T-Bone’s: Burg’s only independent record store

Hattiesburg venue T-Bone’s Records & Cafe has been fueling music addicts for a little over ten years now. T-Bone’s was formerly the only independent record store in Mississippi, but similar stores have sprung up over the state recently. Current owner Harry Crumpler and his family took over the business in 2002. Crumpler worked for the previous owners for a few years.

“I really fell in love with the record store, not just as a retail environment, but as cultural meeting ground for music lovers and musicians alike,” Crumpler said. “You can find out so much about your town just by visiting a good record shop.”

T-Bone’s Records & Cafe’s mission is to provide the Hattiesburg community with a wide selection of vinyl, DVDs, Blu-Rays and CDs. The store also has a wide selection of used or “pre-loved” merchandise. T-Bone’s has even invested in equipment that restores these items to like-new condition. Customers can bring in music and movies to trade in for cash or store credit.  One of the most impressive things about T-Bone’s is its selection of vinyl. Everything from classics such as The Beatles and James Taylor to modern favorites like Best Coast and Jay-Z are available.

Not only does the store provide a variety of music and movies, it also has a full-service cafe.

University of Southern Mississippi senior microbiology major Justin Moreira is a frequent customer at T-Bone’s.

“The atmosphere of the store is really chill,” Moreira said. “It’s the closest coffee to campus besides Starbucks, and their coffee is really good. It’s a great place to study.”

The cafe offers a coffee menu, food menu and snacks such as Zapps chips, pastries and soda in glass bottles.

T-Bone’s also sponsors free in-store events. Past performers include Heartless Bastards, Members of Morphine, Thomas Jackson, Blue Mountain, Mississippi Shakedown and Johnny Vidacovich. The store has also played host to many Hub City Comedy events for a night of laughs. T-Bone’s often hosts listening parties for new releases, and music documentaries are screened in the store.  

Crumpler said he enjoys the camaraderie among the businesses downtown and how they want to work together to make the downtown experience special.

“‘I’ve always loved living in Hattiesburg and wanted to make a contribution to it,” Crumpler said. “T-Bone’s is my contribution. It’s ever-evolving and is as much a reflection of Hattiesburg as it is me.”

To stay up to date with what is happening at T-Bone’s, visit www.tbonescafe.com.