The South Philadelphia Walk of Fame 2013 inductees

May 16, 2013

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Pouring the concrete

The South Philadelphia Walk of Fame. It has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?

It certainly wouldn’t take long coming up with a list of famous people who once called this area home. Some might remember the South Philly Famous 500 issue from 1996 that included what seemed to be a never-ending list of comedians, musicians, radio personalities, politicians and others. You may have saved the collectors’ issue and refer to it when that need to reminisce about the golden days — or the Golden Boys — comes around every few years.

Well, like old news, we sometimes forget about these famous stars of yesteryear, who have either passed on or have fallen into the no-longer-famous category. Others are still making a name for themselves today. In a recent brainstorming session, the idea of creating a South Philly Walk of Fame — in print only for now — came about. Based on the criteria that these individuals once have appeared on the pages of the Review and accomplished something that earned them notoriety beyond the South Philly limits, each year, starting with this issue, a new list of inductees will appear.

Since this idea is being built from scratch, the Review selection committee has compiled the inaugural list of 30 obvious, must-be-included names. We are aware that some of our readers may be disappointed that someone was left out of the issue, so feel free to let us know. Reader-submitted nominations will be taken into consideration for future Walk of Fame issues, so don’t hesitate sending them our way.

Now, instead of boring you with long acceptance speeches and annoying commercial breaks, we’ve consolidated this year’s list of honorees to an eight-page spread.

Who knows, maybe one day, someone will draw up the blueprints to create an actual Walk of Fame along East Passyunk Avenue or in The Philadelphia Navy Yard. Any takers?

Without further delay, let’s welcome in the Class of 2013. Feel free to applaud along the way.

Contact Editor Bill Gelman at bgelman@southphillyreview.com or ext. 121.