The Clark Music Company first opened its So. Salina Street doors in Downtown Syracuse back in 1859. Its founder George W. Clark quickly became Syracuse most popular sheet music retailer. Clarks' changed directions and became Syracuse first phonograph (record player) dealer. They quickly moved into instrumentation selling the cities first harp while becoming the areas most popular dealer of name brand pianos.
In 1919, Clark Music was owned and manager by George's son, Melville Clark and located across from Dey Brothers in the 400 block of So. Salina Street on the site that would later become Sibleys Department store. Clark Music was then sold in 1960 to Guido Singer. It was his decision to relocated to its current location at 2922 Erie Blvd, East in 1966. At this time Clark Music expanded into high-end audio and video products while continuing selling the popular Steinway piano line. Mr Singer sold his business in the 1980's to current owner Hugh Murphy. Mr Murphy hired our friend Frank DeFonda (longtime drummer currently with Mark Doyle & the Maniacs) who in his 28 years at Clark Music rose into a corporate management position. Frank was quoted in the Post Standard newspaper as saying- "As of Sunday, August 26, Clark Music becomes history, one that I think many will miss." There were many reasons for Clark Music's closing, one being that the property was sold to a developer and they would have to move to a different location.
Jack Solovoy managed Clark for Guido in the early 70s when I worked there. They sold organs; Hammond, Allen, Kimball, as well as the Steinway pianos. Service was run by Nick Orso, other technicians were Al Stahr and Chuck Kappiser.
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