Former Location –
Wallich’s Music City was a world famous record store that had listening stations where you could just rip the shrink-wrap off of any album that you wanted to hear and decide if you wanted to own it or not. Each listening station was relatively sound-proof and allowed you privacy to make your decision.
The original location was in Hollywood. There was also another location in Topanga Plaza which is in Woodland Hills.
Wallich’s Music City – West Covina
Eastland Shopping Center
West Covina CA 91791
Got my first guitar there way back 1970 maybe ? sorry to see its gone
My best friend Lee and I always went to Wallach’s MC to listen to new music by British Invasion bands. First listened to Gerry & The Pacemakers, Swinging Blue Jeans, Billy J. Kramer & The Dakotas, Hollies, Beatles, Stones, Animals, Freddie & The Dreamers, Kinks, Herman’s Hermits, Dave Clark Five, Them, Dusty Springfield and of course Elvis, Everly Brothers, Roy Orbison and so many others. What a great concept to let teenage kids listen to records in a booth hoping they would buy the album. Lee and I listened to many more than we bought. He lived on Chaparro Rd. in Covina after moving away from 2 doors down the street. I lived on Larkwood St. next to WC high and we great times growing up in the 50’s and 60’s. Moved there from Chicago area in 1953 and watched them build WC high school behind our house. Wallach’s Music City will always be one of my favorite memories growing up in the valley.
Man I remember this place! A HUGE supply of records, and other music related items. It was in the South side parking lot of the Eastland Shopping Center. That whole center was a beautiful place to shop. It was a massive shot in the arm for West Covina’s economy! I was a kid when it opened in the late 50’s. Nothing else like it in SoCal. It incidently helped close down several downtown shopping areas in neighboring cities. Sad, but just progress. The “New” Eastland isn’t worthy od mention. I miss ALL of it! The 50’s was the BEST time to grow up in.
Any body remember sitting in the recording booth making you own record?
Topanga plaza, woodland hills. Ca