For over 4 decades, Tower Records was a pioneer in the music industry and the bedrock of record store culture. So much more than just a business, it was run by rebels and outsiders, and radiated coolness starting from the top, where founder Russ Solomon was revered and idolized. Tower would become the mecca for music fans, swarming by the hoards, creating a generation that lived by their diehard slogan, “No Music, No Life”. At its peak, Tower was earning a billion dollars a year, with over 200 stores in 21 states and 15 countries. For decades, it seemed like the sun would never set on the iconic yellow and red letters that illuminated so many urban cityscapes. But that light, so bright and vibrant, would eventually burn out. Find out how on Episode 10 of The Great Fail.
Episode Sources
How Tower Records Committed Suicide
The Life And Death Of Tower Records, Revisited
Lessons To Be Learned From Tower Records: When The Market Shifts, You Need To Shift With It
THE RISE AND FALL OF TOWER RECORDS AND HOW THE MUSIC INDUSTRY SCREWED THE POOCH IN THE LATE ‘90S
Tower crumbles in the download era
The Rise And Fall Of Tower Records
What Happened to Tower Records?
Tower Records Files For Bankruptcy
Farewell to the Record-Store Magnate Who Made Sacramento Cool Before Lady Bird
The rise and fall of Tower Records, the major chain it was OK to love
Founder of Tower Records dies at 92 while drinking whiskey and watching the Oscars
The Strategy Pathfinder: Core Concepts and Live Cases (The Pathfinder Series)
The History of the Music Industry’s First-Ever Digital Single For Sale, 20 Years After Its Release
Special Guest
Daryn Fillis, Chief Executive Officer at Distroller USA
Daryn is the CEO of Distroller’s North American Division, a retail entertainment company that brings to life experience-based concepts with art and design at its core, and spreads good vibes for ages 0 to 102.
He previously was the Operations Director at Tower Records from October 2001 to June 2004 overseeing the day-to-day operation of the retail business including purchasing, human resources, marketing, merchandising, store design, customer service and store operations.