PIONEERING RECORD STORE OPERATOR/RECORD PRODUCER AND AUTHOR, ROYDALE “ANDY” ANDERSON, OF ANDY’S RECORD STORE IN THE BRONX, DIES AT 75!

Pioneering Record producer and record store operator, Roydale Anderson, of Andy’s Records in the Bronx, New York City, died on December 25, 2018, at age 75. Also known as Benny, Beno, Andy, Anderson, was born in Kingston, to parents Clement and Millicent Anderson, on March 20, 1943. He was the youngest of six siblings, and predeceased by sister Marion, and brother Hector.  Benny left Whitfield Primary All—Age school at an early age to learn a trade as an electrician.  He worked at Caymanas Park Sugar Estate, and then with P.C. Vendryes. 

Benny migrated to the Bronx, New York, in November 1963.  Shortly thereafter, he and his older brother opened up a taxi-service and also sold records on the side.  This was the start of Andy’s Record Store, on the famous 170^th Street off the Grand Concourse.  Andy’s Records was one of the pioneers in the record business to import Reggae music to the U.S and distributing records to the Tri-State area. He worked with many folks in the music industry —  other producers and a few reggae artistes. As a producer himself, he worked with artistes such as:  Gregory Isaacs, The Paragons, Slim Smith, Augustus Pablo, Garth Dennis (Black Uhuru), and the Original Wailers.  Although he didn’t record, he also worked with Dennis Brown’s Westbound Train.

In 1976, Benny left Andy’s Record and moved to Rochester New York, where he resumed his profession as an electrician, and worked for the Eastman Kodak Company, where he retired after twenty-five years of service.  He became a cornerstone within the Caribbean community in Rochester.  He was active in the BANSU Soccer Club, as well as the Rochester West Indian Festival Committee (RWIFO).  His love of music never left, and he remained active in the music industry, where he not only brought several acts to the  Rochester and surrounding areas.  He was the manager of a local band, Jahmel & the Rhythm Factory.  

As an author of the book, “My Reggae Journey, Music’s Rough, Tough Road.” Roydale passed away after a long illness.  He leaves behind his wife of 46 years, Paulette, and sons Dave (Franklyn), Wayne, Kurt, Ryan, and Roger. Sisters  Vinette & husband Sam; Olive & husband Barry; Peggy (Claire).  Grandchildren:  Tasha, Taj, Robert, Bobbi, and Naileah, and Sheric, who preceded him in death, and several great grandchildren.  Nephews, Mark, Mel, Dave and Ronnie.  Nieces:  Dawn, Rochelle, Sharon & Diana. Cousin Edgar (Brown) & family, and other family and friends to mourn.