PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 12 (UPI) -- An admitted arsonist says he doesn't remember setting fire to a landmark recording studio where pop music's famed Philadelphia sound was born.
Christopher Cimini, 28, a South Philly ironworker, apologized in court this week for the February blaze at Philadelphia International Records even though he had no recollection of setting the fire or any idea why he did it because he was heavily intoxicated at the time.
Cimini pleaded guilty in July to arson and other crimes connected to the blaze and was sentenced to between 1 ½ years and 10 years in prison.
Philadelphia International Records on Broad Street was the birthplace of the Philly sound created by Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff and turned into best-sellers by artists such as Teddy Pendergast and Patti LaBelle.
The Philadelphia Inquirer said Sunday that fire caused $3.5 million in damages, but the priceless master recordings were kept at a separate location.
Gamble and Huff have said they might turn the site into a music museum.
