Vivian Artley’s brother formed the Artley Flute Company in Elkhart, IN, during the 1930s.  With an innovation that allowed the instrument to be made cheaper, Artley became a successful product for school band programs as well as a well-established and noted professional line of products.  Vivian’s brother, Hugh, and their cousin Don went into business together developing a brand of flutes still being made today.  The family history has not been well documented until our interview with Vivian, which was full of family stories and her memories of the flute making days.  Her NAMM Oral History interview was completed on September 21, 2007 in Wenatchee, Washington (click on the image to view the video clip).

Bernice Ash began working at the Sam Ash Music Store in New York City in 1947, one year before marrying the founder’s eldest son, Jerry.  Bernice and Jerry continued the tradition of keeping the retail store in the Ash family.  Bernice is widely recognized as one of the pioneers of the development of the sheet music department, which included purchasing.  As head of sheet music for all of the Sam Ash locations, Bernice has designed methods and procedures that have resulted in great working relationships with the publishers as well as many satisfied customers.  Her NAMM Oral History was completed on June 6, 2007.  (Click on image to view video clip.)

Paul Ash has great memories of his father, Sam Ash.  Paul enjoyed the years he worked with his father and learned much about the music products business and how to treat their customers.  Although Sam passed away in his mid 50s, Paul and his older brother Jerry were determined to carry on the name.  With nearly 50 stores in 16 states, the Ash brothers have accomplished their goal.  Paul’s NAMM Oral History was completed on June 6, 2007.  (Click on image to view video clip.)

Jerry Ash recalls his father, Sam Ash, giving him a pocket full of change and sending him off on the subway to New York City to pick up the sheet music orders from the publishers.  With nickels for the subway rides and some string for wrapping the bundles, Jerry set off.  United Parcel Service and FedEx later replaced his job, freeing him to become one of the best known retail store buyers in history.  Jerry Ash was first interviewed for the NAMM Oral History Program on January 20, 2002.  A follow-up interview was completed with his wife Bernice by his side on June 6, 2007.  (Click on image to view video clip.)

William and Patricia Bartolini are among the world’s foremost experts on the science of acoustics.  Their early publications on the subject in the 1960s and 70s have since become standard references in the study of wave forms and acoustic sound patterns.  Their names are equally well known for their innovative line of guitar and bass pick-ups and electronics.  Bill and Pat’s NAMM Oral History interview was completed on January 21, 2006 (please click on the image to view a video clip).

Solomon Burke’s amazing career in music included a number of important landmarks!  His early recordings, which combined gospel and the blues, have become important and influential material for generations of soul singers.  Known as the King of Rock and Soul as well as the Bishop of Soul, his shows often included new artists, including the soon-to-be legendary Otis Redding and Joe Tex.  Solomon also helped to establish the category of “soul” at Atlantic Records.  He has won countless honors including two WC Handy Blues Awards, a Grammy, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000.  King Solomon’s powerful vocals and charming personality have encouraged many to become music makers the world over.  His NAMM Oral History interview was completed on March 10, 2006 (click on the image to view a video clip).

Martin Cohen loves drums and he loves drummers, but as we learned in our interview with him, he loves making drums for drummers even more!  His impressive innovations and forward thinking business plan were nearly as impressive as the market he created with Latin Percussion Corp.  He has also earned the respect of the industry and performers around the World. (click on image to view video)  Marty’s NAMM Oral History interview was completed on January 22, 2006.

Peter Heid enjoyed his career playing with many of the dance bands of the 1930s and 1940s in his hometown of Appleton, Wisconsin.  After the war, he used his love of music to open a small store, Heid Music, in the heart of downtown Appleton.  The store continued to grow over the years as Peter found specific product niches and sales techniques.  However, he always looked for ways to increase the store’s relevance to the music community around them.  In fact, at the time of our interview, Peter, at age 89, was reviewing ways the store could expand its string department.  His NAMM Oral History was completed on May 4, 2007.  (Click on image to view video clip.)

Masamitsu Yamano’s grandfather opened up a small music stop in the heart of Ginza –the shopping area of Tokyo, Japan.  The year was 1892.  The retailer, which started out as a small keyboard dealer, has expanded over the years to include over 50 retail stores in Japan.  Mr. Yamano’s vision for the growth and development of the music industry has played a large role in the Retailer’s division of the Japan Music Industry Association.  As chairman of the Japan Music Fair Association, he has promoted the music products industry as well as the theme of active music making around the country.  His NAMM Oral History interview was completed on October 16, 2006 (click on the image to view the video clip).