Black’s Music and Stereo Store
Located at 12th and Chapline streets next to the Court Theater, Black’s Music and Stereo Store was a family-owned business that operated for decades, selling everything from transistor radios to audiophile quality stereo components. Nowhere else in the Ohio Valley could you buy a turntable with a marble plinth! From the most basic item to the extravagant, Black’s had something in stock for everyone.
Many of you may have bought your 45rpm records at Black’s Music from their vast record department, but not many would have realized that Black’s had a state-of-the-art recording studio, as well.
They recorded many local artists from the Ohio Valley from Wheeling to Mingo Junction such as the Antones, Johnny Boni, and other pop music hopefuls.
Black’s Music also issued full-length albums by the Wheeling Symphony, including one accompanied by Eleanor Steber, and the West Virginia Penitentiary Choir on their own record label called Black Crest. Traveling country music acts performing with the Jamboree USA also utilized their studio for sessions while in town.
I have hundreds of 45rpm records under the Black Crest label and I would be happy to share them with anyone who would want them for the historic value. Feel free to contact me anytime.
It has been a passion of mine to showcase and preserve Wheeling’s rich history with this series of historic photographs that highlight a business or building that is no longer here in the Upper Ohio Valley.
If you have suggestions on a favorite business or location that has vanished, please submit that to me at cre8m@comcast.net.
I will do my best to search it out and tell that story.
I hope with my Gone Forever series, I will be able to show a large amount of industry and businesses that thrived here in the early ’30s and 40’s, attracting people from many countries and all walks of life, who all helped to make Wheeling the greatest city in West Virginia.
If you have suggestions on a favorite business or location that is gone please submit that to me at cre8m@comcast.net and I will do my best to search out and tell that story.
James Thornton has published several volumes of history on the city of Wheeling, and those interested in purchasing one of them can do so by contacting him at cre8m@comcast.net or visit the Creative Impressions website. The books can be purchased at the Wheeling Heritage Center, Kroger on Mount de Chantal Road, Miklas Meat Market, Nail City Records, the UPS Store in the Washington Avenue Plaza, VC Wares at Centre Market, Bower’s Decorating at The Highlands, and on the website www.wheelinghistory.net.mcast.net or visit the Creative Impressions website.
