In Memoriam
Reflecting on their contributions to music making and our industry, we remember those who have recently passed away whose stories have forever been captured and preserved within the NAMM Oral History collection.
"The song has ended, but the melody lingers on." -Irving Berlin
Bo Diddley was the pioneering rhythm and blues performer who taught the industry one main point in the early days of the electric guitar era. With his square cigar box guitar, patented by Gretsch, Bo demonstrated that, if it’s electronic, it could be any shape and size. Soon after he played the square guitar, companies such as Gibson patented other uniquely-shaped instruments such as the Flying V and Explorer. What people didn’t know were the hidden sides of Bo that made him what he was, 12 years of classical music lessons, violin building and a softer, more compassionate side. Bo’s NAMM Oral History interview was completed on June 23, 2005 (click on the image to view the video clip). Bo passed away on June 2, 2008.
Eleanor West and her husband Pearl established a music store in Iowa City just a year after getting married in 1940. Eleanor was the bookkeeper in the early years of West Music Company and was known to make a penny last during the Great Depression and World War II. She also played an important role with her husband in the Scull Groups by expanding the goals of the sharing group to help improve the business of its members. Her son Steve served as Chairman of NAMM from 2001-2003. Eleanor was interviewed with her son by her side on May 6, 2003 (please click on the image to view a video clip). Mrs. West passed away on June 1, 2008.
Don Johnson received his degree in journalism and later landed the editor’s job at a recording industry trade magazine. Years later the magazine was sold to the owners of the Music Merchandise Review (MMR). Under Don’s editorial direction the magazine has focused on music dealers with profiles and product news. He also worked hard to ensure that each issue would contain tips and suggestions that could be applied to any retail store. In 2007 Don led the effort for the first trade email newsletter. That same year Don marked his 25th year as MMR’s editor and his 50th straight NAMM show! Don’s passion for the industry and strong belief in using his role to benefit the music dealers earned him the respect of his grateful readers. Don’s NAMM Oral History interview was completed on July 28, 2007 (please click on the image to view a video clip). Mr. Don Johnson passed away on May 3, 2008.
Donald Kahn recalled the moment he first realized he wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a songwriter. It was as a five-year old child playing under his father’s piano as he composed. His father, Gus Kahn, became a legendary tunesmith producing classics such as “Making Whoopee” and “It Had to Be You.” Donald’s career centered mostly around television programs including a string of projects for Sesame Street during the 1970s. His most famous song was “A Beautiful Friendship” which was recorded by Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole and Sarah Vaughan to name a few. His NAMM Oral History interview was completed on October 18, 2001 (click on the image to view the video clip). Mr. Donald Kahn passed away on April 11, 2008.
Mike Battle invented the Echoplex, the pioneering electric effects device, which played a vital role in the early development of the rock and roll sound. The Echoplex was famously used by Sun Records founder Sam Phillips who used the echo effect on several of Elvis Presley’s first recordings (“Blue Moon” and “Mystery Train” showcase this sound beautifully). Over the years Jimmy Page used the Echoplex to create counter rhythms and country icon Chet Atkins recorded a unique slapback using the device. In the 1990s, Mr. Battle developed an echo device based on digital sound and electric mapping called Tubeplex. His NAMM Oral History interview was completed on July 19, 2002 (click on the image to view the video clip). Mr. Mike Battle passed away on April 7, 2008.
Hawley Ades was hired by Irving Berlin in 1932 to assist the legendary American songwriter with musical arrangements. Hawley stayed with Berlin for five years before being hired by choir master and bandleader Fred Waring. He joined Mr. Waring at the time the bandleader hoped to launch his own music publishing company, which became Shawnee Press. Hawley wrote a noted method book on choral conducting and thousands of published arrangements for Shawnee. In Fact, he worked for Shawnee Press until Mr. Waring’s death in 1984. Hawley was born on June 25, 1908 in Bloomington, IL. He graduated from Rutgers University and soon began his long career as a choral and orchestral arranger and pianist. Hawley’s NAMM Oral History interview was completed on June 10, 2007 when he was 98 years old (please click on the image to view a video clip). Mr. Hawley Ades passed away on March 26, 2008.
William F. Ludwig II was proud of the company his father started, largely based on the 1909 patented bass drum pedal, which allowed the drummer to sit down for the first time. Bill followed in his father’s footsteps by leading the company, overseeing the company’s reorganization following World War II, the Beatles boom of the 1960s, and supervising a noted innovative product line of the 1970s. Bill seemed most proud of the friends he has made along the way, for which there were many. His NAMM Oral History interview was completed on July 9, 2002 (click on the image to view a video clip). Mr. William F. Ludwig II passed away on March 23, 2008.
