Serious Sounds Record Store

What Sy Smith said!

Arrangement details as we Celebrate the Life, Legacy and Love of my Mom -- Mary Grace Boxie-Rodriguez 🕊🙏🏽🕯💫

This business comes with its share of PERSONALITIES!!! I always say that it often feels like you're "dating" these Promoters and Buyers. You deal with them sometimes daily for months (occasionally years). You learn about them, their families, their challenges, what brings them joy. And vice versa. Some you even allow to call you at 4a because it's business hours in their part of the world...... and you (sometimes begrudgingly) get up, do the work and get them what they need. Until the day AFTER the show -- when all is over and ya'll break up and go your separate ways.......back to your respective "before the booking" lives. ☺️

I've given ALL of'em back over the years but this one......NOPE --- NOT this cat!!! Filip has been the most joyous Promoter I've had the pleasure to work with in my lengthy career. Like no mis-steps! Like 1000% attention to ALL the needs! Like wise beyond his young years and seriously like TOP NOTCH!!! 💪🏾🏆🙌🏾✊🏽 And all done with a smile and a joy and peace about him that literally passed all understanding.....or mine at least. 🙏🏽

I just can't "break-up" with professionals like this, so a short to just last week.......salute and all the kudos to my man -- Thank you for all you do and have done. We ain't ever breaking up‼️ And I'll bring the snacks next October! 😉🫡😆

The kindness of strangers across the globe will always hold a special place in my heart. This gentle giant stepped in UNSOLICITED and became my right hand merch assistant at the SOLD OUT show *zklub300_official in -- He translated, ran and got small bill euros for me several times and made me laugh constantly throughout the night!! Thank you sooooo much -- you are a keeper!!! 🤗😘

Before last night there's no way I would have believed that we could possibly add to the illustrious history of The Bitter End venue in New York City but Ms. DID just that!!! A completely SO show on a big a*z Thursday night with Friends, Family and Fans who traveled from EVERY. WHERE. to see her! Los Angeles, DC, Albany, Jersey, Charlotte, Dallas and more‼️ Wow!! Just wow!!! What a beautiful love fest I witnessed!! 😍🥰 Congratulations Ms. Sy 🎉🎊👑 You've earned this!! 🙏🏽💪🏾✊🏽

I was stuck in my little cubby merch corner all night & didn't get many pictures but thank ya'll soooo much for coming out. And SPECIAL shout-outs to my guys Norelco and for making their long journey's to see the show! The support and love from you all is NEVER not appreciated!! 🫶🏾

83 has arrived! 🥳🙌🏾🎉🎁🌻

Happy bEARTHday Momma-My-Love! We'll get to the bad cake later. 😉🎂💗

Upcoming sightings...…
Govern yourselves accordingly.

One day IG is gonna let me be great & include Sy's songs but until then we gonna be visually great ANYWAY.......all around the world!! 🇺🇸🇸🇮🇭🇷🇫🇷

Note: Six (6) Seats left in NYC. SRO's only once those are gone.

PHILLY & CHARLOTTE tix are available now. Please don’t wait. Get em now 'cause yeah -- SO's (aka Sold OUT) are a thing-thing with Ms. Sy. 🙌🏾
Trust me -- I wouldn't lie to ya'll.

See you soon! 🥰
(See comments for deets/🎟️)

30 years ago today you left this realm. It's such a cliche saying but literally....... you're gone but never forgotten in the hearts and minds of sooooo many. 🕊

Continue to rest in musical heaven and PEACE Ms.

My Dad often has a saying that people usually die how they've lived. I've lived mostly a "responsible" life. Or at least that's what the elders have always said about me. In fact, I specifically recall a rebellious few years in my early 20's when I wanted to be everything but responsible!!!! Wanted to be free to be reckless like everybody else. 😆

That phase didn't last long. I'm kinda not built that way. By 25 I had a business to run so yeah -- the choice was made. Handle your life-business in a responsible fashion and keep it moving.

35 years on, I'm still trying to walk that walk. So yesterday I gathered with Attorney Sharon Burney, my dear Friend Marcus Milburn and Mrs. Maria to ink my Last Will and Testament.

I gotta say, it felt good good!! And my sleep last night was quite sound!! Ms. Grace used to always say, "If all I have is 1 wooden nickel left, IT'S MINE and I'm gonna let you know where I want it to go!" That's where I am these days.

These current "legal systems" (especially with this current administration) are not always designed to be our friends. Not gonna be long-winded today, just sending a gentle reminder to get your affairs in order. ESPECIALLY if you have a spouse and young children and real assets. Now, if you don't have nothing...... that's another conversation. 😄 But seriously, do it anyway. Just make your wishes known and put it on paper.

It's liberating.......I wouldn't lie to you. 💪🏾

There's a handful of show production 'Green Room' photos that I rarely share. They hold a special place in my head and heart because the Artist are/were the soundtrack to my formative years......as I learned about life and love thru their songs.

The Whispers are one of the groups that I've held in my very special place, so I'm saddened to hear that now Walter Scott has transitioned. 🥺

Rest in power Mr. Walter. I will never not play and honor the beautiful body of work you had a hand in creating!! 🕊

Sharing this news with my Serious Sounds Record Store family with a super heavy heart. 💔

you were the best record store salesman ever!! I'm CERTAIN the Almighty has welcomed you behind the heavenly counter as well. 🕊