Guitars
Melvyn Libman was a child prodigy and toured the world as a classical pianist. He performed in many of the grand concert halls in Europe and Town Hall in New York City. When he decided to settle down and start a family one of his business ideas was to open a music store. Libman Music, which...
Bob Rufkahr's long career in the music business began in retail in 1962! He later moved into wholesale and manufacturing before he formed his own company, Image Marketing in 1980. Along the way he mentored a generation of industry salesmen who credit Bob for their own success both in marketing...
Jimmy "Cricket" Lockard earned his nick name while playing the electric guitar in the sound of a chirping cricket. Since there were two other Jimmy's at the time, the name Cricket stuck -it's even on his business card. Cricket began going to Hot Licks Guitar Shop as a customer, playing for hours...
Paul McDermott is one of the most passionate music retailers you will ever meet! As founder of Hot Licks Guitar Shop in Waldorf, Maryland, Paul has used his passion to bring the joy of music making to countless number of his customers over the years. He has established an impressive lesson...
Dave Phillips met his wife in a band he created in high school. They have been making music ever since and as of 1977 when they opened their retailing business, they have assisted countless others to do the same! Dave Phillips Music & Sound has three locations in and around Western New Jersey...
Alice Phillips met her future husband when she joined a band while in high school. Dave sought to learn about the technical side of the business while Alice developed a background in the business and accounting end of things. Together they made for a perfect team and had their sights on opening...
Charlie Gracie was an early Rockabilly performer who recorded three charted songs in 1957, right in the heart of the golden era of rock and roll. His biggest tune "Butterfly" was followed by several other hits over his career including "Fabulous." Since the beginning of his career, Charlie has...
Jody Carver is a legendary steel guitarist who, as a session player, recorded with many top performers beginning in the 1950s. Jody developed a life-long friendship with Don Randall at the then newly formed Fender Musical Instruments. Don hired Jody, first as a product endorser and soon after as...
Debra Karlowitch likes to tell people that she started working at C.F. Martin & Company the same week Chris Martin joined full time! At the time of her NAMM Oral History interview in 2013 she was nearing her 40th year with the company. She might also tell you, with great pride, that because...
Chris Thomas has worked in several areas of the C.F. Martin & Company factory in Nazareth, Pennsylvania. Chris worked in the binding department among others before having the opportunity to work with Dick Boak in Artist Relations. Chris has worked with many of Martin's most recent artists to...