Gainesville’s Tastemakers & Trendsetters: Moe’s Record Shop
We’re incredibly grateful to the Gainesville Times and writer Greg Finan Jr. for shining a spotlight on Moe’s Record Shop as part of their Tastemakers & Trendsetters series. The feature dives into the story of our founder, Leonard “Moe” Lyons, and how his lifelong love of music helped create a special place for Gainesville’s community to gather, connect, and celebrate sound.
In a world increasingly dominated by digital streaming, Moe has always believed in the magic of physical media — especially vinyl. “There’s something about dropping that needle,” he shared. “Vinyl has a warm feeling to it. It brings people together.” That passion is the pulse behind Moe’s Record Shop, located in the heart of historic downtown Gainesville, where the walls are lined with new and pre-loved vinyl, CDs, cassettes, and memories waiting to be rediscovered.
Leonard ‘Moe’ Lyons, Gainesville Legend
Next time you’re in Gainesville, GA be sure to check out Moe’s Record Shop off the downtown square…and ask him how he got the nickname “Moe!”
Moe’s journey didn’t begin with the store’s opening in 2019 — it stretches back to the mid-1980s when he worked in iconic shops like Record Bar and Turtles. After retiring from a city government job, he decided to return to his roots, opening the first version of Moe’s in Flowery Branch. The move to Gainesville in 2020 marked a new chapter, and eventually, a bigger location just a few doors down became home to the thriving music hub you see today.
More than just a record store, Moe’s is also a performance space. The shop frequently hosts live shows, often spotlighting metal bands and emerging artists. Moe hopes to continue making in-store performances a monthly tradition and encourages bands to reach out if they’d like to play.
Outside the shop, Moe has kept the groove going for over two decades as the host of “Fusion à la Moe” — a jazz program on WBCX 89.1 FM airing Friday and Saturday nights from 8 p.m. to midnight. “Jazz was always my first love,” Moe says, and the radio show has been a consistent creative outlet and a way to share his deep appreciation for fusion, contemporary, and smooth jazz with listeners across the area.
The article also highlights the camaraderie among downtown businesses, something Moe deeply values. For this past Record Store Day, Moe’s worked to create a collaborative shirt that highlights the neighboring shops, reinforcing that community and music go hand in hand.
For Moe, this shop isn’t just a retirement hobby — it’s a second act filled with soul, sound, and purpose. “I retired once,” he laughs. “Now I’m doing what I really love.”
Thank you again to The Gainesville Times for the thoughtful feature and continued support of small businesses like ours.
To read the full article, click here.