Full Interview
Eugene Wright can be heard playing bass on the classic jazz song “Take Five” as a member of the Dave Brubeck Quartet, but what most people may not know is that Eugene fronted his own band for years before joining Dave. Eugene was the leader of the Dukes of Swing and enjoyed a remarkable career in...
Brad Smith is the Senior Sales and Marketing Manager for Hal Leonard. During his career as a writer and industry historian, he worked for MIX Magazine before joining the Hal Leonard team. Among his many tasks is overseeing the publication of books dedicated to the history of musical products such...
Chris Pelonis is a well-known studio designer, engineer, producer, speaker builder, studio and live guitar player and band leader/guitarist for the likes of the Jeff Bridges band. His energy and passion for his work seems to be a driving force behind his designs and innovations, which often are...
Ed Caustin was the nephew of guitar pioneer George Beauchamp. Ed recounted several stories about his very creative uncle, who Ed looked up to as an inspiration. In fact, Ed later worked as an engineer in aerospace and with the space program. At times, he used audio and sound waves in his work. ...
Lutz Wentscher spoke of the long history of Tonger Music House, one of the most traditional publishers in Germany. As CEO, Lutz has helped guide the company in recent years, yet looks back fondly on the many achievements of the Tonger Company since it was first established in Cologne in 1822. ...
Robert Birmingham teamed with his brother to purchase Steinway & Sons from CBS Musical Instruments in the early 1980s. The Birmingham brothers were committed to restoring the high quality the piano maker had earned its reputation on, while focusing on serving its dealer base around the world. ...
Richard Boynton has many fond memories of the music industry. His grandfather was once the owner of CG Conn Musical Instruments in Elkhart, Indiana. In fact, Mr. Greenleaf purchased the company from Col. Conn in 1915 and developed many of the practices that allowed the company to endure the Great...
Jorma Kaukonen played guitar in two classic rock bands of the 1960s and 70s, Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna! His passion for the blues helped create his style, which was in such demand by up and coming players that Jorma started a fantasy guitar camp to teach his style. The Fur Peace Ranch:...
Larry Fishman had an idea to create an electronic pick up for the upright string bass. The task was not an easy one. In fact, others had tried and failed to produce the correct balance of electronic tones within the range of the strings. However, Fishman was able to do just that. The success of the...
Harry Fleishman is the founder of Fleishman Instruments located in Northern California and has become among the most noted luthiers of his time. His passion for music developed in part by hanging out at his local music store, Fife & Nichols, beginning at the age of 12. As a result of being...