Roxy Music was founded in 1939 by Ray Ratajik and Paul LeResch.
Both played in local area band venues and realized the need for a local musical instrument store. Ray played clarinet, and Paul was a trumpet player and later built trumpets to sell at Roxy Music. Both were very talented and well-known in northern Indiana and southern Michigan.
The very first location of Roxy Music was at the corner of Indiana and Lincolnway in downtown La Porte. Roxy Music was one of three other establishments in the huge "Roxy Theater" plaza on the corner. For those who say we got our name from the music group "Roxy Music," well, take a look at a picture of the Roxy Theater.
Roxy Music soon outgrew the location in the theater plaza and moved down the block to a bigger location. A couple of years later, Roxy Music moved across the street to the present location at 1012 Lincolnway. The 50's, and 60's brought in the era of the guitar and the heyday of the guitar. For over four decades, Roxy Music flourished and became a staple in La Porte, Indiana, carrying everything musical.
The Kabelin Family
In 1982, Jerrald Kabelin, the owner of Kabelin Hardware, located next door to Roxy Music, went into Roxy Music to rent a flute for his daughter Kris. After talking to Ray and Marg Ratajik, Mr. Kabelin learned they wanted to retire. So, Mr. Kabelin walked out that day as the new owner of Roxy Music.
Since 1982, Roxy Music has grown from a 2000 sq ft shop to one of La Porte's largest downtown stores and one of the largest music stores in Northwest Indiana. It is a 9,000 sq ft store now that ships across the USA.
The Grace Family
On August 1, 2023, I, Ken Grace, a lifelong resident who graduated from La Porte High School in 1992, purchased Roxy Music. Ken is a local musician, music director, and pastor. Our family has a rich history in studying and performing music. We are passionate about teaching, helping, and inspiring people to make great music.
One thing is for sure: we love our community. We love music. We love seeing our community make music. Let's make great music together.
Stop in and say hi.