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Rewinding the Memories: Record and Tape Traders at Dulaney Plaza

Dulaney Plaza has been home to many beloved businesses over the years, but few hold the same cherished place in our hearts as Record and Tape Traders. For decades, this iconic store wasn’t just a spot to buy music, it was where memories were made, friendships were formed, and the love of music brought people together.

Record and Tape Traders was more than a store. It was a sanctuary for music lovers. A place where you could lose track of time flipping through stacks of records, tapes, and CDs, discovering your next favorite artist or reconnecting with an old classic. The staff were passionate music enthusiasts, always ready with a recommendation or eager to share their excitement for a hidden gem.

And then there were the concerts. 

The store and sometimes even the parking lot transformed into a stage where music came alive. Local bands and legendary acts alike filled the air with sound and brought the community together in ways that felt electric. In March 2004, the progressive rock band Crack the Sky performed in the plaza’s parking lot, creating one of many unforgettable moments that made it a true gathering place for music and connection.

For many, Record and Tape Traders was where they met their favorite artist at a signing, saw their first live show, or simply spent hours bonding with friends over a shared love of music. It was a business deeply rooted in Towson’s cultural identity, a place where everyone felt they belonged.

Though Record and Tape Traders is no longer at Dulaney Plaza, its legacy lives on in the stories, friendships, and music it brought to the community. It reminds us of how one small store could create a ripple effect of connection and joy, leaving a lasting legacy that still resonates today.