Billy Wennlund and his brother Don made up one of the most iconic sales teams in the music products industry. Don was the salesman, the guy with the pitch and Billy knew the products inside and out. Together they helped establish the Lowrey Organ in the home market. They were both born in DeKalb, IL and while Billy was in the U.S. Navy, Don got a job at Wurlitzer. When he returned, Billy joined Don at Wurlitzer and in 1958 they opened their own music retail store. Years later Billy became the Vice President of Product Development for Norlin, which owned Lowrey Organs. Billy’s NAMM Oral History interview was completed on January 21, 2001 (click on the image to view a video clip). Mr. Wennlund passed away on February 18, 2008.
John Massa was the vice president of customer service at the Selmer Company and was known for building a strong dealer base, many of which became his personal friends. John contracted Polio at the age of 12 and spent the rest of his life in a wheelchair, but never once let his disability define him. He was a pioneer in handicap awareness by just insisting he be able to do his job. As a result ramps were added to airports he used and buildings he worked in. During his 17 years of attending the Frankfurt Fair special chairlifts were installed to accommodate his needs. When John was interviewed he made it clear that what he was most proud of was the friendships he created over the years. “We all need friends and I found the truest of friends are those I have made in the music industry.” His NAMM Oral History interview was completed on February 23, 2006 (please click on the image to view a video clip). Mr. John Massa passed away on February 9, 2008.
James M. E. Mixter may very well have been the only person in the industry to have worked for Baldwin Pianos before, during, and after World War II. As a result, he was able to provide meaningful stories and facts regarding an era for which changes occurred in the industry. These changes had an enormous impact on music making for many years. Mr. Mixter later served as President of the American Music Conference (AMC) and provided wonderful insight on the growth, development, mission, and goals of AMC. He also described some of the key projects that were established during his time as president, including awards, educational funding, research, and presentations. His NAMM Oral History interview was completed on October 1, 2004 (click on the image to view the video). Mr. James M. E. Mixter passed away on January 21, 2008.
On January 17, 2008 during our music industry trade show, NAMM presented our annual Tribute to remember those who passed away in 2007. The Anaheim Convention Center Lobby was filled with industry members who attended the program to pay their respects. The Tribute began 5 years ago with the idea of reflecting on those who helped shape our industry and remember with respect their contribution to the industry we love. The support we have received from this small program has been overwhelming and has become an annual event, which takes place at the end of the first day of the trade show. This year’s Tribute includes several performers and songwriters who were closely tied to the industry including Dan Fogelberg and Max Roach. The song Mr. Fogelberg wrote for his father, a school band director, can be heard during the first part of the Tribute. The song is entitled “Leader of the Band.” The second song is equally fitting for the Tribute, a song called “Time” performed by Max Roach (along with Clifford Brown). NAMM is honored to remember these special people in presenting this Tribute.
Charles Bickel was working on the bench at Selmer when George Bundy decided to try a different plastic emulsion for his idea of a plastic clarinet. The first try was not successful. Mr. Bickel recalled the look in Bundy’s eyes when the first Resonate clarinet was tested, “We all started to clap and cheer.” The product saved the Depression-weary company and, because of its low cost, allowed many families on tight budgets to still afford music for their children. Charles worked his way up to president of Selmer before his retirement in the 1970s. He worked long and hard to create partnerships between the industry and music educations and played a key role in the early days of the American Music Conference. His NAMM Oral History interview was completed on July 12, 2002 (click on the image to view the video clip). Mr. Charles Bickel passed away at the age of 97 on January 6, 2008.
Ted Krumwiede was a veteran of the piano industry working for Kimball and Story & Clark in the important re-birth of the piano business following World War II. Ted had training and a real passion for marketing and found success telling the great stories of the companies we worked for. Ted was with the original Story & Clark Piano Co. prior to its sale to Chicago Musical Instruments (CMI) and stayed on to assist CMI / Norlin Music with their other keyboard products such as Lowrey Organs. In addition to his history with the industry, Ted’s interview also included his family background, his experiences during the Great Depression and his World War II service. Ted’s NAMM Oral History interview was completed on August 10, 2003 (click on the image to view a video clip). Mr. Ted Krumwiede passed away on January 4, 2008.
