Music Advocacy
Weird Al Yankovic built his career upon creating parodies of hit songs, with a special focus on incorporating his beloved accordion. Al began recording his silly songs on tape and mailing them into the Dr. Demento radio program. Once his songs were gaining popularity, Al expanded his band and...
Dick Lippin is the president and founder of The Lippin Group, an international, strategic entertainment/communications public relations and marketing organization with wholly owned and operated offices in Los Angeles, New York and London. Dick has over 30 years in the industry, specializing in...
Graham Nash has been an outspoken advocate for music education, especially with regards to programs that provide instruments to young students. He has often mocked the thinking that allows school budget cuts to affect the music programs. As a result, Graham has worked with NAMM on raising the...
Nathan East began playing the bass following his introduction to soul music, which his uncle and father often played on the radio and from records. Over his storied career, Nathan has been active in supporting music education programs, such as those created by NAMM. In 2015, he was inducted into...
Roger Eaton recalled with a smile the day he joined the school band as a child. His first impression and the feeling of joy has never left him, which is why he has dedicated his life to providing that same opportunity to students in everything that he does. Roger’s first job in the industry was...
Christian McBride teamed with his wife, Melissa Walker, to create a school music program in Montclair, New Jersey called Jazz House Kids. Advocating for their program, the couple have become knowledgeable on the importance of music education, and well spoken cheerleaders for arts funding. As an...
Mark Despotakis has become a well respected arts advocate and strong supporter of music education policies as Director of Market Development for Progressive Music in McKeesport, Pennsylvania. Working closely with music educators throughout the state, Mark has been able to serve his music store by...
Patrice Rushen has forged many in roads in the music industry. While Patrice got her start recording as an accomplished jazz pianist, she soon branched out into many other genres including pop and R&B. Along the way, Patrice took her passion for composing and arranging into the TV and Film...
Ellis Marsalis had a firm idea how to bring out the best music in people, even before his famous sons were born. His understanding of music theory and notation became the cornerstone of his own career as a musician and that of an unofficial music teacher. Just a few years after Hurricane Katrina...
Tim Jones brings both passion and a dedication to the customers he serves in Texas. Starting his first store in Midland in 2003, Tim expanded to the communities of Odessa and Abilene. Tim makes it a direct point to provide support to the communities he serves in the form of local scholarships to...