Rest in peace, Dolly Parton and the Blue Note Record Shop

Two treasures were called to glory yesterday. One was a singer-songwriter and philanthropist. The other was a business who influenced my life.

First, let’s talk about Dolly Parton. A woman who made a career from her childhood memories and her faith and her talent, a woman who created tremendously popular songs and movies – yet still cared so much about the world around her, that she funneled her wealth into investments in vaccines and childhood literacy and every other possible endeavor. She didn’t just profess her values, she lived them, and did so with charm and humor and humility and joy.

Trust me on this. The tributes to her from all over the spectrum – from musicians and actors to common people like me – shows her impact upon this world. She will be missed, but her impact will live on for years to come.

On the same day of Dolly’s passing, I also learned that the Blue Note Record Shop in Albany – where I purchased my first non-Disney 45 record (Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody”) has fallen to the wrecking crane. The business shuttered years ago, and the building itself suffered heavy damage over the years, eventually succumbing to demolition by neglect.

This saddens me. So many wonderful memories of the Blue Note Record Shop and its owners, Avram Pock and his son Biff, who could find any record you needed, no matter how rare or how old. They had the latest 45’s and 12-inch discs, and visiting Blue Note was a personal treat for me any time I had some semblance of disposable income.

And now they, like Dolly Parton, have finished their time on this earth.

This is the kind of loss that I dread. You want good things to survive for as long as possible. Because they balance out the bad things in your life. You want the good people to survive as long as possible, because they truly deserve their accolades.

The best thing I can say in a moment like this is to live like Dolly Parton and do what you can to make the world a much better place. And to live like the Blue Note Record Shop and bring the sound of music and happiness to those in need.

Rest in peace and glory. The next journey awaits.