Allentown, Pennsylvania

Allentown in popular culture

The city also is known worldwide for a famous Billy Joel song, "Allentown," which appeared on Joel's "The Nylon Curtain" (1982) and (1985) albums. The song depicts the resolve of Allentownians, amidst the rough and hardened life that characterizes this East Coast, industrial city. "Allentown" also references nearby Bethlehem, home of the then-declining (and now defunct) Bethlehem Steel Corporation.

Related Topics:
Billy Joel - Allentown - The Nylon Curtain - Bethlehem Steel Corporation

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In "Allentown," representing the challenges associated with the demise of American industry for Allentownians, Joel sings: "They never taught us what was real. Iron and coke. And chromium steel. And we're waiting here in Allentown."

Related Topics:
Iron - Coke - Chromium - Steel

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Allentown also features prominently in the famous Broadway musical 42nd Street. In the musical, up-and-coming chorus girl Peggy Sawyer hails from Allentown. As the plot unfolds, the talented singer and dancer considers leaving Broadway and returning to her hometown of Allentown, but is persuaded to stay by her director Julian Marsh. In an effort to convince Sawyer not to return to Allentown, Marsh sings to her some of the most famous lyrics in the history of Broadway: "Come on along and listen to the lullaby of Broadway...." Sawyer decides not to return to Allentown, and Marsh's production, starring Sawyer, goes on to become a roaring success.

Related Topics:
Broadway - 42nd Street

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