Over a decade ago, Fort Worth singer Leon Bridges recorded his debut album “Coming Home” at Niles City Sound in the Near Southside — a project that boosted him to his first of six Grammy nominations in 2016.
His career skyrocketed from there, making him a household name and one of Fort Worth’s hometown heroes, city officials say. Now, Fort Worth is honoring Bridges with permanent street signs near the recording studio that started it all.
Fort Worth council members unanimously passed a resolution Sept. 30 to place street sign toppers in honor of Bridges along a block of South Calhoun Street bordered by East Vickery Boulevard and East Broadway Avenue.
Visit Fort Worth will host an unveiling ceremony at noon Oct. 7 in front of Niles City Sound with remarks from Mayor Mattie Parker, Hear Fort Worth’s Tom Martens, and Chip Adams with the Texas Music Office.
Leon’s father Wallace Bridges said the recognition was “well deserved” after his son’s local musical and community accomplishments.
“To say we are proud of him is an understatement,” said Bridges, who is a Fort Worth ISD trustee. “There’s nothing like having that kind of recognition at home. It’s like the icing on the cake.”
A representative with Mick Management, the company that manages Leon Bridges, did not provide a comment by publication time.
A portion of South Calhoun Street in Fort Worth’s Near Southside will be decorated with a sign topper in honor of Leon Bridges. (David Moreno | Fort Worth Report)
Bridges was born in Atlanta in July 1989. He was raised in Fort Worth and graduated from Crowley High School. His single “Bet Ain’t Worth The Hand” won the Best Traditional R&B Performance at the Grammy Awards in 2019.
The singer described his fourth album “Leon,” released last year, as his “most personal work yet” with references to childhood memories and time spent in Panther City.
As Bridges’ profile grew internationally, he maintained strong local roots.
The singer partnered with former Texas Christian University football coach Gary Patterson to launch a charity called The Big Good. The nonprofit financially supports Tarrant Area Food Bank, Tarrant To & Through Partnership, and United Community Centers.
“The City of Fort Worth wishes to permanently recognize the legacy of Leon Bridges and his contributions to the music and film industries and his advocacy for musicians across many genres,” the resolution on the street signs reads.
Last year, Parker surprised Bridges on stage during his sold-out Dickies Arena debut to issue a formal proclamation declaring Nov. 15 Leon Bridges Day in Fort Worth.
The singer was the fourth musical act to receive such an honor in the city. Previous honorees include rock band the Toadies, singer Casey Donahew and country-western artist Cody Jinks.
Bridges will return to Fort Worth for a sold-out fundraiser performance at Bowie House Oct. 7.
David Moreno is the arts and culture reporter for the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at david.moreno@fortworthreport.org or @davidmreports.
Disclosure: Mitch Whitten, chief operating officer of Visit Fort Worth, is on the board of directors at Fort Worth Report. At the Fort Worth Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here.
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