OH Taxonomy
Michael Mullens grew up in his father’s New England music store. He caught the music bug early and to the surprise of even his father, Michael also became a knowledgeable salesman while he was still a kid. Understanding the products and the needs of the store’s customers seemed to come natural to...
Mike Ponce enjoys managing the Suhr Guitar factory at JS Technologies Inc. in Southern California as the job allows him to apply his expertise in all aspects of guitar building. Mike was a master builder at Fender before developing an acoustic line of guitars for Rickenbacker. His inspiration to...
John Suhr began formulating ideas of designing and modifying the electric guitar while working as a repairman at Rudy's Guitar Shop in New York City. After sharpening his skills as a master builder in Fender's Custom Shop in California, John established JS Technologies Inc. to produce his own line...
Pete Johnston was a Video Director for NAMM when he raised his hand to volunteer to help with the production of the TEC Awards. The TEC Awards were new to the NAMM Show and the need to create and execute a top notch awards program was paramount. Pete leads the team that produces the show, which...
Kal David helped bring the Firebird to the blues! The famed electric guitar was not widely used for the blues until Kal began playing it in bands in and around Chicago. He was a founding member of the band The Exceptions in 1962 and the Illinois Speed Press in 1965. He later teamed with his...
Chan Romaro played an important part in pop music in the late 1950s and early 60s when he blended his Mexican and Native American roots with rock and roll. He wrote and recorded several songs during those early years including the classic "Hippy Hippy Shake," which was later recorded by several...
Joan Gand followed her drummer to a gig while still in high school. There, he introduced her to a guitarist from another school who eventually became her future husband, Gary Gand. Together they formed a very successful music store in Highland Park, Illinois that focused on the innovative...
Kevin Prosser took over the piano and organ store his parents established in the mid-1980s. His brother later came into the business, which had several locations throughout Washington State. In the late 1990s, Kevin opened a store in Palm Springs and ran it for several years. During that same time...
Steve Madaio played trumpet on most of Stevie Wonders recordings during the innovative and creative period between 1971 and 1976. Stevie was experimenting with electric keyboards and synthesizers, which Steve witnessed and took part in, including working on the classic album Songs in the Key of...
Pat Rizzo heard Sly Stone was looking for a sax player to join the band. He went backstage at a concert with his horn and Sly told him to go into the bathroom. Sly asked if he was good and Pat said, "Yes, I am." At which Sly said, "You are hired." That fast job interview launched Pat into a long...