As the founder & proprietor of George’s Music Room, George Daniels is known as a merchant, philanthropist, visionary, “Uncle George” and “The Music Man”, as well as for his dapper style. He grew up in NYC, where his family owned and operated Southern-style restaurants. He attended Loop College in Chicago and interned at Chess Records where he was a janitor, driver and provided background noise for recordings. He said that the experience was like “running away to join the circus”, to be exposed to artists such as Billy Stewart, Etta James, Muddy Waters and Ramsey Lewis. It was at One Stop Records that George learned the fundamental retail, stocking and customer service skills he needed to start running his own business.
Just before his 21st birthday, George opened George’s Music Room on the West side of Chicago. It would become the most influential independent music store in the country and essential for major and independent artists. His efforts were even recognized by Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, who personally commissioned George to open a second location at Midway Airport on the city’s Southwest side. His most recent location was at Navy Pier.
George has appeared in movies, documentaries and music videos and the record store was used as a location in some of them. His signature style landed him in fashion campaigns for FUBU and Akademics. He has received numerous awards including an NAACP Image Award, the Chicago Defender’s Man Of Excellence Award, NARM’s Retailer Of The Year and our Living Legends Foundation Award.
After closing the music stores, George started a new business with George’s Beverage Depot in 2018 and even had his own line of vodka, George Daniels Vodka. Despite his commitment to the community through various philanthropic activities, in 2020 the Beverage Depot was looted and destroyed in the unrest following the killing of George Floyd. Unfortunately, the loss was too great and the store had to be closed permanently. George is currently working with his wife Regina in Daniels Entertainment Group. Knowing George, he’s not finished with music and we can expect the announcement of a new venture soon!
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