Five Decades of Music, Memories, and Community at Boo Boo Records

For generations, Boo Boo Records has been a defining part of Downtown San Luis Obispo. Long before playlists and streaming, Boo Boo Records was a place where music could be explored, discussed, and felt. Founded on a genuine love for music, it became a trusted guide for music lovers of all ages: a place where browsing leads to conversation, recommendations come from real experience, and every visit offers the chance to discover something new.

In 1974, original founders Ed and Glenn left Southern California and moved to SLO with a dream of transforming swap meet record sales into a brick-and-mortar store. In 1978, Boo Boo Records moved into its current location, where Mike White and John Huffman joined the team. As the store grew and thrived in the 1980s, they became partners, with Mike White taking over as sole owner in 2010. From rare vinyl and classic albums to emerging artists and timeless favorites, the shop continues to reflect both musical history and current trends, celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2024.

Over the years, Boo Boo Records has welcomed countless artists, fans, and memorable moments, but one story stands out as Mike White’s favorite: Bruce Springsteen stopping by the shop. Like any great record store moment, it was unexpected, genuine, and rooted in a shared love of music. Selling cassette tapes to a star at the peak of his fame was thrilling, but that visit also showcased Boo Boo Records’ true character. It was a reminder that this small downtown shop is connected to something much bigger, where even legendary artists feel at home flipping through records.

As the years pass, the shelves of Boo Boo Records have witnessed shifting trends, evolving formats, and new generations discovering the joy of digging through bins for the first time. They have also seen significant changes in the media the music industry supports. When they opened in 1974, vinyl records and 8-track cassette tapes dominated the shelves. In the late 1980s, vinyl “died” as the CD rose in popularity. Music stores everywhere had to reconfigure their spaces and adapt to the new way music was being sold.

In a full-circle moment during the early 2000s, vinyl made a comeback! This trend has continued to grow, with vinyl becoming the top-selling physical music format, White notes. When digital media began growing in the 1990s, record stores everywhere felt the impact as they were pushed to the margins. Adapting to the times, Boo Boo Records has become more than just a store; it is a gathering place that supports curiosity, encourages connection, and invites people to slow down, listen closely, and bond through music.

Through years of experience, Mike White has found that success as a business owner starts with a simple but powerful mindset: be present, prioritize your customers, and give back to your community. Making exceptional customer service your number one mission builds trust, loyalty, and a reputation that keeps people coming back. By giving back to your community, you not only strengthen local connections but also create a positive impact that resonates far beyond your business.

Boo Boo Records is proof that legacy isn’t built overnight. It is built through consistency, care, and community. By staying true to its roots while welcoming each new generation of music lovers, Boo Boo Records continues to play a vital role in Downtown SLO. It is more than just a destination, it is a place where culture lives, stories are shared, and music brings people together.

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