“Collecting is a big part of my life — it’s more than a hobby. I’ve been collecting vinyl for over 45, almost 50 years.

One of the first records I ever bought was Melting Pot by Booker T. & the M.G.‘s… and Love to Love You Baby by Donna Summer. We’re talking early, pre-disco 45s. I grew up in the Bronx, and there was a little record shop just down the block — Stratford Avenue, right near Westchester. I was 10, 11 years old, already going down there to buy Salsoul records.

That passion’s stayed with me. I’ve collected vinyl, vintage gear, musical equipment, and yeah — I’m a big hat collector too. It’s part of who I am.

For me, it’s important to carry on this legacy. I’ve made music for decades and played all over the world.

So if someone out there — whether we shared a dancefloor moment, or you connected through a piece of my music — ends up owning something from my collection, that means everything to me."

- Louie Vega