Where it all began…
I have always loved music. Some of my earliest memories were catching The Beatles on Ed Sullivan in ‘64. Listening to the very first chord of “I Feel Fine“ on a lil rinky dink portable, downstairs in the finished basement.
Mom is joining Record Clubs. Pet Clark, 5th Dimension, Sergio Mendes Brasil 66. Her beloved Andy Williams is never far away. All the while, when Dad has some spare time, he’ll slip in some Jackie Gleason, Johnny Mathis or Nat King Cole. Maybe mix it up and throw on some opera.
Partridge Family records in 4th grade, James Brown, Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder’s Yester Me, Yester You, Yesterday.
I’m visiting my cousin and he’s into Led Zep, Grand Funk Railroad, Blue Cheer (ugh). Then to my delight I discovered Maryanne’s Stones and Beatles records in the closet. Satanic Majesties? Freak Out… But hell yeah.
Then when swinging by a childhood friend's house he plays me his big brother's copy of a new record just released. Exile on Main Street by the Rolling Stones. My fate is sealed.
I still have that Stones record. And many more. I’ve been carting around records from Jr High…
Now for a new chapter in my life.
Right On!!! Napa
My goal for retirement was to go work in a record store. Whilst under lock down during Covid, while walking the dog one night it hit me like a ton of bricks. OPEN YOUR OWN.
I’ve been to enough record stores to know the good ones from the bad. From NYC to L.A. Vegas, Philly, S.F., Nashville, St Pete, Portland, etc.
My biggest fear would be turning a hobby, a passion, into a job. But what else can I do? How great would it be to sit around and listen to music all day!
And “Right On” you ask? Well, I use that term on a daily basis. Just ask my wife.