“Know Music, Know Life“
Russ Solomon founded Tower Records 60-years ago, built it into a powerhouse, than watched it vaporize. The sole extant Tower is in Tokyo, and it’s thriving.
For millions of Boomers, Tower was the go-to for a new album the day it came out and for in-store appearances by top name artists and newcomers alike.
The stars aligned for Tower’s success: a huge generation with money to buy records, almost every market had, or had access to, an AM Top 40 radio station, Madison Ave. was re-inventing advertising, and the rise of rock n’ roll.
And now, the resurrection of Tower Records. Sort of. It’s a website, partnering with artists, labels and brands, and aims to deliver an authentic music-store experience.
You can buy music, merch, subscribe to The Tower Pulse magazine, get connected to on-line music events and more. Browse at towerrecords.com
Russ Solomon was 92 y/o when he passed away two years ago. This was his quote: “Know Music, Know Life.”
The original Tower Records was located behind Tower Drugs and next to the Tower Theater at Broadway and Land Park Drive in Sacramento. I shopped there often and bought my first Beatles and DC5 albums there. In 1964, I got my first job as a theater usher at Tower Theater.
I also frequented the original Sacramento location. I did run across a Tower Records in Dublin, Ireland a couple of years ago. Not sure if it’s “official “ or not.