MUSIC BIZ TO HONOR TOWER'S SOLOMON

Tower Records founder Russ Solomon is the first inductee in the Music Business Association’s Music Business Hall of Fame. Colin Hanks, who directed the 2015 Tower Records documentary All Things Must Pass, will pay tribute to Solomon at the Music Biz Awards luncheon on 5/17 at Nashville’s Omni Hotel.

Solomon died in March at the age of 92, but plans were in the works to make him the first recipient of the honor.

“I had spoken with Russ to tell him he would be the first inductee, and he was humbled and excited to have been selected and planned to be in Nashville for the ceremony,” said James Donio, President of Music Biz.. “While we were shocked and saddened to learn of his sudden passing, we feel this will be such a fitting tribute to a man who revolutionized music retail with Tower Records. We can think of no one better than Russ to be the first, and for all future Hall of Fame inductees to follow.”

Also on 5/17, a screening of All Things Must Pass with Hanks in attendance will take place at the Nashville Film Festival. “Much like the members of the Tower Records family,” Hanks said, “I will miss Russ dearly but take comfort in seeing his legacy live on and am honored to induct him into the Music Business Hall of Fame.”

To honor Solomon, Donio plans to personally paint the Omni yellow.