Our Story
IYKYK-“If you knew, you knew”.
In the late 50’s, into the 60’s, an urban myth circulated among i cognoscenti about a fellow in the Chicago suburb of Cicero who dealt musical instruments out of his basement at prices far below those found at Music Stores of the day. In the grand Chicago tradition, you had to “know a guy” who “knew a guy” who could hook you up. Keeping with that grand Chicago tradition, the whole thing had an air of mystery and intrigue-adding a frisson of thrill on top of a musician’s usual excitement of acquiring a new Guitar, Horn, Microphone, or Drum Kit.
It all seemed too good to be true.
If you made the connection, and vetted to proceed, the journey to the clandestine location on residential 31st Street, found you before a common Chicago “Three Flat” Apartment building. Hardly the appearance of any sort of music store. Answering the doorbell was a short portly fellow with an amazing twinkle in his eye, and an easy, welcoming countenance. At last you had met AL HAGEDORN.
The basement of the Apartment building was chock full of boxes and every sort of musical instrument (All legitimately acquired). If you were very lucky, a prominent Chicago musician or group might also be there picking up items they required. Cash (Only!) changed hands, and you left with your brand-new Guitar, etc., (and perhaps an autograph or two) wondering what the hell just happened. Unbelievably, the urban myth was 100% true!
Very often a young lad, Al’s son Daniel would be on hand to help load a drum kit or P.A. System into waiting vehicles. Danny soaked it all in, and made friends with all who patronized this most unique boutique.
This enterprise continued for years, and after Danny graduated University with a Financial degree, a decision was made to expand operations beyond the basement and open a dedicated establishment.
Al owned a property a few blocks down 31st Street, a green-faced structure with a very modest storefront; tiny, actually.
DJ’s MUSIC opened for business on March 9th 1974, with Dan Hagedorn and his Brother John at the helm. The first customer, a local guitarist, needed a set of strings; but the desired brand was not in stock. Dan’s guiding principle of absolute customer satisfaction immediately kicked in, and without fanfare, the front door was locked, and the pair was off to a Chicago Southside Wholesaler where Dan obtained the desired strings, and the customer, again, wondered what the hell just happened.
Thus began a success story for the ages. The “little store that could” rose to become a multi-million dollar phenomenon, at times with lines outside the door waiting to get in. Patriarch Al was always on hand giving violin and woodwind lessons to many of the area’s youth; a number of which went on to prosperous careers. “DJ’s” was on the top performer list of many Musical instrument franchises. It was not uncommon to find superstars on the premises, or on the phone with orders to be delivered at the top Chicago Concert halls. Musicians began to not “shop around”, instead just “Calling Danny” knowing he would provide the lowest prices without a haggle. Folks would stop by just to “hang out”. Every day was a “happening” at that little green house.
The story continued into the 21st Century until opportunity knocked with an offer to divest, and the Hagedorn Family took advantage of it. They had earned it beyond their wildest dreams.
Al “Pops” Hagedorn, retired splendidly and that twinkle never left his eye. The Music never left his heart. And his lasting influence on the Music Instrument World resonates to this day.
“Pops” passed away peacefully on July 6th 2021 at the age of 98