New Yorkers paid tribute Friday to a man whose career in music and role in the community made him a beloved figure across the city. 

Community members gathered at Moodie’s Records on White Plains Road Friday to celebrate the life of the owner, Earl Moodie, who passed away last week at 69 years old after being sick for a few years. 

Friends, family and customers going back decades met outside of the store on Friday for a vigil and celebration of life, featuring plenty of music. 

Besides owning the store, Earl Moodie, also known as “Sir Moodie” and “Mister Moodie,” had a successful performing career as lead singer of The Stepping Stones, a group who picked up a small following in Bronx and Brooklyn reggae clubs in the '70s. 

People remembered him as the man who had every album. Even if he didn’t, he could find it in a day or two. This drew customers from all five boroughs, Westchester, Connecticut and New Jersey to his store. 

Longtime customers say it went beyond business and that he used music to form a real connection to the area, even becoming a mentor to kids in the neighborhood. 

"When you went into that store, there was not a sad day to him.  If you went in there sad, he would give you that light. I don't know how he did it, but he was such an inspirational person,” says longtime customer, Irie Dale. 

News 12 is told that Moodie’s Records will continue to stay open and stay in the family, as Moodie built a legacy of music to pass down.