Tribute To "Mr. Victor", Bob Johnson

[flygt40]

Sometimes the small miracles which occur in your life, have the most lasting effect!
Two years ago, God placed a miracle connection, a person, who had the ability, intelligence, grace and fortitude into my life at just the right time. Bob Johnson was that man.
Two years ago, I had no idea what a Victrola was. I was given a small one as a gift. As I began the journey of knowledge to learn about them, I ran across a page online which stated, "Mr. Victor". I called the number listed, and a sweet angelic voice answered. That was his angel, "Karen". Karen so gracefully guided me to Bob that day, and from then on, a friendship, a mentor, a love of music and understanding developed. Bob Johnson took the time to listen, he made time! Not just for me, but for anyone who would share his love for music, victrolas and life! He took the time to answer the three million questions I personally had on "how to collect", "what to collect", " what was good", etc. Every single time, no matter the time of day, he listened. He answered. It mattered. I mattered. Music wasn't the only love Bob had. He had a love of people.
I would call, He would simply explain with a laugh and love of Victrola's that was contagious, each and every time! How many people over the years have had the opportunity to learn, gain and connect with Mr. Bob Johnson? No one knows. ~Those who did the get the chance to glean from him, are forever touched and better for it.
On this day, September 17th, as I remember the life Bob led, on the anniversary of his passing, I wanted to share this collectors tribute, not just to the machines I have loved to collect, but to the man who has left his footprint in my heart, life and family. This collection is definitely "INSPIRED" by Bob Johnson, and the significant "others", (you know who you are!) that have forever changed my life. This is my tribute to those who share the love of Victor Victrola's, and to Bob Johnson. Thank you!
God bless you Karen and family as you go forward and know we all, "will never forget". There is a piece of Bob in each of us here.
Respectfully submitted,
Victor Victrola lover, friend of Bob*

http://youtu.be/4A-N4oX71qE[YouTube][/YouTube]

[Jerry B.]

I saw the video and thought it was a true act of friendship and appreciation and was very nice. Jerry Blais

[Bruce]

I to had the pleasure of sharing conversations with Bob. He was able to provide advice without making me feel that he was better than I for the lifetime of knowledge he had.

Bob was the example to me that we are more than the collection we possess.

Bruce

[dennman6]

Beautiful story, and it sounds like Bob was the essence of decency as well as a font of Victor information. I've been to his site several times, though not recently. Very nice video as well. Question about the video: are these Bob's machines or yours? I recall the vast collection he had, but am unclear as to whether these Victrolas are his or yours. The Mr. Victor site has small pics that show many machines up against a white dropcloth, presumably when they were being restored. And then more pics where there are many different machines grouped tightly together. But no really wide-angle views of the collection. If these are your Victrolas/Victors in the video you have done a remarkable job of collecting in just two years! You have uncommon and rare units that for now I just dream about:) I have eight Victrolas, none of them rare. Well, possibly the 1909 VTLA & the 1910 VV-XIV are "scarce". The prize item for me is my 1926 Credenza. So if this is your collection, hats off to your enthusiasm and diligence! Again, a nice tribute to a good man.

Dennis

[dennman6]

Well, I am re-reading the last few sentences of the post and it seems these ARE your machines. Two years? Amazing!