Rest In Peace, Leslie Wimmer, The Godmother Of The South Florida Music Scene
By Debbie Brautman
South Florida lost a true music visionary and legendary record store pioneer – Leslie Wimmer. In June, this sad news struck the South Florida music community like a ton of bricks, as she was tremendously loved and so appreciated. She inspired and changed the lives of so many music lovers. The kids of the 80’s who loved music flocked to her ultra cool record store that was loaded with import albums and UK magazines. There was nothing like it down here at the time. She shaped people’s lives with her musical knowledge, support and expertise. Since her sudden passing, the beautiful and touching tributes have been pouring onto social media from so many people whose lives she touched. Everyone mentioned how kind she was and such a great soul. That wide smile of hers could light up a room.
In 1979, Leslie and her partner Ted Gottfriend opened the coolest indie record store around named Open Books and Records. First, they set up shop in Deerfield Beach before moving to Ft. Lauderdale in 1981 and finally settled down in N Miami on 167th Street. Leslie and Ted started the record label named Open Records and, in 1982, released a compilation LP of local punk and indie bands, The Land That Time Forgot. Bands featured were The Eat, The Bobs, The Spanish Dogs, Charlie Pickett and The Eggs, and The Front to name a few. They also released Charlie Pickett and The Eggs music, including a live album recorded at The Button. Then, in 1984, Ted left for New York to start See Hear, a legendary specialized fanzine bookstore in New York City’s East Village. In North Miami, Leslie carried on and did just fine on her own, all through the 80’s, hosting great local music events at her store and carrying those hard to get imports and magazines. Times changed in the record business and Open Books and Records closed in March 1994. Then, Leslie went to work at Bob Perry’s Blue Note Records, just down the street in North Miami Beach, and ran his rock section. Bob Perry made a beautiful Facebook post, “This is so hard for all of us in the South Florida record/music community saying goodbye to our matriarch Leslie…I, like all of us, loved this gal more than words can say, she will always be in my/our hearts for everything she has done for Florida’s music community. We will never forget you, Leslie.”
Y&T Music’s Rich Ulloa made this touching post, “Like everyone who knew her I am crushed and heartbroken to learn about the passing of our dear friend, Leslie. I have been involved in the music scene for over 40 years, and I have never known anyone who was more beloved than Leslie Wimmer. She was a friend and mentor to so many, and she was also a true visionary and pioneer in how she, along with Ted Gottfried, played the early and crucial role in creating what turned out to be a vibrant South Florida music scene. Michael Mut sums it up well on Facebook, “She was one of a kind, the true queen of our scene.” Another fan of hers, Bobby Gold, said, “She was always so nice to me, I don’t know anyone who ever had a bad thing to say about her, she gave exposure to so many bands, local and passing through on tour; to me she was the Godmother of the South Florida music scene, we would text each other with jokes and she always made me laugh, we just lost a cornerstone of the South Florida music scene…travel well, Sweet lady, I will never forget you.” So, for those who did not know Leslie, you can tell by these heartfelt passionate memories, that she was so well loved and respected. She was passionate about bringing new music to the community and she did it in such a friendly, welcoming and knowledgeable way. She knew her music and really cared about bringing the local music community together. Former Miami News’ music critic Jon Marlowe had written about Open Books and Records doing that back in the day (The 80’s). When he heard the sad news, he said, “She showed her fine musical savvy by giving Charlie Pickett a much-deserved shot, by putting out his records, when no one else would. Her kindness and intense musical judgement will be sorely missed.” Malcolm Tent has a video blog on YouTube called Tent Talks Tunes: Leslie Wimmer of the great Open Books and Records. It is a great watch, especially for South Florida music fans of the 1980’s and 1990’s. Check it out. It’s so nice to see the interview with Leslie on video.
She was so loved and will be sorely missed. Never to be forgotten!
