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Looking Back on Tin Pan Alley
Tin Pan Alley, a gritty 2-block strip of W. 28th Street, was once home to America's leading music publishers and songwriters like George Gershwin, Scott Joplin, and Cole Porter, among others. Now, five of the brownstones on the block are up for sale. As tenants and preservationists say this may be the street's sad final song, we look at its place in music history. Also: the Ritz Chamber Players, is an all-African-American chamber ensemble dedicated to performing the works of Black composers and building the next generation of classical music listeners. They join us to perform live.
History Up For Sale
Tin Pan Alley, five buildings on W. 28th Street that were once the home of American songwriters and music publishers, has been put on the market for $44 million. A listing on a real estate Web site recommends the buildings be torn down and a high-rise take their place. Today, we take a look at the block's history with David A. Jasen, author of several books on American popular song including "Tin Pan Alley: An Encyclopedia of the Golden Age of American Song."
Soundcheck blog: John Schaefer on the future of Tin Pan Alley
Tell us: What do you think about the development of Tin Pan Alley?
Is Classical Music Equal Opportunity?
Although minorities have made tremendous strides in many other fields, African-Americans are remarkably under-represented in classical music, comprising less than two percent of members of major orchestras. Joining us today to talk about this disparity are the Ritz Chamber Players, an all-black ensemble from Jacksonville, Fla. Comprised of musicians with degrees from leading conservatories, the group will perform live in our studio.
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