Why I Love The Brill Building

The Brill Building: A Fabled Landmark in the Heart of New York

One of the joys of spending so much time in New York is discovering historic spots amidst the ever-changing landscape. I love visiting the New Amsterdam Theater to see the portrait of  Olive Thomas, the first movie flapper, whose ghost reportedly still haunts the building. I love to walk the block where The Marx Brothers first lived at 179 East 93rd Street. Evelyn Nesbit became ‘The Girl On The Velvet Swing’ at 22 West 24th Street. These places invite me to dream of the history that made them famous.

Whenever I’m in the Theater District, one of my favorite stops is the beautiful  Brill Building. For me, it’s me; it’s a fabulous landmark steeped in music history, where the walls echo with the melodies and memories of some of the greatest pop songs ever written.

Just down the block, 1650 Broadway often shares in the Brill Building’s legacy, and their histories are sometimes conflated as part of the same era of pop music innovation. Visiting the Brill Building feels like stepping into a time capsule celebrating the magic of creativity, collaboration, and the golden age of American music.

From Tin Pan Alley to the Brill Building

Long before it became synonymous with pop hits, the Brill Building had a storied history. Constructed in 1931 in the Art Deco style, it originally housed a variety of tenants. Before its rise, Tin Pan Alley on West 28th Street had been the epicenter of the American music industry, where songwriters and publishers created and sold sheet music. As radio and recorded music took over, the industry shifted to producing songs for recording artists. The Brill Building’s location near Broadway and collaborative atmosphere made it the perfect successor, attracting the next wave of musical innovators.

The Center of the Pop Music Universe

By the 1950s and 60s, the Brill Building had become the beating heart of the pop music industry. Legendary talents like Neil Diamond wrote hits such as “I’m A Believer” for The Monkees within its walls. Leiber and Stoller crafted “Jailhouse Rock” for Elvis Presley, Barry Mann, and Cynthia Weil (with help from producer and murderer Phil Spector) penned “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’” for The Righteous Brothers,

In the cramped offices, Burt Bacharach and Hal David created “What the World Needs Now Is Love,” Ellie Greenwich and Jeff Barry wrote “River Deep – Mountain High” for Ike and Tina Turner. The building buzzed with competition and collaboration, fueling a golden age of pop music.

The Brill Building is also featured prominently in Broadway musicals. “Beautiful” celebrates the life of Carole King, who worked there and wrote classics like “Will You Love Me Tomorrow.” “Leader of the Pack” tells the story of Ellie Greenwich and her iconic hits. Other musicals, such as “Smokey Joe’s Café” and “A Beautiful Noise,” highlight the work of Leiber and Stoller and Neil Diamond, respectively. It’s rare for a building to appear so directly or indirectly in many Broadway productions, underscoring its unique role as a physical and symbolic cornerstone of music history.

Why I Love The Brill Building Today

Today, the Brill Building has evolved. While no longer the center of pop music, it remains a vital part of New York’s cultural and architectural legacy. Now home to a mix of businesses, it continues to preserve its storied past. For me, the magic of the Brill Building lies in its ability to embody a pivotal moment in music history while adapting to changing times. Whenever I visit, I’m reminded of the creativity and collaboration that made it extraordinary.