A new mural brings South Philly’s own American music icons to Broad Street

Frankie Avalon, Chubby Checker, Al Martino and other icons of American music born in South Philly are getting back up on the wall thanks to fresh attention from the Mural Arts Program (MAP).

Over a decade ago, a mural at 1231 Passyunk Avenue by artist Peter Pagast (who partnered with WXPN) honored Frankie Avalon, Chubby Checker, Fabian Forte, Al Martino, Bobby Rydell, and Jerry Blavat. But the piece deteriorated because of constant building repairs nearby, and MAP determined that it couldn’t be restored.

But now, MAP is engaging lead artist Eric Okdeh for a fresh version of the mural on a wall overlooking the Valley Green Bank on the northwest corner of Broad and Tasker Streets. The new mural, South Philly Musicians Remix (which is still waiting on its final design), will feature the musicians originally painted on the Passyunk mural, and add the faces of James Darren and Charlie Gracie.

Blavat and Gracie attended the formal announcement of the new mural on June 9. Proud son Charlie Gracie Jr., who teaches 20th century American history at the Chester County Youth Center, was also on hand. He called his dad, resplendent in a royal blue jacket, “Justin Timberlake before there was Justin Timberlake.”

MAP executive director Jane Golden said the mural will honor South Philly as “the birthplace and home to some of the most talented musicians of the Bandstand era.”

“We all never left South Philadelphia,” Blavat added.

Okdeh called it “a real honor to be able to connect to all the musicians” his mural will feature.

The wall itself designated for the piece isn’t in great shape, Golden said, and will need restoration work before it’s ready for the installation. MAP has raised $65,000 toward the mural’s completion, and another $10,000 is still needed.

Look out for a community paint day in August, when the public can participate in creating the mural, and a formal dedication on October 15, 2016, which Golden said will be a party big enough to shut down Broad Street.

Below: a rendering of the new mural by artist Erik Okdeh.