Music Biz To Honor Tower Records’ Russ Solomon

The Music Business Association has announced that the Music Business Hall of Fame, which will celebrate the achievements of industry executives, companies, media, venues, institutions, and others who have significantly contributed to the growth and continued success of the music business, has chosen the late Tower Records Founder Russ Solomon, who passed away on March 4, as its first inductee.

The Hall of Fame will have its official launch as part of the Music Biz 2018 Awards Luncheon on Thursday, May 17 at the Omni Nashville Hotel. Acclaimed actor and director Colin Hanks, who directed the 2015 Tower Records documentary All Things Must Pass, will pay tribute to Solomon.

“As we celebrate our 60th Anniversary, the timing was perfect to introduce the Music Business Hall of Fame, which will give us the opportunity to highlight those who have had a tremendous and lasting impact on the business, while providing an example to the next generation who will carry it forward,” said James Donio, President of Music Biz. “I had spoken with Russ to tell him he would be the first inductee, and he was humbled and excited to have been selected and planned to be in Nashville for the ceremony. While we were shocked and saddened to learn of his sudden passing, we feel this will be such a fitting tribute to a man who revolutionized music retail with Tower Records. We can think of no one better than Russ to be the first, and for all future Hall of Fame inductees to follow.”

“Russ was indeed one of a kind, and I’m incredibly grateful that I was not only able to help tell his story with All Things Must Pass, I also learned a great deal from him. But far more importantly I got to know Russ and am lucky to have been able to call him a friend,” said Colin Hanks. “Much like the members of the Tower Records family, I will miss Russ dearly but take comfort in seeing his legacy live on and am honored to induct him into the Music Business Hall of Fame.”

Additionally, Hanks will attend a screening of All Things Must Pass at the 2018 Nashville Film Festival that will be held at 7 p.m. CT on Thursday, May 17 at the Regal Hollywood 27.

Music Business Hall of Fame inductees will be selected annually by the Music Biz Board of Directors, which consists of top executives from a wide cross-section of the industry, including major and independent labels and distributors, digital music services, wholesalers, and independent record stores.