Mr. Cletus Robert Anderson

On April 5, 1941, in Brandon, Mississippi, Ulos and Ida Lee Anderson welcomed their son, Cletus Robert Anderson. Cletus was the first child born to this union and from birth was taught the importance of God. As a child, he was a faithful member of Sylvarena M.B. Church. Cletus learned how to be a diligent worker by helping his father on the family farm. At age fifteen, while attending Carter High School, under the leadership of his Uncle, Cletus became the school's bus driver. One day at Carter High School, he spotted a young, beautiful girl, Helen Bibb, standing under a big oak tree. He told his Uncle that she would be his future wife. After completing his ninth grade year, Cletus decided he would start working full time to help support the family. Cletus attended Campbell College at night., and during the day, he was a painter. His first painting job was at the new Carter High School. He was such a talented painter that his boss told him to join the painters union. Because he was black, he was denied membership. He was told that he could probably join the union in Chicago, New York, or California, but not in Mississippi. He chose California because of the nice weather. At age nineteen, he moved to Los Angeles. His first job in California was at Inglewood Auto Body Shop. While working there, he attended the Auto Mechanic Institute for Painting. In 1962, he returned to Mississippi and, on September 16th, he married his high school sweetheart, Helen. They drove back to California to begin their life together. To this union, his two daughters, Lucretia and Kuzee, were born. Cletus had many jobs painting automobiles and as his skills grew, he moved on to aircrafts at Honeywell, McDonnell Douglas, and General Motors. At one point, he worked three jobs and regularly sent one of those paychecks home to his parents as he continued to support his younger siblings and helped pay for the family land. In 1964, Cletus opened his first business, Triple B Dry Cleaners. From here his desire for entrepreneurship exploded. Having a deep passion for music, Cletus was led to open his first record store, VIP Records, located in the heart of Los Angeles on 108th and Broadway. Over the years, he would open over 10 retail locations. He opened three wholesale locations: Robot Records, Magic Disc, and Music Merchandisers. He also founded two record labels: Magic Disc Records and Saturn Records, which was Ice-T's first label. Cletus had a knack for spotting talent and identifying hit records. Luminaries of the music industry regularly promoted their new music during "in-stores" at his record shops. Many award winning artists, like The Jacksons, Stevie Wonder, and James Brown, would stop by VIP to meet and greet their fans. Cletus was an early pioneer in marketing R&B music and set the foundation for the emergence of Rap Music on the West Coast and was the executive producer of the first rap record made on the West Coast. "For more information," he often said, "Google Cletus Anderson Saturn Records." His VIP Stores became legendary and was mentioned by Snoop Dogg on his record. Cletus paved the way for many of his siblings to move to California, and under his leadership, several became owners of a VIP Record store. Cletus retired from the music business in 2011, and in 2014, he and his loving wife Helen moved back to Brandon, Mississippi, where he returned to his first career as a painter and handyman. He continued working until his health failed. Cletus rededicated his life to Christ and joined his wife at Sweet Rest Church of Christ Holiness, (U.S.A.), by becoming a member. He leaves to cherish his memory and continue his legacy, his wife of 61 years, Helen Anderson; his daughters: Lucretia (Clemon, Sr.)Young; and Kuzee Anderson, both of Carson, CA; Grandchildren: Herbert A. Stevens IV, Helena A. Stevens, Kaira L. Gavin, Clemon E.Young, Jr., Kailey R. Gavin, all of Carson, CA; Great Granddaughters; Carson and Cali Stevens of Carson, California; Brothers: Kelvin Anderson, Sr., Ulos K. (Loretta) Anderson, Timothy Anderson; Sisters: Edith Stapleton, Sherlene Anderson, Princess Anderson, Frances (Roysland) Green, Leisa (Alvin) Buckhalter; Brothers-in-law: Jerry (Cheryl) Bibb, Perry (Minnie) Bibb, Willie Bibb; Sisters-in-law: Earline (Henry) Jenkins, Johnnie Anderson, Gloria Anderson, Emma Anderson, and his adorable granddog "Lucky" along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Mr. Cletus Robert Anderson

April 5, 1941 - January 28, 2024