About us

Lee Gold Music – Our Family Story

Lee Gold Music, founded in 1986 by Leon and Janet Goldblum (Mom and Dad), began as our very own family business. With just a second-hand piano, a few small instruments, a dining room display cabinet, and some old furniture as shop fittings, they built a business founded on strong family values, honesty, ethics, good service, and above all, a sincere desire to keep customers happy.

Nearly 40 years later, still in the same spot, that tiny seed has blossomed into a multi-faceted   business, employing over 20 staff members and serving customers and institutions across South Africa and neighboring countries.

Leon Goldblum, known professionally as Lee Gold, is our claim to fame, a talented jazz pianist, organist, and vocalist.
He started learning piano at the Sacred Heart Convent for Girls in East London, where Sister Marian and her famous ruler set him on his musical path! (“Yes, that ruler!”)
He continued his studies at De La Salle College, where he also learned to play the bagpipes, later performing with the Caledonian Society Pipe Band. He went on to play trombone in the army band and clarinet in the East London Orchestra.

After school, he left East London and became a renowned jazz pianist, organist, and vocalist, performing nationally both in bands and as a solo artist. He later returned to East London to perform background piano in various hotels and to start a family here.

Janet (Mom, Aunty Jan, Mrs. Lee, Mamma Lee), with her love of music and passion for working with schools and teachers across the country, built an incredible library of music books and tutorials, something Lee Gold Music has become well known for. After her passing in 2019, Sarah has continued her legacy with the same dedication and passion.

As the children, Benjamin, Simeon, Sarah, and Reuel, grew up, they all joined the family business (and we’re eagerly waiting for the next generation to join soon!).
Simeon is now our Managing Director, full of passion for music equipment, the art of trading, and especially dealing with people. Many of our customers still remember him sweeping floors and carrying boxes in his school uniform - “still the best sweeper we’ve ever had!”

Over the years, we’ve opened a shop in Knysna (Knysna Music – 1992-2000), a second store in East London (Newland Music – 1994-2017), and a second-hand store (Yesterday’s Gold). We also started Legends — our very own music school, performance venue, and recording studio.

We’ve taken part in home expos, battle of the bands events, school competitions, and community development programs — always striving to support and grow the local music scene.
And of course, who could forget our famous and much-anticipated annual Grahamstown and Port Elizabeth Expos? “It’s like the circus coming to town!” Mr. Lee would say. People waited all year for that crazy week - it was next-level epic!

In 2018, we opened our store in Walmer, Port Elizabeth, with the goal of better looking after our PE community. Thanks to incredible support and strengthened friendships, we were able to open our state-of-the-art 1,500 m² modern experience store in William Moffet in 2023, definitely worth a visit!

All these adventures have helped us build our brand: a family-owned business founded on hard work, honesty, ethics, good family values, great service, and most importantly, friendships.
Many of our customers have become part of our extended family. They still remember enjoying a cup of tea or coffee with Boudoir biscuits (or even a cup of soup!) in-store. That’s why our slogan means so much to us:

“Everything sold, backed by Gold — and a friendship that lasts forever.”

With our experienced and dedicated team, we supply all facets of music, from the hobbyist musician to churches, schools, studios, conferences, and all aspects of PA and audio-visual requirements.

We are excited about our new adventure, our online store, and look forward to building new relationships while continuing to offer the same level of service our reputation is built on.

So, if you’re ever in the Eastern Cape area, pop in and say hi!
We always look forward to meeting new people and building lasting friendships