The Bronx paid tribute to one of reggae’s most influential behind-the-scenes figures, Earl Moodie, with the official renaming of the corner of White Plains Road and 225th Street to Earl Moodie’s Way. The ceremony honored the Jamaican-born music stalwart, founder of Moodies Records, and longtime Bronx resident who left an indelible mark on reggae culture in New York City.
Bronx Councilman Kevin C. Riley joined family members, friends, and reggae fans at the renaming ceremony, celebrating Moodie’s contributions to both the borough and the broader reggae community.
“I’ve known about Moodies Records since I was a child. My dad and I used to visit the store often, spending time together listening to music. It was always powerful to watch him connect with his friends. Music was the driving force that brought them together and created a sense of fellowship and community,” Councilman Riley shared. He helped organize the event in partnership with the Moodie family.
“People truly understand how much this business meant to all of us,” added Avril Francis, Community Liaison for Councilman Riley.
Moodie, originally from Papine in St. Andrew, Jamaica, migrated to New York in 1969. For most of his life in the United States, he was deeply involved in the music business. In the early 1970s, he was the lead singer of The Stepping Stones, a reggae band that played the club circuit in the Bronx and Brooklyn. Before launching his own store, he also worked at Brad’s Records, one of the leading reggae outlets in the country at the time.
Located on White Plains Road, Moodie’s Records quickly became a go-to destination for reggae lovers seeking the latest hits or rare gems from the rocksteady and roots-reggae eras. The shop also served as a key hangout spot for Jamaicans in the music business, especially those living in New York City.
Reggae singer Richie Stephens, who first met Mr. Moodie nearly 30 years ago, reflected on his influence: “His influence resonated far beyond the walls of his iconic music store in the Bronx. He committed himself to promoting reggae music and fostered a space where music lovers and artists like myself could gather and interact over shared rhythms and stories. The renaming of 225th Street stands as a powerful symbol of cultural pride and community appreciation, ensuring that Moodie’s contributions to reggae music and the Bronx community will be remembered for generations to come.”
Syntyche “Syn” Clarke, Vice President of Irie Jam Radio, anchored a live broadcast from the event and emphasized the importance of honoring community pillars like Earl Moodie.
“It’s about recognizing the impact of those who often work behind the scenes to uplift our people, celebrate our roots, and build bridges for future generations,” Clarke said. “Naming this street ‘Earl Moodie’s Way’ stands as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging our community leaders both while they are with us and after they’re gone. Mr. Moodie embodies what it means to chase purpose, live with intention, and leave the world better than you found it.”
Earl Moodie passed away on September 17, 2021, at the age of 69 after a brief illness. His legacy — as a cultural connector, a music lover, and a Bronx icon — lives on in every beat spun at Moodies Records and now, quite literally, in the streets he helped define.
