Meet the owner of DC's HR Records, one of very few Black-owned record stores in the US
WASHINGTON (ABC7) — The story of D.C.'s place in music history is one that's been spinning for generations. The legendary shows at Constitution Hall, the Go-Go soundtrack of the city and, of course, the homegrown legends of jazz and soul.
But record stores — a place where knowledge is passed on, where you can discover what's next, and where you can literally hold a piece of history — are rarely in Black hands.
That's where Charvis Campbell comes in. He's a product of Howard University, who left the world of academia for a new musical arrangement. He owns HR Records, which stands for Home Rule Records, in the heart of D.C.'s Brightwood Park.
"We're probably the only one in the city, and for obvious reasons that's a concern if you think of the history that D.C. has with music, that our people have," he told us. "The fact that we only have one store says something there."
In fact, an online community that's keeping tabs says Campbell's shop is one of only 37 Black-owned record stores in the entire country, despite record-breaking sales for vinyl records recently.
Campbell says his stake in this side of the music industry is a key part of holding on to D.C.'s musical heritage.
"Even Kennedy Street, which historically has been kind of the bedrock of kind of Black D.C., it's changing," he said. "Condos are popping up. I get calls probably every other day about, you know, 'Is this up for sale?'"
Campbell says it's the connection to the music, to D.C., and the culture that really helped them navigate through difficult times in 2020.
As protests over racial injustice spread across the country, customers started to seek out Black-owned businesses, sending them a lifeline.
"We sent some emails and made some lists and that definitely that gave us some love and some help," Campbell said.
While much of the business has shifted to online, Campbell says he plans to keep a presence in Northwest. A physical connection to the sounds of D.C. and beyond, where he'll share the knowledge with his two sons, and with you if you're in the neighborhood.
"Find what you love and go from there, and don't be afraid to ask questions," he said.
We asked HR Records to make a Spotify playlist for us to share with you. You can listen by clicking HERE. You can also search "nickychinito" on the Spotify app.
