Bronx NY – Reggae Pioneer Honored with Street Co-Naming

Bronx Councilman Kevin C. Riley, family, friends, and reggae music enthusiasts gathered in the Bronx recently to honor and salute Jamaican-born, Bronx-based record store owner Earl Moodie by renaming the corner of Whites Plains Road and 225th Street in his honor: ‘Earl Moodie’s Way.’

A towering figure in the reggae music scene, Mr. Moodie is best known as the founder of Moodies Records, a legendary hub for reggae vinyl records and culture that became a cultural bridge between Jamaica and New York City. For more than four decades, Moodies Records served as a vital pipeline, bringing the sounds of Jamaica and the Caribbean to the streets of the Bronx and beyond.

Councilman Riley, who in partnership with the Moodie’s family helped to orchestrate the street renaming shared, “I’ve known about Moodies Records since I was a child. My dad and I used to visit the store often, spending time together listening to music. It was always powerful to watch him connect with his friends. Music was the driving force that brought them together and created a sense of fellowship and community,” he said.

“People truly understand how much this business meant to all of us,” reiterated Avril Francis, Community Liaison for Councilman Riley.

Reggae singer Richie Stephens, who first met Mr Moodie nearly 30 years ago praised the business stalwart saying, “His influence resonated far beyond the walls of his iconic music store in the Bronx. He committed himself to promoting reggae music and fostered a space where music lovers and artists like myself could gather and interact over shared rhythms and stories. The renaming of 225th Street stands as a powerful symbol of cultural pride and community appreciation, ensuring that Moodie’s contributions to reggae music and the Bronx community will be remembered for generations to come,” he explained.

 Syntyche ‘Syn’ Clarke, Vice President of Queens based Irie Jam Radio, who anchored a live broadcast from the renaming event spoke about Mr. Moodie’s life and legacy.

“It’s about recognizing the impact of those who often work behind the scenes to uplift our people, celebrate our roots, and build bridges for future generations,” Clarke shared.

“Naming this street ‘Earl Moodie’s Way’ stands as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging our community leaders both while they are with us and after they’re gone. Mr. Moodie embodies what it means to chase purpose, live with intention, and leave the world better than you found it,” she added.

Earl Moodie died on September 17, 2021 after a brief illness. He was 69 years old.