Yamaha Corporation of America
Chick Corea loved being a music maker! Nominated over 60 times for a Grammy, Chick was among the most high profile musicians we have been blessed to interview for the NAMM Oral History program, and yet he was also one of the most down to earth men we have ever met. Around the time of his two NAMM...
Jerry Andreas has ben leading the Pro Audio/Video division at SKB for more than 10 years. Before that, Jerry spent a large part of his life working as the Director of Marketing for the Pro Audio and Combo Division of the Yamaha Corporation of America. Jerry also holds a degree in Music Business...
Ken Dattmore is the Marketing Manager for Yamaha within the strings department, which has been his passion for his entire career. He started in the industry with the William Lewis & Son Company, which brought violins into the hands of thousands of young music students around the world. Ken...
Phil Moon was serving as Vice President of Sales and Marketing of Lynx Studio Technology at the time of his NAMM Oral History interview. At the time he discussed his overwhelming success after taking advice from a friend to spend more money on advertisements. After heeding this advice, an early TV...
Vince Wilburn, Jr., was born in Chicago and began playing the drums on pots and pans as early as five years old. His uncle, Miles Davis, encouraged young Vince to listen to the great drummers, many of whom played with Miles over the years. Vince recalls with a smile the day he sat in with Miles...
George Pajon Jr. is a founding member of the Black Eyed Peas and the musical producer and director for Fergie, Carlos Santana and Los Lonely, among others. His music career began as a guitarist and over the years he has been active within the music products industry. Among the companies he has...
Mike Overlin always wanted to work for Yamaha ever since being introduced to the company’s philosophy and commitment to providing excellent products and services. As an employee for over twenty years, Mike is proud to say he was right about wanting to be involved with a company that echoes many of...
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...
Garth Gilman finished his MBA and through a mutual friend met Tom Sumner who provided a tour of the Yamaha offices in Buena Park. Tom, who at the time was the General Manager of the Pro Audio/Combo Division, recognized Garth’s passion for music and interest in business. The two discussed the...
David Jewell remembers his brother’s snare drum sitting in the closet and wanting so much to play it. He begged his teacher, Mrs. Mandy, to join the band and after several tries, she agreed. David remarked during his NAMM Oral History interview that if she didn’t say yes, he probably would not be...