Vignette

This vignette highlighting the Krell Piano Company is representative of the many “gems” of history from the Music Products Industry throughout the collections gathered in the NAMM Library and Resource Center.  Krell, like many other companies and families comprising the Music Products Industry,...
Long time music store owner and rights advocate, Fat Dog, was looking for a way to pay tribute to his all-time favorite blues musician, Howlin’ Wolf. Howlin’ Wolf was born Chester Arthur Burnett on June 10, 1910 in Clay County, Mississippi. He went on to record a series of songs that helped...
Bluegrass Music blends Irish Folk Music with Appalachia Mountain Music, resulting in a unique American roots style sound. Most historians point to 1948 and the Bill Monroe band as the beginning, however, our interviewee Curly Seckler was performing very similar music as early as 1938.  Mr. Monroe...
While there are many facets to the development and building of a guitar, acoustic guitars are able to take the raw wood and, via build and design, let the sound ring true. Through the Oral History program, we have had the opportunity to interview some legendary acoustic guitar builders, including...
The NAMM Oral History Collection is unique, unlike any other collection in the world. The heart of the Collection is the depth of its narratives that cover innovative creations, the evolution of musical instruments, the ever-changing world of music retail, as well as our collective quest to improve...
Music Stores are the first glimpse into the music industry for many of us, and often ignite the passion to play. This compilation from the Oral History archives features memories of music stores from industry greats such as John R. Smith, Jerry Harrison, Brian Setzer, John Scofield, B.B. King, and...
Having a very long history, the trumpet dates all the way back to at least 1500 BC.  Trumpets were used in the early days as a way to signal battle or hunting. Today they are used in several different genres, ranging from classical to popular music. The most common trumpet used is the Bb trumpet;...
jj Babbitt Co. Inc. was established in 1919 by Jesse James Babbitt and as of 2019, as the family owned and operated company embarks on their 100th year in business, they are preparing for the fourth generation to take over the business. As one of the world’s oldest manufacturers of mouthpieces for...
The harmonica is a free wind instrument used in several genres of music worldwide. The reeds are pre-tuned to individual pitches, which can be done by changing the length or stiffness of the reed.  Bending, tongue blocking, over bending, and lip pursing (among several others) are different...
For many musicians, obtaining an instrument for the very first time is a special experience unlike any other.  Strumming your first guitar or beating your first drum can spark an extraordinary musical adventure.  The musicians we have interviewed through the NAMM Oral History Program have told some...

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