Russ Solomon Dies: Tower Records Founder Was 92

Russ Solomon Dies: Tower Records Founder Was 92

Russ Solomon, who grew Tower Records into one of the world’s largest record and video retailing chains and was the subject of a well-received documentary on his life, has died. He was 92 and passed away at his home in Sacramento, California of an apparent heart attack, according to his son, Michael Solomon.

Solomon was a beloved and iconic figure in the music and video industry, and his stores were a favorite of fans for its broad selections of media. Many of the stores became landmarks in the cities where they were established, with the Sunset Strip Tower Records becoming a favorite hangout of stars from Prince to Elton John.

Solomon was watching the Academy Awards ceremony Sunday night at his home when he apparently had a heart attack.

“Ironically, he was giving his opinion of what someone was wearing that he thought was ugly, then asked (his wife) Patti to to refill his whisky,” Solomon said. When she returned, he had died.