Oral History - all
Charles Ashley grew up playing music and teaching private lessons at an early age. At the same time, he had a paper route and a part time job at the local music store, Brook Mays in Dallas. Charles has also been very active in the church and music ministries. While at Brook Mays, Charles met co-... more
Birth Date: March 25, 1933
Deceased Date: September 19, 2016
Tom Wilson might have been among the most-suggested people to be included in the NAMM Oral History Program! Suggestions came from those who worked with him over the years who gained respect for his abilities, fairness and friendship! Tom worked with Yamaha in Texas as the Direct Sales Manager,... more
Birth Date: December 17, 1934
Deceased Date: November 12, 2018
Kurt Kaiser worked for Word Music beginning in 1959. Not only did he witness many of the changes to church music, many credit him for creating what is now known as contemporary Christian music. As an arranger and songwriter, Kurt worked with several leading church music artists, including Ethel... more
Jim Hamblen proudly comes from a very musical family. His uncle was the great songwriter and musician, Stuart Hamblen, who wrote such classic songs as "It Is No Secret" and "This Ole House." Jim began writing songs himself, many of which have been published by Eagle Street Press. In the early... more
Birth Date: December 24, 1921
Deceased Date: July 27, 2015
Botso Korisheli was born in Georgia, Russia, and came to America to become a composer and music teacher. After teaching music in elementary school, Botso established the County Youth Symphony for San Luis Obispo County, California in 1964, which over the years has showcased many of his musical... more
Howard Emmons is the owner of The Drum Circuit right on Higuera Street in San Luis Obispo, California. The drum shop is co-owned by his wife and together they have created a great vibe both in the store and throughout their community. Supporting music making at every age and level along with a... more
Angelo Battellini proudly managed the Martin Band Instrument factory in Kenosha, Wisconsin, where he worked for 51 years. He was born the son of a brick layer in Italy, a trade he learned at a young age. When Angelo was 17 he traveled with an uncle to America. While laying bricks, a cousin in... more
Jesse McReynolds was one half of the popular country and bluegrass duo Jim & Jesse. His late brother made up the other half, which by the way was once called Jesse & James, a name that did not sit well with the public. Together the brothers wrote and recorded a string of important songs... more
Carol Wilbur worked closely with Richard Rejino during her career in the print music side of the music industry. She worked at Brook Mays Print Music before being hired by Richard Gore at Pender's Music Company in Dallas. As Branch Manager and Gift Buyer for the company, she has developed a great... more
Bob Rosenthal began his career in the music business working with Curt Carter and Bob Hill in San Diego. The Organ Exchange was the learning grounds for Bob and many other salesmen who went on to form their own stores around the country. Bob later worked for Accent Music in Arcadia before helping... more
Richard Rejino has spent much of his career in print music. Along with Charles Ashley, he owned and operated the print music department within Brook Mays Music stores in and around the Dallas area. He later worked for Pender's Music while all the while serving as an active member of RPMDA. He... more
Johnny Nitzinger began playing guitar and writing music at an early age. By the early 1970s, several of his songs were recorded by the Fort Worth band Bloodrock for their first two albums. This success led to his own record deal with Capitol Records and the release of his first two albums. Alice... more
Annekathrin Mascus serves as the Head of Sales for Breitkopf & Härtel, the oldest currently operating music publishing house. The company began in 1719 by Bernhard Breitkopf in Leipzig, Germany. Over the years the company has played a large role in the growth and development of print music,... more
Charles Kitch formed Sound Productions, Inc. in Irving, Texas in 1973. With the slogan, the "the Soundman's Connection," Charles has helped pioneer the pro audio industry from the early days. Over the years he was on the front lines as innovations and trends changed within the industry and was... more
Chuck Levin’s Washington Music Company serves as a focal point for the music makers all around the DC area and is one of the premier music retail stores in the country. The store also stands as a lasting tribute to the man behind the name, Mr. Chuck Levin. Mr. Levin passed away before he could... more
Leo Coco is a senior policy advisor at Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP in the firm’s Washington DC office and for many years has worked with NAMM’s government relations team to advocate for access to quality music education programs. He has played a vital role in representing music... more
Jochen Stock is the president of Just Music in Berlin Germany, one of (if not the) largest music retail stores in the world! With a space of 7000 square meters, the vast store is equally impressive with the industry and knowledgeable staff members. Jochen has always been focused on the best... more
Kurt Zentmaier fondly recalls the stories his father told him on how the family music store was established back in 1959. Rondo Music’s first location was right outside of New York City and soon developed a strong business known for its customer service. The full line store gained a reputation... more
Lou Witt grew up on a small farm in Iowa and one day asked his band director in school for an instrument. He was given a trombone and has played the instrument ever since. He enjoyed playing music and soon developed an interest in working within the music industry. Lou worked for Schmitt Music in... more
Ray Williams grew up in the Caribbean. His father, a police officer, played music during his time off of work. Ray’s brother played guitar, Ray picked up the bass, and he was always encouraged by his father to make music. At an early age, Ray focused his music making around the computer, which... more