When you come to Philadelphia, it’s not hard to see its rich history everywhere you look. From the cobblestone streets under your feet to the brick facade of Independence Hall, its history is embedded within every crack and crevice.
Similarly, Philadelphia’s history can also be heard through its music, from the sound of Philadelphia Soul in the '60s and '70s developed by Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff, and Thom Bell, to the indie rock explosion of the aughts led by Kurt Vile and The War on Drugs. Philadelphia is a town well-versed in all genres and backgrounds — even its athletes are musicians. And at the Jan. 23 Recording Academy Philadelphia Chapter Member & Nominee Celebration leading up to the 2024 GRAMMYs, the music was alive and kickin’.
The party took place at VINYL, Philly’s latest addition to a long list of its music venues, located just steps away from the Academy of Music in the center of town. The night was a testament to the brotherly love and familial spirit within Philly’s music community. The night outside may have been chilly and damp, but inside was warm and embracing.
As guests arrived, they were greeted by music being spun on the ones and twos by Philly DJ Aktive, the talented spin master who has worked with the likes of Nas, Common, Queen Latifah, and Janet Jackson. There were delicious hors d'oeuvres, a flavorful array of comfort foods, and unique GRAMMY-themed cocktails to add some sparkle to the night.
All around the room, Recording Academy members greeted and hugged each other like family arriving for a holiday dinner. There was lots of love between a diverse group of people from different musical and cultural backgrounds, who all came together thanks to the communal power of music. As the night continued, it became clear that "family" was a key element at the heart of the Philadelphia Chapter of the Recording Academy.
"Philly is family," said Philadelphia Chapter Executive Director Ramon Jones during his opening remarks. A transplant from the Midwest, Jones moved to Philadelphia to immerse himself in the city's "organic and intoxicating" music scene. "There’s a rich legacy here," Jones explained to GRAMMY.com, "and Philadelphia has shown its ability to adapt musically. It is one of the most culturally saturated cities in the world. There is just something very familial, organic, and neighborhood-esque about Philly. I’m so proud to celebrate and represent this incredible creative community."
Chapter President Marcus Bryant made similar remarks as he took the stage to speak to the members in attendance. "This Chapter is a community and a family. Tonight is about you," he said. And really, the entire night was a joyous celebration of camaraderie and music. After the initial remarks by Jones and Bryant, DJ Aktive invited various members and musicians onto the stage for an extended jam session. Singers, rappers, soul and funk artists from all corners of the city came together on VINYL’s starlit stage to create a seamless flow of music and song, much like the Black Lily jam sessions of the early 1990s and 2000s at The Five Spot in Philly.
The boundless talent up on that stage was something to behold, as impromptu bandleader Chinah Blac harmonized with and encouraged her fellow Recording Academy members in performing soulful renditions of Gnarls Barkley’s "Crazy," Chaka Khan’s "Tell Me Something Good," and a Fugees "Killing Me Softly" sing-a-long. Each musician played together like a tight knit group, including DJ Aktive who scratched and brought the backbeat to the performances while seamlessly transitioning from song to song, artist to artist. The fun and the joy emanating from the stage was infectious, and the celebratory vibe lasted throughout the whole night.
And there was a lot to celebrate for the Philadelphia Chapter of the Recording Academy. Philadelphia is well-represented in the list of nominees at the 66th Annual GRAMMY Awards ceremony, including Philly rappers Black Thought of The Roots and Lil Uzi Vert, former Philly resident Lucy Dacus and her supergroup boygenius, South Jersey gospel songwriter Tye Tribbett, seven-time nominees The Baylor Project, and jazz multi-instrumentalist Adam Blackstone.
Then there’s the Philadelphia Orchestra led by conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin, who have been recognized by the The Recording Academy for performances of Florence Price’s "Symphony No. 4" and William Dawson’s "Negro Folk Symphony." "Yannick and the Philadelphia Orchestra, they are top bar," Jones tells GRAMMY.com. "I'm grateful to know them and to be able to experience the art they do."
Also notable is New Jersey native and honorary Philadelphian Jon Bon Jovi is the 2024 MusiCares Person of the Year honoree.
Ramón Jones was clearly proud of all the nominees and musicians from the area. "Philly is representing," he told the crowd, before joking-but-not-joking, "I wanna come home with some trophies!" Bryant later elaborated to GRAMMY.com about the wealth of talent in this town: "I’m just so proud of the innovation and how Philly continues to rise to the top. It’s a phenomenal community," he explained. "There’s a camaraderie here among the musicians that’s just amazing. I’m proud, man. Philly is a historical city, and I’m always surprised at how eclectic it is as a city, whether it’s the orchestra, R&B, or hip-hop. It’s strong."
It's nights like this that remind us why music is worth celebrating. Music can and should be a force for good and building community. It has the power to bring people together who don’t always agree, and that makes a difference that changes the world. Wednesday’s celebration for the Philadelphia Chapter of the Recording Academy was a testament to that very power. The music is alive and well in Philadelphia, and it continues to create history.