Reid’s Records/Christian Bookstore

Specialties

Gospel Music Cd’s&DVD’s, Song Books&Hymnals, Vocal Trax For Singers, Pulpit Robes&Stoles, Clergy Shirts, Choir Robes, Sunday School Materials, Religious Books & Bibles, Communion Supplies, Usher’s Supplies, Church Bulletin Covers, Tambourines. Everything you can think of for your Church Experience Is Here At Reid’s Records Of Berkeley Reid’s More Than Just A Gospel Music Store

History

Established in 1945.

Reid’s Records was started in 1945 by Melvin and Betty Reid in the garage of the building next door to Reid’s present location. Selling 78’s, 45’s and Lp’s in mono and stereo back in that day. Mel & Betty supplied the growing African American population with Race Music, Jazz, R&B, Soul & Gospel. In the early 50’s Melvin Purchased time on one of the local radio stations KRE And featured the first religious music program which was hosted by Mel’s uncle Paul Reid the program was entitled «Religious Gems».

Later because of the popularity the program was moved to 1310am KDIA.

Paul Reid organized local Choir Competitions Filling up the old Henry J Kaiser Auditorium in Oakland with the best local choirs in the bay area. While Melvin would bring to the bay area World Class Gospel Artists from all over the country to perform to sold out concerts.



In the 70’s with the birth of the music chain stores, Tower, Leopold’s, and others. Reid’s started to turn to Music of the African American Church

Meet the Business Owner

David R.

Business Owner

Raised up in the store as a child I could read 45 labels before I could read a book, and you could come in sing a few words out of a song and 9 time out of ten someone could find the one you were looking for. After graduation from high school I took up carpentry and in the early 90’s took over the management of the family business.

currently I have started promoting Gospel Music concerts «The Annual Charles Reid Gospel Festival» Named after My Grandfather’s Brother Charles Reid. And for the last 2 plus years I have reincarnated The Religious Gems Radio Broadcast on Sunday Mornings From 6−10am On Vallejo’s Community Radio Station KZCT Ozcat Radio 89.5fm