On National Record Store Day, owners, employees, and music lovers gather in the place that created a culture of its own.

From vinyl to digital and back to vinyl again, the brick and mortar store celebrates a love of not just the music, but the art of jacket covers, words, and style. Through a variety of events, record stores across the country and the world hold one day events and promotions.

Even though independent record stores have dwindled in the last decade, around 1,400 still remain in operation in the United States. Most of those are operating in major metropolitan areas like New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, and Seattle. However, other smaller metro areas also cater to vinyl and disc, too. Think Duluth, Fargo, Des Moines, and Terre Haute. They all have record stores full of classic albums waiting for you to discover your favorite cover.

NATIONAL RECORD STORE DAY HISTORY

Founded in 2007 by a gathering of independent record store owners, the first National Record Store Day included Metallica meeting fans at Rasputin Music in San Francisco. Since then, the celebration spread globally encompassing all genres of music and fandom.

Vinyl records never went away and companies who make them are seeing increased popularity.  The most expensive vinyl record is certainly not the most collectible because, well, only one was ever made. In 2015, hip hop group Wu-Tang Clan produce a single copy of Once Upon a Time in Shaolin. The album was purchased for 2 million dollars.

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL RECORD STORE DAY

• Visit your favorite record store online and give them a shoutout or buy a gift card to show your support.
• Play your favorite vinyl record find.
• Visit www.recordstoreday.com to find a record store event near you.
• Use #NationalRecordStoreDay to share on social media.