Faces of Hall County: DJ Moe Lyons
Moe Lyons, affectionately known as DJ Moe, is a long-time Hall County resident and the owner of Moe’s Record Shop on Bradford Street, just off the downtown Gainesville square. Moe’s journey from music lover to record store owner reflects his lifelong passion for music and his desire to share it with the community. This interview, originally featured in Abernathy Cochran, offers a glimpse into Moe’s life, inspirations, and dreams.
Moe Lyons, the Music Aficionado
Come grab your favorite album on vinyl & talk music with Moe at Moe’s Record Shop
Moe’s Musical Journey
Moe’s love for music began early in his life in Scottsville, Kentucky, where he started working part-time at a record store in 1985. “I’ve been doing music since about ‘85,” Moe shared. In 2000, Moe moved to Hall County to manage Turtle’s Record Store and later worked for the City of Gainesville for 18 years. Finally, at the age of 60, he realized his dream of opening his own record shop, where he continues to share his passion for music with the Gainesville community.
Passion for Vinyl and Jazz
Moe’s Record Shop is a treasure trove for vinyl enthusiasts, offering a wide range of genres and records carefully curated from Moe’s personal collection. A jazz aficionado, Moe also hosts a jazz show on the radio, reflecting his deep connection to the genre. His favorite record? School Days by Stanley Clarke.
Insights and Inspirations
When asked about the most interesting people he’s met in Hall County, Moe highlighted Chet White from the radio station and his friend Damond Castleberry. These relationships underscore Moe’s ties to the community and his appreciation for local connections.
Life in Hall County
Moe finds Hall County’s downtown square particularly unique, citing its artifacts and atmosphere as a highlight. His favorite local restaurant is Crossroads in Flowery Branch, where he enjoys country fried steak. If he could host a lunch, he’d love to dine with President Barack Obama at Recess.
Dreams and Aspirations
Looking ahead, Moe hopes to either retire or continue running his beloved record shop in the same location. On his bucket list are visits to Australia, New Zealand, Yellowstone National Park, and the Grand Canyon.
Words of Wisdom
Moe’s advice to the community is simple yet meaningful: “Social distance, behave yourself, don’t act like a fool, keep yourself under control.”
Moe’s Record Shop continues to be a cornerstone for music lovers in Gainesville. To learn more about Moe’s story and his passion for music, visit him at the shop - 119 Bradford St NE, Gainesville, GA
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