HOUSTON — George Daniels. He’s the man when it comes to Black culture and Black music, helping so many icons get their songs heard before they were famous.
He’s considered the godfather of Chicago music but has strong roots in Houston. Daniels and his nephew David went on the record with KHOU 11’s Steph Simmons about why music is quite the family affair.
“One of my first jobs, I was Etta James’ driver, locally in Chicago,” Daniels said.
“I can’t imagine the things you’ve overhead,” Simmons said.
“Well (zips mouth and starts laughing),” Daniels said. "I saw and heard a lot of things, I knew I wasn’t gonna say anything!”
With music, it’s less about what Daniels says and more about what he does.
After growing up in New York and Houston, Daniels then moved to Chicago and opened George’s Music Room -- which would later become the largest independent retail store in the Midwest.
There, customers could immerse themselves in melodies. It was also a safe place for artists to showcase their work before they made it big, including some Houston icons.
“One of the biggest and the best in-stores we did was a midnight sale with the Geto Boys and the album was ‘Resurrection,’” Daniels said. “And we created a cemetery, and we had headstones for the Getto Boys and I convinced them to get into coffins, and it was amazing!”
Inspired by his brilliant marketing and incredible work in music, entrepreneur David Anderson opened Off the Record cocktail bar in downtown Houston as a nod to his famous uncle.
“He’s done so much for me personally and professionally, and I knew I had to give him his flowers while he was here to enjoy them,” Anderson said. “What better to have a storefront that is a record store that ties into a real story that inspires me.”
“You really created a beautiful haven for fans to enjoy that music experience and I feel like it’s translating here in this place,” Simmons said.
“Absolutely. And just to take it back, Uncle George to our special connection and our moment was, I was inspired hearing and seeing the innovative things he was doing like popping open records and letting you listen right there,” Anderson said.
“People would come into the store and hum a tune and he would know exactly what CD, where to find it,” Daniels said.
Just like a beautiful song, Anderson created a melody of memories of Daniels’ rich history in music, displayed on the walls of the bar.
Destiny’s Child, Common, and Usher are just a few of the artists Daniels’ has encouraged and supported over the years.
“As you look at the wall, and all of the music that I know you play here and your background, you really are lovers of all genres of music,” Simmons said. “How do you think music brings people together?”
“It’s not the same the music of yesterday. That’s why it’s (vinyl) coming back,” Daniels said. “And our children are growing up with such a limited vision of what music can really do for you, as far as inspiration.”
Inspiring and meaningful, whether you’re a music mogul or just a lover of music, songs create a sense of togetherness that you immediately feel when you walk into Off the Record.