World Famous VIP Record Store, A Landmark, Closes

Columnists, Kim's Kronicles — By Kim Webster on January 19, 2012 at 9:30 am

By Kim Webster

LONG BEACH CA – As we travel the road of life there are events, places and things that leave an impact in our memory. VIP Record Store is one of those places. A place where you could go, have friendly conversation and, oh yeah, find your favorite music too! They always had free posters of your favorite artists and in-store artist autograph signings. Many artists got their start in the VIP recording studio, including Snoop Dogg, who filmed his first video on the roof of the record store.

But as they say, all good things must come to an end and on December 31, 2011 VIP closed its doors for good. During the day, many folks stopped by to say farewell to the iconic store including former employee Keith Hollis who said, “I was young and just moved out here from Detroit in the 80’s and Kelvin gave me my first job, my first start in life. He became a godfather to me and I hate to see him go; he will always be a life-long friend.” “It’s a bitter sweet day,” said Kelvin Anderson, owner of VIP Records, “A lot of happy and fond memories…the years seem to have went by really fast.” Changes in music retail sales has forced the closing of many record stores and VIP Records was among the last standing. The store may be empty now, but the memory of VIP will always linger in our hearts when we pass the corner of Martin Luther King and Pacific Coast Highway.

Photo by Kim Webster.