Fred Brokenshire, founder of Fred's Records, dead at 69

Fred Brokenshire, founder of the legendary St. John's shop Fred's Records, died Wednesday at the age of 69, and his brother is remembering him as an adventurous and creative person.

Jim Brokenshire says Fred always thought outside the box, even from the very beginning of Fred's Records, which he opened in 1972 when he was just 19.

"He was entrepreneurial-minded and creative and energetic and full of life, so he wanted to do something and dreamed up the idea of a record store," Jim said.

"There wasn't anything really like a true record store at the time, so he launched with the help of our father, who was the sensible, wise person behind the scenes that kept everything from going off the rails in the early days." 

Jim said their parents also helped foster Fred's love of music, often playing big band jazz or classical music at home, with their father "belting out opera" around the house.

When that love of music led Fred to open a record store, Jim said there was plenty of available space on the then quiet Duckworth Street.

"We were able to find an inexpensive spot to open up, and it's right here, so we've been here ever since."

The store's now been open on Duckworth Street for 49 years, with Fred's brothers and children and a who's who of local musicians all spending time working at the shop.

Jim said there was also expansion, with locations in the Avalon and Village malls, and elsewhere in Newfoundland.

"He wanted to launch and go big," Jim said. "He was ready to rock once he got his footing. Fred dreamed big and he thought big."

Fred later moved on to other ventures, Jim said, including a stint as a producer with CBC Radio, before founding the company Duckworth Distribution to help promote Newfoundland and Labrador music across Canada.

Fred also help launch the careers of new artists as well — and sometimes didn't have to look very far.

"He promoted lots of other artists, got them recordings. Damhnait Doyle he found on our staff here at the store, singing in the back room, and took it from there," Jim said.

"[He] said, 'Look, let's do a record,' and he put all that together."