Gramaphone Records founder Joe Dale dies at 75

Remembered as a pivotal force in shaping Chicago’s electronic music landscape.

Photo credit: Gramaphone Records – Instagram

Joe Dale, co-founder and longtime owner of Chicago’s Gramaphone Records, has passed away at the age of 75. The store confirmed the news via social media on March 26th, describing Dale as an “unsung hero of house music.” No cause of death has been made public.

Dale, alongside business partner Carl Borowski, assumed ownership of Gramaphone Records in 1978. Originally opened in Lincoln Park in 1969, the store underwent a significant transformation under Dale’s vision. By the early 1980s, he began specializing in dance music, turning Gramaphone into a cornerstone for house, techno, drum & bass, disco, and hip-hop.

Beyond curating a vital record collection, Dale helped foster the next generation of talent by mentoring young employees who shared his passion for electronic music.

“His decision to pivot Gramaphone from just another record store to one focusing solely on electronic music during the early days of house changed everything for Chicago and the world,” read the store’s statement. “Joe’s passing is felt deeply by all of us and we know he touched many lives with his laughter and loving personality.”