Life and Work with Noura Gordon

Today we’d like to introduce you to Noura Gordon.

Noura, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My mother and father started Pyramid Music in 1971. It’s the oldest Black-owned record shop in GA. I was raised in the record shop and on the road with my parents for music conferences or shows they promoted for years and would hear stories about my father as a DJ, concert promoter and radio legend and grew up curious about the music industry. While attending Bauder College (Atl, GA) in 2000, I began my internship with Jive Records under Rodney Terry, I got the real-life experience of working for a major record label assisting in promotional campaigns, listening events and watching what happens behind the scene from artist development to the machine that makes a star. After graduation, I returned back home to Augusta to help run the family’s music shop and maintained most of the business relationships I made in the music scene in Atlanta. I was able to bring several artist showcases to Augusta with the help of my friends from the Universal Music Group (Ricardo Spicer and Calvin Thorbourne III) Sony Music (Stacy Quarterman), WEA (the late James Rhodes), Virgin (CJ Jimmerson) and Interscope (Amir Boyd). A pivotal moment came when I reached out to the opening artist for a Talib Kwali show I attended… it was D.R.E.S. Tha Beatnik. I absolutely loved his energy so I asked him if he’d be down to host and perform at a listening event in Augusta for an entertainment company I started with my friends Jessica Stephens and Erica Harmon called All Or Nothing Entertainment.

The event was literally standing room only so we decided that we needed to get that same energy back for our end of the year Christmas party which we named “Fire & Ice” and it happened… we captured that same magic and then some. The annual Fire & Ice holiday party is now going strong into its 15th year. After being diagnosed with my 2nd tumor and going through the recovery process, there was another pivotal moment, my close friend and business partner Justin Heath had an eye-opening conversation with me. I was seriously depressed and tired of going through this process all over again, the radiation, all the doctor visits, surgery, and downtime. I was away from work and hanging with friends once again with this huge cut on my stomach and staples holding it together. I was grateful I survived but couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. His honest words of encouragement and inspiration completely changed the way I wanted to approach my life after I got off bed rest. I was ready to do all the things I wanted to do but would hesitate, doubt my ability or talk myself out of. I had been surrounded by records my entire life and loved to play my parents records at home and on the jukebox in the store… and that’s when it clicked I wanted to share the music that I love with people, not just selling it, but playing it as well.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It seems like every aspect of the music industry is still very male-dominated but women are making amazing strides. I’ve been counted out not only because of my gender but also because I’m a Black Woman. My biggest piece of advice would be KNOW YOUR WORTH! If it’s something you’re passionate about, don’t let anything or anyone take you away from what makes your heart smile. If it does not bring you joy or peace of mind, leave it where it is… time is such a precious commodity and as a survivor every second is gold.

Tell us about your business. What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of as a company? What sets you apart from others?
I’m a vinyl fanatic! I’m a vinyl dealer who does vinyl shows across the country and an all vinyl DJ. My motto is “Music is meant to be shared” and at any event you see me set up at you’re going go get the absolute best deal and more. I gave away 45’s to every guest at the last Plates & Crates and did a vinyl giveaway at the latest Vinyl & Vibes, I absolutely love to share my love for vinyl records with everyone.
Guest DJ for Hip Hop Nutcracker feat Hip Hop legend. Kurtis Blow (Augusta GA).
Guest DJ for James Brown Birthday Bash (Augusta GA).
Just got back from my second successful record show in Chicago, IL called CRATES
where I was a guest DJ and Vinyl vendor.
I am currently the co-owner of the World Famous Pyramid Music in Augusta GA.
Owner of LadyMarauder Music/Publishing ASCAP.
Co-Creator and Host of Fire & Ice Holiday Event for 15 years.
1/2 of the Eldorado Hotties Vinyl DJ Crew with Lisa Thurston in Atlanta GA.
Guest DJ and Vinyl vendor for All Vinyl Everything (Atlanta GA).
Guest DJ and Vinyl vendor for Vinyl and Vibes (Atlanta GA).
Guest DJ and Vinyl vendor for Plates And Crates (Atlanta GA).

Were there people and/or experiences you had in your childhood that you feel laid the foundation for your success?
Growing up in the record store and being able to see how music affects people. Seeing people come in for music, they needed for a celebration or to sooth a heartache made me appreciate that I get to be a part of that… music is a healer and I’m so blessed to be part of that process every day of my life… it’s such a beautiful thing.

Contact Info:

• Address: Pyramid Music-822 Broad Street Augusta, GA 30901
• Phone: 7067241508
• Email: morevinyl4less@gmail.com
• Instagram: @ladymarauder
• Other: @theworldfamouspyramidmusic

Image Credit:
Photography: Nikola Stevens, Hair: OnyxnMane Hair, Makeup: Lushglam by Bri, Nails: ClawCandii Nails

Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.