Whatever Happened to Rick Ballard Imports?

[RDK]

Looking through some old LPs last weekend and a few import CDs, I had a flash of nostalgia upon seeing that silver, rounded rectangular "Distributed by Rick Ballard Imports" sticker. But a Google search came up empty. Whatever became of Rick and what was his story anyway? Seems the sort of arcane jazz distribution question that's right up this board's alley...

[Jim R]

I don't know the whole story in terms of the changes that have taken place with his import business, but Rick moved from the waterfront area (Rick Ballard Imports) years (10-15?) ago, and opened "Grooveyard" on Telegraph. I haven't been back up there since, but apparently he moved to Claremont some time ago. A great guy to do business with.

http://www.organissimo.org/forum/index.php?showtopic=10182

[marcello]

I used to get a lot of Japanese vinyl from Dan Serro, in the 70's.

I think he is still around.

[BeBop]

Saw Rick not long ago. Great guy. Really. Seems that he's combined his business (Grooveyard) with Berigan's, though I don't know this for sure. Seems like I picked up a few clues, but, right now, I couldn't even tell you what they were! So anyway, check out Berigan's on Claremont.

[Jim R]

Of course (as I'm sure you know), Rick and Berigan were together at the old shop west of the freeway, so it's good to hear that. I have fond memories of their periodic vintage LP consignment sales at that shop. Berigan always seemed like a pretty cool guy too, BTW.

[paul secor]

I used to get a lot of Japanese vinyl from Dan Serro, in the 70's.

I think he is still around.

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That name brings back memories - bought a lot of stuff from him in the 80's.

[Chuck Nessa]

Rick's Groove Yard is still in business. I talked to him about 10 days ago. His operation is currently at 5555 Claremont Ave, Oakland.

Rick is a great guy to do business with. I have been working with him since 1975.

[catesta]

Welcome back, Chuck.

[Chuck Nessa]

I used to get a lot of Japanese vinyl from Dan Serro, in the 70's.

I think he is still around.

←

That name brings back memories - bought a lot of stuff from him in the 80's.

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Dan might be/have been a fond memory, but I remember the Kharma lps of great musicians in terrible sound.

[Chuck Nessa]

Welcome back, Chuck.

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Thanks Chris. It is good to be back.

[marcello]

Goggled Dan Serro.

He's in Miami and auctions & sells vinyl.

Dan Serro / Kharma Records

[BeBop]

Rick's Groove Yard is still in business. I talked to him about 10 days ago. His operation is currently at 5555 Claremont Ave, Oakland.

Rick is a great guy to do business with. I have been working with him since 1975.

←

5555 is the address of Berigan's retail store.

[Jim R]

I bought quite a few LP's from Serro in the 80's also. In terms of imports, though, when I think of Ballard I think of euro imports- especially Steeplechase. Bought a TON of those from Rick, whose prices for new or used were always reasonable. Come to think of it, I even bought a couple of used Mosaic sets from Rick, for very, very good prices.

Berigan's store was/is pretty small, without much extra space... I wonder if he expanded the shop...? Of course, Grooveyard on Telegraph was even smaller...

[Eric]

This is a big "up" - I am wondering what happened to Rick Ballard?  I visited his Oakland store as recently as 2015, but cannot find a web presence.  I always enjoyed speaking with him over the years at his store(s).

Edited June 7, 2022 by Eric