Saving Sigma Sound Studios

Established in 1968 by recording engineer, Joe Tarsia, over 200 gold and platinum hits were recorded in this studio by artists ranging from Aretha Franklin to ZZ Top. This is where David Bowie recorded his hit album “Young Americans”.

Thanks to Sigma and the musicians that frequented the studio (such as MFSB), Philadelphia became a popular creative destination for artists such as David Bowie and Stevie Wonder. This is the home of “The Philly Sound”.

What are we raising money for?

• Hi-Res scanning of Sigma archives (including original architectural drawings) at The Regional Digital Imaging Center (RDIC) at The Athenaeum of Philadelphia.
  

• Building redevelopment feasibility study:

  • site appraisal

  • architectural drawings

  • structural engineering inspection

  • economic impact study
    

• Site control (eventually acquiring the building)

Highlights from Sigma’s History:

• 1968 - Joe Tarsia founds Sigma Sound Studios
  

• 1972 - Gamble & Huff, Thom Bell, and the artists of Philadelphia International Records write and record international hits such as Billy Paul’s “Me and Mrs Jones”;
  

• 1972 - Billy Joel records live version of "Captain Jack" which launches his career
  

• 1973 - MFSB record “TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia) - The Soul Train Theme Song”
  

• 1974-1975 - David Bowie records his album “Young Americans” featuring a young Luther Vandross
  

• 1976 - The Jacksons record their 11th self-titled album with Gamble & Huff
  

• 1980 - Joe hires George Ausberger to re-design the whole control room and renovates the entire studio adding two synchronized 24-track machines
  

• 1981 - Grover Washington Jr. records “Pieces of a Dream” album
  

• 1985 - Patti LaBelle records her album “Patti”
  

• 1994 - The Roots record “Do You Want More?!!!??!”
  

• 2003 - Tarsia family sells the Sigma building and existing studios to new owner
  

• 2015 - Sigma receives historic marker and is added to the National Register of Historic Places. And is acquired by a developer looking to create condos.
  

• 2020 - 212 N 12th Street receives historic designation from Philadelphia Historical Commission preventing developer/owner from demolishing the property.