Denmark Street recognised with Tin Pan Alley blue plaque

 
Press Association6 April 2014

The street known as Tin Pan Alley - a focal point of the British music industry - now has a hi-tech plaque marking its significance.

Sixties pop singer Donovan gave a performance of a song that he had written especially for the occasion outside the Giaconda Cafe in Denmark Street in London.

Industry figures including former Radio 1 DJ Mike Read gathered for the unveiling of a hi-tech blue plaque containing audio, video and a 10,000-word wiki-style history of music.

The plaque reads: "This street was 'Tin Pan Alley' 1911-1992. Home of the British Publishers and Songwriters and their meeting place The Giaconda."

The street has been a popular location for writers, artists, pluggers and hustlers.

The Giaconda Cafe was once graced by the likes of David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix, Marc Bolan and Elton John.

Originally referring to an area of Manhattan, New York, famous for its collection of songwriters and music publishers, the term Tin Pan Alley has become a byword for any area with a significant connection to an important music scene.

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