Oral History - all
Thomas Dolby was a champion of early synthesizers and used them often during his performances as a pop star beginning in the 1980s. For example, his 1982 hit “She Blinded Me with Science” incorporates several synths including the MiniMoog and the Simmons Drum Machine. Always looking for ways to... more
Tim Dawson was inspired by his mother, a band director. All of her children played a musical instrument and Tim found the trombone! After serving as a band director for three years, Tim found an opportunity at Paige’s Music to continue his passion for music while helping to develop band programs at... more
Birth Date: August 5, 1925
Deceased Date: February 11, 2002
Bill Walden began playing harmonica at the age of 11. He joined a few harmonica groups in the from the 1930s through the 1950s, which were very popular, especially in night clubs. One such group was called the Harmonica Rascals. He toured with the group throughout the United States for many years... more
Chris Scialfa developed his great love and passion for music at a very young age. By the time he was five years old Chris was taking classical piano lessons, which thanks to his understanding teacher, occasionally included works by Chris’ hero, Elton John! He began writing original music when he... more
Jimmy Bruno has had a long and influential career as a jazz guitarist and played with many top performers including Buddy Rich and Joe Beck. Jimmy also wrote several method books for Mel Bay which have inspired and encouraged musicians for decades. Over the years he has also formed long lasting... more
Beth Houlihan often reflects on the important role her mother played in establishing the family owned music store along with her father in 1974. Beth took note of the way her mother kept the books and worked with customers and suppliers, which has served her as President of Kidder Music. She has... more
John Stoner came into the music products industry as an outsider when he joined the Conn-Selmer team in the early 2000s. As a father of a band student, he took part in fundraising and supporting his daughter's musical education while, at the same time, understanding the importance of music in a... more
Steve Purcell grew up in a musical family and knew at a young age he wanted a life in music. After earning his degree, Steve was hired as a band director in 1977. Three years later he was encouraged to take a job at Paige’s Music calling on schools and helping band directors. He loved the idea of... more
Colin Schofield recalls the day when he was eleven years old and received the Alice Cooper album “School’s Out.” The record changed his life by providing him with a passion for music, especially the drums. While earning his degree at the University of Leicester, Colin picked up a part time job at... more
Pat Averwater has always been proud of the musical legacy of his grandfather, who established Amro Music in the 1920s. Since then, the Memphis based store has become a hub for the musical culture in the area. Pat and his brother, Chip, became the third generation to run the family business. They... more
Norm Sundholm was playing bass for the rock band The Kingsmen when he had a few ideas to improve his amplifier. As the band rose to fame, thanks to the recording of “Louie Louie,” Norm and his brother, Conrad, formed Sunn Amplifiers. As the key product endorser while on tour, Norm learned firsthand... more
Dave Lopez grew up in East Los Angeles and witnessed the explosive evolution of the mobile DJ, beginning in the late 1970s. During high school Dave was asked to provide the music for a dance party. Before he knew it he was part of a DJ troop, originally known as French Twist, who later changed ... more
Andrew York has a powerful way of expressing himself, by using his words and his music. With his articulate delivery, he provides a special insight into the drive of playing and composing the music that is within him. It’s that inner drive that has given all of us works such as “Sunburst,” “Evening... more
Kyoko Hara is proud to continue her family tradition of being involved in the music products industry. It all began in 1919 when her grandfather opened a small store. Her father, Ryoji Okamoto, expanded the company and began providing ukuleles for their customers. The ukulele was a key instrument... more
Alastair Dunn served as Pipe Sergeant of a 12-time world champion pipe band. He joined the band in 1998 and, in 2006, began focusing his deep passion for the instrument in the manufacturing side. He joined the R.G. Hardie & Company to continue the rich history of the company’s dedication to... more
Ronnie Tennant first began playing cornet when he was nine years old. His father joined a brass band when he was about the same age and, in 1952, his father joined the Army Band. Ronnie was deeply involved with brass bands. He played many of the instruments in the band with a special focus on the... more
Owen Clayton began playing the double bass while in school. At the time, he had to stand on a box to play, but he didn’t mind at all because he enjoyed the sound of the instrument and it’s role the band. In 1951, when Owen was just 14, he was playing for local dance halls in and around Liverpool,... more
Frankie Connor was an original member of the Liverpool based band The Hideaways, which enjoyed success since first forming in 1963. A few of the bands’ career highlights include playing at The Cavern Club more than any other band, recording an instrumental song for a television Timex commercial,... more
Tony Bolland was just 16 when he got a job at Plug In, a rock shop in Liverpool. The store was part of Hessy’s Music, the famous store which sold instruments to the Beatles in the early part of their career. Tony loved music retail and in fact later managed the main Hessy’s Music store, which was... more
Keith Hubbard formed a band in Liverpool with some of his school mates and called themselves The Rebels. The band enjoyed success in the pre and post Beatles era. In 1963, the band first played The Cavern Club; a small club in Liverpool made famous by the Beatles. Keith later played with a number... more