Photo: Lance Conzett

Devastating news comes our way this afternoon: Fond Object Records co-owner Jeff Pettit was found dead today at F.O.'s East Nashville location. The cause of death is not yet known. He was 46.

Pettit, an Austin transplant sometimes playfully known as "El Jefe," opened Fond Object's first location in 2013 along with partners Jem Cohen, Coco Hames and Poni Silver of The Ettes, as well as artist and printmaker Rachel Briggs. A committed audiophile also known for his frequent DJ gigs and rock-scene boosterism, Pettit provided the record shop's initial stock with his collection of more than 20,000 LPs. He and Cohen opened a second Fond Object location downtown in March of this year.

Pettit was known for his boisterous laugh, his encyclopedic rock knowledge and his collection of punk T's, which was just about the best in the game. Before moving to Nashville, he was an employee at Austin's beloved — and now defunct — Cheapo Discs.

"The loss is devastating and I'm still in shock," writes Cohen in a Facebook post. "I love you Jeff, Fond Object Records will continue to live on in your honor, and we're gonna finish what we started with the new downtown store. Rock 'n' Roll forever."

Friends of Pettit contacted by the Scene are still reeling from the news, but they plan on meeting up at East Side bar Duke's, one of the record seller's frequent haunts, around 9 p.m. tonight, Aug. 20.

Update, Aug. 23: Cohen has launched a Go Fund Me campaign in the wake of Pettit's death. Writes Cohen, "We are asking for help to pay off all expenses he may have had, any unexpected bills, transportation expenses of Jeff's belongings, travel expenses for his family, and give the family money to deal with whatever else may arise." Cohen also writes that a memorial show is tentatively scheduled for Aug. 29 in the East Side Fond Object's backyard. Stay tuned for further updates.

Photo: Michael W. Bunch

