Success Stories
Over a year has gone by since the world has been living in the shadow of COVID-19, and while people are yearning to ditch the restrictions and fears brought on by the virus, there has been an unprecedented wave of innovation in the music products industry.
Vintage®, a Garforth, Leeds, England-based guitar company, reached a milestone in 2020 by celebrating its 25th anniversary. The manufacturer launched its first guitar, an Encore® Vintage Series VC1, in 1995, receiving high praise within the industry for the superior sound, quality, and modest price point.
The importance of music education and access to arts education is a critical component for developing a passion for music. Every note produced by talented musicians across the world directly results from the influence of a music teacher and music education – a theme we frequently hear expressed in NAMM’s Oral History interviews.
Picture it: the fall of 1994, a pager on your hip, you might be discussing the latest box office blockbuster, Forrest Gump, or perhaps the newest NBC comedy Friends. You've heard rumors about two new startups, Yahoo and Amazon, all while being dressed from head to toe in crushed velvet. Life is good.
Emily Achieng’ Akuno is currently a Professor of Music at the Technical University of Kenya, a “burgeoning hub for music and other creative arts within Nairobi’s Central Business District.” Having served as a steward both locally and globally, Achieng’ Akuno is a champion for music education for all serving in prestigious positions with notable organizations such as the I
The Music History Project Podcast hosted by the team in NAMM’s Resource Center, recently released “Ep. 82 – Remembering Jimi Hendrix” to honor the 50th anniversary since the rock legends passing.
Legendary saxophonist and Kansas City native, Bobby Watson, received his post-doctorate in jazz while on the bandstand with famed drummer Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers.
NAMM’s Oral History Program conducted its first Zoom interview this month to continue preserving the history of the music industry despite restrictions put in place because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The NAMM Oral History Collection recently captured its 4,000th interview, marking another milestone for a collection so unique and diverse that music enthusiasts of all levels are sure to recognize a few familiar faces.
Key Leaves has been providing solutions to sticky key pads and key malfunctions on woodwind instruments since January 2018. The line of natural-care products leaves keys open so they can dry clean. Named a “Best in Show” product at the 2019 Show, the team at Key Leaves prides itself on “clean design, powerful results, and plain-spoken dealing.”
NAMM Member, Lowden Guitars of Northern Ireland, has been awarded one of the United Kingdom’s top awards, The Queen’s Award for Enterprise.
In the summer of 1968, an unknown band named The Motowns began playing shows around the Oakland and Berkeley, California area. After gigging around the Bay Area for a while, the band set their sights on playing a bigger venue, Bill Graham’s Fillmore Auditorium in San Francisco.