192472 :: Justia Trademarks".
  7. ↑ Fred Bronson (2003). The Billboard Book of Number One Hits. Billboard Books. pp. 438–. ISBN   978-0-8230-7677-2.
  8. ↑ "Who's Who at Sigma". Billboard. September 16, 1978. Retrieved June 11, 2024.
  9. ↑ Bego, Mark (2007). Billy Joel: The Biography . Thunder's Mouth Press. p.  61. ISBN   9781560259893.
  10. ↑ Cogan, Jim; Clark, William (2003). Temples of Sound: Inside the Great Recording Studios. San Francisco, United States: Chronicle Books. p. 219. ISBN   0-8118-3394-1.
  11. ↑ Beaumont, Mark (February 21, 2020). "Cocaine, No Sleep and Deep Soul: The Story of David Bowie's Young Americans". The Independent . London: Independent Digital News & Media. ProQuest   2360500141.
  12. ↑ Nusser, Dick (June 2, 1979). "$2.5 Mil Expansion For Sigma Studios". Billboard. Retrieved June 11, 2024.
  13. ↑ Seay, Toby (June 1, 2012). "Capturing That Philadelphia Sound: A Technical Exploration Of Sigma Sound Studios". Journal on the Art of Record Production (6). Archived from the original on January 5, 2015. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
  14. 1 2 "Sigma Sound Studios: Recording Hits Since '68". Billboard. September 16, 1968. Retrieved June 11, 2024.
  15. ↑ Jackson, Blair (February 28, 2023). "Classic Tracks: Talking Heads' "Road to Nowhere"". Mix. Retrieved June 10, 2024.
  16. ↑ Buskin, Richard (November 2010). "Classic Tracks: Talking Heads 'Road To Nowhere'". Sound On Sound. Retrieved June 10, 2024.
  17. ↑ Buskin, Richard (March 2008). "Classic Tracks: The Ramones 'Pet Sematary'". Sound On Sound. Retrieved June 10, 2024.
  18. ↑ Kreps, Daniel (March 26, 2019). "How a College Music Department Helped Unearth a Long-Lost Philly Funk-Soul Classic". Rolling Stone. Retrieved May 27, 2022.
  19. ↑ "Decades Later, Nat Turner Rebellion Makes Its Debut With 'Laugh To Keep From Crying'". NPR.org. Retrieved May 27, 2022.
  20. ↑ Young, Clive (March 3, 2015). "Sigma Sound Studios Sold To Developers". Mix. Retrieved June 10, 2024.
  21. ↑ Roberts, Kimberly C. "Historic marker honors Sigma Sound Studios". phillytrib.com. The Philadelphia Tribune. Retrieved November 10, 2015.
  22. ↑ Simons, David (2004). Studio Stories: How the Great New York Records Were Made : from Miles to Madonna, Sinatra to the Ramones. Backbeat Books. pp. 182–185. ISBN   0879308176.
  23. ↑ "Sigma Sound Studio Records, 1960-2011 | Temple University Libraries". library.temple.edu. Retrieved January 28, 2019.

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