As a devoted vinyl enthusiast, my passion for collecting records dates back to the early 1970s. While I may not pursue it as fervently as I did in the 70s, 80s, or 90s, my love for vinyl remains unwavering. There’s something truly special about the medium, and I find particular delight in uncovering those elusive treasures – the rare gems that were produced in limited quantities and are only possessed by a select few DJs.
My journey into record collecting commenced with the Jackson 5 records, intriguingly included as prizes in cereal boxes. Those early vinyl acquisitions held a unique charm, despite their limited durability of about 10 plays. Beyond that, well, it was a matter of luck! The nostalgia associated with those initial records laid the foundation for a lifelong fascination with the world of vinyl, propelling me into the diverse and captivating realm of record collecting.
I inherited a diverse record collection from a family member. Their eclectic taste spanned genres, featuring music from The Temptations, New Birth, Rolling Stones, and WAR. This inheritance broadened my musical horizons and gave me access to tunes that set me apart from other DJs. On occasion, fellow DJs would even approach me to borrow some of these unique tracks. This collection became a source of inspiration and a connection to the music played at iconic venues like the Paradise Garage and The Loft.
In the early days of my collecting journey, I frequented local mom-and-pop stores, where the thrill of discovery awaited me. It was a joy to stumble upon mint copies of rare gems like Ecstasy Passion and Pain’s “Touch and Go” and Brainstorm’s “We’re On Our Way Home 12.” These were the kind of records that DJs coveted, hidden away in old dusty bins and selling for a mere $0.25. The excitement of unearthing these treasures added a layer of magic to the vinyl collecting experience, making those moments of exploration truly special.
Collaborating with former Studio 54 DJ Leroy Washington provided me with a unique perspective on the high-level intricacies of the record-buying process. Together, we navigated the acquisition of collections from various DJs who were either retiring, in need of quick cash, or parting with duplicates from their extensive music libraries.
Among the numerous collections we encountered, one stood out as truly exceptional – that of the late DJ Jonathan Fearing. Jonathan’s record collection left an indelible impression; it was not only extensive but also impeccably maintained in absolute mint condition. Within its confines were promos and rare test pressings that were previously unseen by my eyes. The sheer quality and rarity of the items in his collection were awe-inspiring.
Browsing through my personal record collection is akin to taking a nostalgic journey through time. Each vinyl holds memories of the excitement I felt upon receiving a specific promo or stumbling upon a rare, out-of-print gem. In many ways, my records serve as a chronological thread weaving through the chapters of my life, capturing moments and sentiments along the way. Unfortunately, those Jackson 5 cut-outs, while lost with time, remain a wistful part of my musical history.
My passion for vinyl transcends the confines of my home. Whenever I embark on travels, I make it a deliberate mission to explore local record shops. The thrill of flipping through record bins, discovering hidden treasures, and the tactile experience of handling vinyl still evoke a unique sense of excitement for me. In a world where thousands of songs can be instantly downloaded, the genuine joy of the vinyl hunt remains unparalleled. Moreover, I sorely miss the tactile pleasure of reading album credits – a simple yet enriching aspect of the vinyl experience.
Here’s to the enduring magic of vinyl – a medium that preserves music and encapsulates the essence of a bygone era. Long live vinyl!
Nick
Vinyl label photos courtesy of Discogs.
Shoutout to all the collectors out there! Massive gratitude to Leroy Washington, Charlie Grappone, Abigail Adams, Victor Rosado, Estefano Riojas, Danny Krivit, Tim Richardson, Johnny D, Joe Clausell, Joe L. Warren, Osamu Chubachi, DJ Nori, and countless others whose incredible music selections and record collections have kept me motivated to keep collecting.
Happy digging!
Nick