Search namm.org
John Worthington
- Oral History
John Worthington began as an engineer in the early days of the Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI), and, in fact, helped program the MIDI
Gerald Wilson
- Oral History
Gerald Wilson was among the great arrangers of jazz, beginning back in the swing era when he worked for the famed Jimmie Lunceford Orchestra. He established a...
Roger Williams
- Oral History
Roger Williams was known throughout the world for his countless albums and top ten hits as a solo pianist.
Joe Wilder
- Oral History
Joe Wilder endorsed many musical products during his long career as a trumpeter.
Gerald "Wig" Wiggins
- Oral History
Gerald “Wig” Wiggins was a world renowned composer, arranger and jazz keyboardist.
George Westjohn
- Oral History
George Westjohn was hired by Lowell Samuel to oversee the expansion of Mr. Samuel’s interests in the wholesale music business. Mr.
Jack Westheimer
- Oral History
Jack Westheimer was among the first industry leaders interviewed for the NAMM archives back in July 2002. Four years later we had the unique opportunity to...
Eleanor West
- Oral History
Eleanor West and her husband Pearl established a music store in Iowa City just a year after getting married in 1940.
Paul Wertico
- Oral History
Paul Wertico grew up in Chicago with a passion for music making. At the age of 15 he landed his first professional gig as a drummer and never set the sticks...
Paul Werkheiser
- Oral History
Paul Werkheiser often says he would never trade his memories of the years he worked for the C.F. Martin & Company.
Billy Wennlund
- Oral History
Billy Wennlund and his brother Don made up one of the most iconic sales teams in the music products industry. Don was the salesman, the guy with the pitch and...
Kitty Wells
- Oral History
Kitty Wells has been crowned the First Lady of Country Music for her pioneering style and impressive string of hit recordings beginning in the 19
Richard Webb
- Oral History
Richard Webb’s grandfather opened a pawnshop in England and his father, Sydney, developed a small music division within the shop some 20 years later. Since the...
Claude Watson
- Oral History
Claude Watson was a precise and revered luthier who perfected the fine art of handcrafted instrument building.
Allan Ward
- Oral History
Allan Ward has enjoyed nearly 40 years in the print music industry.
John B. Walker
- Oral History
John B. Walker was a well-recognizable character of the music products industry having been a piano mover most of his career.
Dan Vedda
- Oral History
Dan Vedda grew up playing music. As an arranger and trumpeter he gained a respected reputation in the Westlake area of Ohio. After working for a music retailer...
Johnny Thompson
- Oral History
Johnny Thompson had the distinction of being the very first music student of a young steel guitar player named Ernie ball.
Vinny Testa
- Oral History
Vinny Testa was the founder of Testa Communications, which he established in 1984 to provide the music products industry with such trade magazine
Millie Swanson
- Oral History
Millie Swanson was known as “The Sweetheart of Wurlitzer.” She joined the company in 1931 as an office clerk while still in high school.
Murray Sunshine
- Oral History
Murray Sunshine was a legend in the New York music retailing business.
Henry Z. Steinway
- Oral History
Henry Z. Steinway was quite articulate when speaking about the incredible history of the Steinway and Sons Piano Company. One could say that he lived all...
Marvin Snyder
- Oral History
Marvin Snyder became president of Rico Reeds in 1976, after managing the cane plantations, which were used to make the reeds.
George Shorney
- Oral History
George Shorney’s grandfather formed a small music publishing company in 1892 with the goal of serving the church by printing hym
Doc Severinsen
- Oral History
Doc Severinsen had a mighty career as Johnny Carson’s bandleader on the “Tonight Show” and as a recording artist on several important albums.
Eric Schwartz
- Oral History
Eric Schwartz is the Chairman of Sherman Clay, the historic chain of piano stores.
Peter Schmitt
- Oral History
Peter Schmitt was not around when his family started a small retail store 110 years ago, but was proud of the role he has played in the expansion
Gunter Schmalfuss
- Oral History
Gunter Schmalfuss has taken great pride in working on one instrument most of his career, the tuba. Since 1961, Mr. Schmalfuss has studied, built and designed...
Wesley Schaum
- Oral History
Wesley Schaum’s father wrote and arranged music with the hope of serving school band programs in a meaningful way. He wrote several important scores including...