I was saddened to hear this news. Tower Records founder Russ Solomon died of a heart attack while watching the Academy Awards on Sunday and passed away at age 92.
Solomon started his worldwide empire with a record section in his father's drug store in Sacramento, California. That grew into stores all over the world that featured the largest and most diverse selection of music in every genre you could think of.
Unfortunately, Russ tried to open too many locations too fast, and that coupled with digital technology, hurt the business. Tower Records eventually went bankrupt and the entire chain closed down. It still remains in Japan (in name only).
There's an excellent documentary about the history of Tower Records called "All Things Must Pass," which came out in 2015 and is directed by Colin Hanks.
I loved going to Tower Records, especially the ones in Alexandria and at Tysons Corner. I miss those big record stores. Which Tower Records locations did you used to frequent?
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