Philadelphia music execs mull museum to replace torched offices; man ordered to stand trial

Philly music-makers mull museum at torched offices

PHILADELPHIA — Longtime record producers Leon Huff and Kenneth Gamble say they are considering whether to rebuild their fire-damaged Philadelphia offices into a music museum.

The duo’s comments came Tuesday after a court hearing for the man accused of setting the fire at Philadelphia International Records.

A judge ordered 29-year-old Christopher Cimini to stand trial on charges including arson and burglary. Authorities say Cimini may have been extremely intoxicated when he set the Feb. 21 fire.

Gamble and Huff’s record label was home to artists including Teddy Pendergrass, Patti LaBelle, Lou Rawls and the O’Jays.

Gamble says a museum honoring Philadelphia’s rich musical legacy could be a “tremendous” tourist attraction.