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For more than four decades, Moodie’s Records stood as a cornerstone of Jamaican/Caribbean culture in the Bronx, New York. Founded by Jamaica-born Earl Moodie in 1982 on White Plains Road, the store became a sanctuary for reggae music lovers, vinyl collectors, and generations of music fans seeking the soul of Jamaican sound in New York City.
On May 24, the corner of White Plains Road and East 225th Street was renamed Earl Moodie’s Way, in honour of his music contribution and business acumen in the diaspora. The co-naming was officially enacted through New York City Local Law 2023/110, designating the intersection as ‘Earl Moodie’s Way’.
The ceremony, organised by Bronx Council Member Kevin C. Riley – who, in partnership with the Moodie family, orchestrated the street renaming – told The Gleaner that he had “personal ties to this legacy” as he and his father spent a lot of time at the record store where his love for music was born
“As one of the first black-owned businesses on White Plains Road, Moodies spent decades bridging the gap between community and culture. Moodies made it his mission to uplift the Northeast Bronx, and this renaming is a tribute to that lasting impact,” Riley said.
“People truly understand how much this business meant to all of us,” reiterated Avril Francis, community liaison for council member Riley.
Moodie, who was born in Papine, Kingston, migrated to the US in 1969, hoping to achieve the American dream. He began his musical journey as the lead singer of the reggae band The Stepping Stones, and later worked at Brad’s Records – another influential Jamaican-owned shop in the Bronx. He eventually opened his own store, carving out a space that blended commerce, culture, and care.
“Mr Earl Moodie built the pipeline that carried reggae music from Jamaica to New York City and beyond through Moodies Records. Honouring this champion from the Bronx in this way is not just about marking a street ... it’s about marking history. It’s about recognising the impact of those who often work behind the scenes to uplift our people, celebrate our roots, and building bridges for future generations,” said Syntyche ‘Syn’ Clarke, VP of New York’s Irie Jam radio.
In New York, Moodie’s Records, alongside pioneers like VP Records, Tony Ryan Records, Superpower Records, Jah Life and Keeling Records, became synonymous with New York’s Caribbean community. These stores helped to launch the careers of artistes like Barrington Levy, Eek A Mouse, Beres Hammond, Lt Stitchie, Bounty Killer, Beenie Man, Shabba Ranks, Super Cat, Dennis Brown and Freddie McGregor.
The store was a one-stop for artistes’ autograph signing sessions and release events. Moodies also supported local New York reggae/dancehall acts like Shelly Thunder, Shaggy, Trevor Sparks, Red Fox, Mr Easy and Sister Nancy when they dropped new releases. With the shift from vinyl records, Moodies weathered the digital shift that closed many of his peers’ shops. Even as the industry transformed, Moodie held fast to its mission: ‘Music is life.’
Moodie passed away on September 17, 2021, at the age of 69, after a period of illness. His passing marked the end of an era, but not the end of his legacy.
English (US) ·