Sam Sniderman, founder of the "Sam the Record Man" chain of stores, has died at age 92. His main store, in the heart of Toronto, was an icon. With the rise of downloads and financial issues all of the stores closed, some years back.
The university bought the site of the main store and, as it was a local icon, we had to promise to put the sign back up when our new building goes in. Many of you would have seen the revolving record neon sign in various Hollywood movies, but wouldn't have known what it was. For example it was in the night street scene, where The Hulk trashed a bunch of cars.
Sniderman was a power in the Canadian music scene. If he didn't sell your records, you weren't selling any.
Sam's closing:
http://torontoist.com/2007/06/sam_the_record_1/
Sam dies:
http://www.torontosun.com/2012/09/23...sniderman-dies