Russ Solomon, the founder of the legendary Tower Records, passed away on Sunday evening at the age of 92. Solomon suffered a heart attack while watching the Academy Awards and passed away instantly, according to Loudwire.
Solomon began his business ventures selling records out of his father’s drug store in Sacramento, California. The drugstore was located in the Tower Theater, and as an homage Solomon founded Tower Records, opening his first store in 1960. Back in the day where physical music was the norm, Tower Records was known as the spot where all the musicians and music lovers would routinely frequent to pick up the latest releases. Sadly, Tower Records was unable to compete with the rise of digital music distribution and piracy, filling for bankruptcy in 2004 and 2006. There is one location that is still open in Tokyo, Japan.
Tributes have been pouring in from musicians in the wake of Solomon’s passing, with many remarking how much Tower Records meant to their development.
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