Background
Born in Toronto, Ontario, Sniderman grew up in its Jewish enclave known as Kensington Market.
Born in Toronto, Ontario, Sniderman grew up in its Jewish enclave known as Kensington Market.
He attended high school at Harbord Collegiate Institute and started selling records in his brother Sidney"s store, Sniderman Radio Sales and Service, in 1937.
Sniderman was also a major promoter of Canadian music including involvement in pushing for the Canadian content (CANCON) broadcast regulations and creating the Juno Awards. In 1959 he opened his first store on Toronto"s Yonge Street, and then moved it to the iconic 347 Yonge Street flagship store location in 1961. In 1969, he started franchising the store.
The flagship Toronto store that bore his name closed in 2007 and its distinctive façade was declared a heritage site by the city.
In the end, Ryerson reached a deal to purchase the property from the family. Canadian Broadcasting Company Archives in a radio interview Sam Sniderman (Sam the record man) talks about his support for Canadian content in 1971 Web Sam Sniderman at The Canadian Encyclopedia.