Sigma Sound Studios

The Story

This was the New York unit of the legendary Philadelphia-based studio, which operated between 1977 and 1988 inside the Ed Sullivan Theater Building, at 1697 Broadway. It was precisely here that Madonna shaped the sound of her eponymous debut album between 1982 and 1983. Producer Reggie Lucas led the sessions for fundamental pop music tracks such as "Borderline," "Burning Up," and "Physical Attraction," before John Benitez took over the finalization and mixing of "Holiday," the big hit that launched the Queen of Pop's career. The studio combined the analog tradition and acoustic excellence of the main branch with inspiration from New York's club scene, attracting gigantic names in music during the same period, such as Talking Heads, Ramones, Aretha Franklin, and Steely Dan. The studio no longer exists.

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