From the Blog

Portland’s Music Millennium

Soundgarden, Lana Del Rey, Fall Out Boys: this shop has seen it all.

 

By Jennifer Parsons | Photo credits: Jonathan Hopper & J. Parsons

Since 1969, Music Millennium, Portland’s oldest record store, has been a staple in the Pacific Northwest music scene. Shop owner Terry Currier, a Seattle native, bought 665 records the first year he worked there in 1984. He took over ownership in 1996, bringing music to people of all ages, which has been his passion and legacy. The shop has survived the downturn of vinyl sales, location moves, and the pandemic. The shop is beloved and on any given day filled with music lovers looking to collect or start a collection.

“To be here after the pandemic is an incredible feeling,” Terry said. “A lot of great jobs didn’t survive. In 2020 we closed our doors for two months. We did mail order and curb side service purchases. It was scary, but we came out better after the pandemic than we were before. We became a staple for survival in the PNW and in Portland. No one could go to concerts or movies, so we became a stable familiar place for entire families. Kids are shopping with their parents and grandparents.”

Music Millennium has hosted an array of in-store performances autograph appearances since its opening in 1969: Lana Del Rey, Soundgarden, Sheryl Crow, Randy Newman, Everclear, Jewel, Richard Thompson, Luscious Jackson, Loreena McKennitt, Maureen McCormick (aka “Marcia Brady”), Matthew Sweet, Mike Watt, X, Susannah Hoffs, and Cheap Trick to name a few.

Terry’s two mini chromaprints are photos Northwest Framing baked on metal to preserve some of his favorite photos from fading and scratching. One of the metal prints shows Terry with the Portland band Joseph and in the other Terry is standing next to John Doe, the vocalist-bassist from Los Angeles punk rock band, X.

“The three sisters from Joseph have amazing harmony,” Terry said. “Their voices hit your insides in the best way. Their music gives me goose bumps. I am so excited for their future.”

“John Doe has been here about a half dozen times and the first time he visited was with X, Terry said. “He had a book signing a while back and he’s played in our store three or so times. It’s a powerful band. I saw them perform this past year and they sound just as good now as they did many years ago.”

In 2017, Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler declared August 12 to be “Terry Currier Day,” honoring the local record store owner. Terry was formally recognized for his contributions to Portland culture.

“During this special time in August, we have a customer appreciation BBQ, prizes, and we feed 1,000+ people,” Terry added. “It’s a day to celebrate not only our store, but more importantly our community and showing our support. We look forward to the coming years.”

Posted on July 3, 2023 in Art, Art & Photo Tags: , ,