A legendary and much missed record shop in Birmingham. Starting off in Balsall Heath on the Ladypool Road before moving to the Bull Ring markets in the city centre. This was one of the main places to buy reggae, soul, funk, Drum n Bass and Jungle.
Celebrating Birmingham's Popular Music History
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Ladypool Rd , Sparkbrook. Used to buy my reggae records here. In the 70’s.
The good old days before i was driving. I’d visit Don Christies in Ladypool Road to buy my reggae…..it always smelled of cannabis inside. Got some gems tho’…Kingston Towm by the Lord Creator & Guilty by Tiger…..still got them. Used to go to Greens records afterwards to see what new dance stuff was around…..still see John Corbett from time to time. I’d then take a stroll down the Stratford road & go in all the junk shops to see if i could find any oldies i was after…….good old times.
Has a teenage I brought my Reggae LPs and Blues Soul and Funk From Don Christies On Lady Pool Rd Juction Balsall Heath from the late Sixties to late Eighty’s He then moved to the Bull Ring shopping centre the out side market The Don a First Class shop keep and music seller. Give Thanks The Don… Henley
Bought all our classic shit from here. And then they opened that drum and bass den downstairs, those were the days. Every Saturday morning and then all Saturday afternoon spinning records.
Loved this place i would think nothing more than spending over £150 every week here in the late 80s getting the latest hip hop imports, you couldnt speak in there as it was so loud you would bounce…i remember just having to hold the sleeve in the air to get the vinyl. On the odd friday i would go but mostly Saturdays would be best as the place was jumping…good ole Brum. I went to summit only a few times just didnt get a feel for the place not like Dons…
In 1982 I was 13, narrow minded and generally terrified of entering Don Christie. When I eventually did, I was blown away by the pure, deep reggae vibe. I’m still drawn to heavy dub to this day and it’s largely because of that amazing record store. Thank you Don Christie for being so damn real.
Don Chtistie real name David McGynn owner eventually sold up moved to USA to sell coffee machines to the Yanks
Unfortunately Dave died he had an unknown heart defect from birth he did not have to much luck medically when at school ( Wheelers Lane ) days of the Mods Dave had a Lambretta Scooter he was riding somewere in the school lunch time when some women pulled across his pah Dave jumped off his scooter wraped his leg around a lamp post had to have his leg amputated from below his knee
R.I.P Dave me old school pal