One of the key men behind what was once one of the US's biggest music chains, Camelot Music, has died aged 60. Jim Bonk joined Camelot in 1968 and, as COO and later President, grew the record shop chain to 364 stores, making it one of America's biggest and most popular music retailers. Despite some wobbles in the nineties which almost led to bankruptcy, Bonk continued to lead the business with some success until it was sold to Trans World Entertainment in 1999, who ultimately rebranded the chain under the FYE brand.
Paying tribute to Bonk, one of his colleagues at Camelot, Larry Mundorf, told Billboard: "He was humble and unassuming, but he had a knack for business and a good sense of how to accomplish things. He conveyed a great sense of optimism and his can-do attitude was inspirational to all of us at Camelot".
Bonk also served as a President of the US's National Association Of Recording Merchandisers in the early nineties, and the trade body's current President, Jim Donio, said yesterday: "Jim Bonk was truly the epitome of a 'gentleman' and it was my distinct honor to know and work with him, especially during his time on the NARM Board. He approached industry issues forthrightly, but with a thoughtful and respectful consideration of the various perspectives, and often with good humor. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Linda, his family, friends, and many industry colleagues".