Rock and Roll
Chuck Tennin began his career as a recording engineer's assistant, which led to his own engineering gigs beginning in the 1960s. Along the way, Chuck learned firsthand the importance of a good song and in encouraging and protecting songwriters and their craft. As a result, Chuck formed the music...
John Sebastian has a rather impressive and intriguing connection with the music products industry and has for several decades. Did you know he worked in a guitar shop in Manhattan in the 1960s sanding tops? That was before he soared to the top of the charts with the rock band the Lovin' Spoonful....
Lloyd Price had no idea that his 1952 recording of "Lawdy Miss Clawdy" would become a cornerstone in the foundation of rock 'n' roll! Masterful piano playing by Fats Domino, perfectly timed drumming by Earl Palmer, as well as the musical arrangement by bandleader Dave Bartholomew helped launch his...
Don Randi is among the most noted studio musicians that came out of Los Angeles during the famous Wall of Sound era. Don was a member of the Wrecking Crew and played keyboards on countless hit recordings. When listening to the Beach Boy's famous Pet Sounds album, you will hear Don’s piano and...
Bill Szymczyk built a small crystal radio set as a kid and soon discovered a world of music and sound that would forever change his life. As a recording engineer and producer, Bill developed a style and approach to recordings that put the artist in the driver’s seat to play a supportive role in the...
Gene Cornish began playing harmonica at an early age and soon added guitar to his list of instruments, the very two he would make a full career from. As an original member of the rock band The Rascals, Gene performed and recorded on all eight of the band's albums and string of hit songs including...
Denny Seiwell went along on gigs with his father who was the drummer for the Tommy Dorsey band during the great Swing Era. Denny recalled sitting on the floor and watching his father play. As a young child, Denny took up the drums and loved every minute. During school he played in marching bands...
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...
Geoff Downes has seen the curve in technology throughout his musical career. Commonly known as a member of The Buggles, Geoff's successful musical career took off when he incorporated the changes of pro-audio and technology within his music. "Video Killed the Radio Star" not only catapulted the...
Andy Vargas’ father was the leader of a mariachi band, which became a large influence on young Andy growing up. He witnessed what the power of music could do, not only on the audiences, but also on the performers. By the age of 15, Andy was performing for recording producers such as Terry Melcher...