The Brill Building

A hub for the music industry since before World War II, the Brill Building today is permanently associated with a particular style of pop music that flourished in the years prior to the British Invasion. It sought to tame rebellious rock-and-roll by bringing it under the purview of professional songwriters and producers. It was dominated by lush orchestras and relatively complex songwriting with simple lyrics.

Although in reality most Brill Building songs were written elsewhere, this location was considered the most prestigious in the music industry. 165 music businesses were located here in 1962, and most stages of the recording and release process were represented here. The genre declined as its songs became increasingly formulaic and the British Invasion changed pop and rock's focus. However, many Brill Building songwriters went on to have successful careers as musicians, such as Carole King and Neil Diamond.

Above the building's Art-Deco entrance is a bust of Alan Lefcourt, ill-fated son of the building's developer, Abraham E. Lefcourt.