Heritage
It was at HOME where any average person could eat, drink, and mingle with some of the biggest names in entertainment. It was also at HOME that some of the biggest names in entertainment could again feel like any average person.
Founded and operated by Richard Ross, HOME was conceived in 1969 and opened in 1970. It was Richards passion for music that inspired the opening for HOME. He felt the only place suitable for it’s location was uptown on 92nd and 2nd Ave. Together with his wife Cynthia, they designed the bold and unique HOME logo. Richard chose the name HOME for the atmosphere he wanted to create. It was also on Richards favorite Beatles album Abby Road, that HOME stood out. HOME was something that was sung a lot about on that album. The HOME jukebox was stocked with everything from Clyde Mcphatter, The Drifters, Lamont Dozier, to Richie Havens, The Rolling Stones, and The Beatles. It was important to Richard to show a rich diverse array of music at HOME. Richards brother Jack played a very important role in the beginning success of HOME. Jack owned a limo service, and drove a lot of music acts that came to the city before and after their shows. Always looking for the perfect place to unwind, Jack would always suggest and bring many of the acts to HOME. Ritchie Havens, Alice Cooper, Ten Years After, Blood Sweat and Tears, and David Bowie amongst others, all graced HOME with their presence. It was John Lennon who would frequent HOME often that really put HOME on the map.
Richard and Lennon became fast friends due largely to Richard’s recent diagnoses and battle with Hodgkin’s disease. Both men shared a fear of death, and created a special pact. They planned a signal that only they would know, to signal there was life on the other side. This is where Lennon gifted his friend with the phrase, “A MOMENT IN YOUR LIFE RICHARD”, to signify that, “We are living in the now.” Lennon had some of Richards HOME tee shirts printed with the phrase as a gift to his dear friend. Lennon was also seen around and photoed often in the HOME tee shirt. It was in 1972′s “Sometime In New York City”, that Lennon wore the HOME tee shirt in the inside cover. Lennon would also have special HOME tee shirts printed with “The Black Panther Party” fist proudly running through the “O”.
HOME was Richard’s life. So devoted, Richard owned an apartment upstairs and across the street for much needed rest. His large black German Sheppard Shazam was always at his side. Shazam was very protective of Richard, and always made sure all was in line at HOME. Getting to sick to work, Richard made the difficult decision to retire from the public’s eye and sell HOME in 1978. Richard devoted his time living in Bearsville, New York outside of Woodstock. He would also travel the globe searching a cure for Cancer, and spending time with family and dear friends. Sadly, Richard Ross passed away on March 20th, 1984.
Today, HOME is a clothing store with two locations. The flagship store is located in the city of Encinitas, California and the second is located in North Park, San Diego. Three Nephews of Richard Ross’ opened the first store in 2002, using the name HOME in homage to their beloved Uncle. The stores boast its rich history, and it’s passion for music as it’s creative force, and a mural of Richard as it’s center piece.
