The original Encore Music opened its doors in the mid 1970’s in Columbia, SC when two friends and partners Ed Blanton Jr. and Bubba Willis decided to open a music store to compliment their band and booking ventures. The store did very well for the remainder of the 70’s and early 80’s eventually expanding into a 5,000 square foot storefront and becoming a staple in Columbia’s music scene. Unfortunately, the two partners went their separate ways and the store closed its doors in 1986.

Fast forward twenty years later in Charleston, SC and Ed Blanton III is working in Charleston’s largest music store. Having become a veteran of the original rock and punk scene along the East Coast and fronting a band for the past five years, he quickly climbs the ranks and becomes part of the management team. Along the same time Sean MacKenzie moves to the Charleston area from Albany, NY where he managed the drum department of upstate New York’s largest and most established independent music store. After teaching drums and performing in New York area for the last ten years he decided it was time to move on. The two eventually meet and realize they both have similar desires of owning a store of their own.

It wasn’t long before such an opportunity appeared. Another smaller Charleston music store was preparing to close its doors and Sean and Ed got wind of it. With the help of Ed Blanton Jr. they were able to open a new Encore Music in that store’s location. Finally the Charleston area has an honest place to get musical equipment that has prices as good as the internet and big box stores.