Benny Cintioli is no longer..

NO No Noooo not that way....

He closed his doors....

OMG. I can't believe it. Definitely some of my fondest Philadelphia memories. He must be at least in his 90's by now. What a character...and what a legend in the Philly music community. There isn't a musician within 100 miles of Philly that doesn't know Benny. That raggedy overstuffed shop of his was a Philadelphia musical landmark. Good luck to you Benny, wherever you are.

Fran, thanks for letting us know. If you find out any more details, let us know. BTW, didn't Medley also close?

chas

Thats sad news Fran, a Philly legend passes the torch...
he will be truly missed and all good memories for many musicians thru the years one of a kind!

Fran, Donny, you GOTTA' watch this video. For me it was like turning the clock back 20-30 years. Show me a guy that didn't love Benny and I'll show you a guy that probably owed Benny some money. OMG, talk about nostalgia.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlDL1rk1vnc

chas

That was awesome Chas great find wow I loved it thanx.

Looks like a place and man with character.. nice video... i enjoyed it..

Spent lots of time and $ in that store ... lots of memories good and not good ... buying, trading, dealing, haggling with Benny since my first visit 1961. Our last encounter was not so congenial, but still love the guy and the memories ...
Ciao Jerry (or "Santa Croce", that's what Benny called me).

Yeah Jerry, Benny did that a lot; give people names. I think he had his own 'memory' system. He couldn't (or didn't want to) remember your real name but he could always remember the name he 'assigned' you. My story sounds a lot like yours ("buying, trading, dealing, haggling with Benny"). When I saw that video, it was like being transported back in time. I can still hear his wife calling out "Bennnneeee" . Ahhhh, you can take the boy out of Philly but you can't take Philly out of the boy. Cintioli's ranks right up there with Pat's Steaks and the "Iggles" as a Philadelphia tradition.

chas