Gretsch Company

Gene Haugh began his career as a factory worker for the Baldwin Piano Company in Arkansas making parts for the electric organ. Gene was hired by the DH Baldwin Company in 1966 and in just two years was promoted to the plant’s supervisor. He left Baldwin in 1981 and soon began building Sho-Bud pedal...
Maggie Haugh quite literally stood by her man! In the moments following her husband Gene’s NAMM Oral History interview, Maggie came to say hello and stood behind him. During our few minutes with her it was so endearing to hear how proud she is of her husband and his work within the music industry. ...
Jim Foldvary was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, and was exposed to music at young age since his father was a violinist. Jim took up the guitar with some of his friends and remembers playing shows and school dances when he was younger. His first job was on the floor of the Stock Exchange at 17...
Slim Jim Phantom and his two school friends, Brian Setzer and Lee Rocker, formed the iconic band Stray Cats in New York back in 1979. They revived the rockabilly style of the 1950s with a string of sold out concerts and a series of hit recordings in the 1980s such as “Stray Cat Strut,” “Sexy + 17”...
Michael Nesmith is best known as the woolen hat-wearing member of iconic television pop band the Monkees, which enjoyed massive global success during the 1960s. Outside of the Monkees, Nesmith has gained kudos as a solo artist and songwriter, particularly with his group First National Band, which...
Bonnie Guitar produced a series of hit recordings for her label, Dolton, in the 1950s and 60s. Among the labels most popular acts were the Fleetwoods and the Ventures. Bonnie even recorded a few of her own songs for her label, including “Candy Apple Red.” As a recording artist, Bonnie topped the...
Donnie Wade "borrowed" his parent’s car when he was 14 years old to drive to a bar so he could hear Freddie King play the guitar! That experience and an earlier encounter with Merle Travis marked the beginning of his passion for the guitar! That passion took him from his own retail shop in Texas to...
Elliot Easton often visited Grayson's Music in Long Island, New York as a kid. He ordered his first custom left handed electric guitar from Mr. Grayson, who always treated Elliot with kindness. Years later, after Elliot's rock band, The Cars, had notoriety, he reunited with Mr. Grayson at a NAMM...
Brian Setzer nearly single handedly brought back the popularity of the rockabilly electric guitar sound that was first established by Scotty Moore, Elvis Presley's first guitarist.  Brian was interviewed for the NAMM Oral History program within a month of Scotty Moore's passing in the summer of...
Brian Douglas enjoyed a career as a touring musician and songwriter both in rock and in house music, which gives him a unique perspective in understanding several facets of the needs of performers.  As president of Cream City Music outside of Milwaukee, and an owner, he is able to provide that...

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