OH Taxonomy
Chuck Berghofer is the answer to such trivia questions as Who played bass on Nancy Sinatra's big hit "These Boots Where Made For Walking" and Who is playing the bass lick for the TV theme song for "Barney Miller." Chuck has been a mainstay in the Los Angeles studios since the 1960s and worked with...
Alan Macpherson began his career working for the retailer, The Music Shoppe II in Toronto Canada. As a musician, Alan fell in love with the music industry, getting to talk gear with fellow players and working to provide the services they needed to obtain the instruments of their dreams. When Alan...
Ken Dapron grew up in a very musical family. His parents were members of the pop singing group called The Merry Macs. Music was all around him as a child. Ken played saxophone and drums in school and fell in love with the guitar. He played in many bands throughout his school years with dreams...
Mike Overlin always wanted to work for Yamaha ever since being introduced to the company’s philosophy and commitment to providing excellent products and services. As an employee for over twenty years, Mike is proud to say he was right about wanting to be involved with a company that echoes many of...
Roger Eaton recalled with a smile the day he joined the school band as a child. His first impression and the feeling of joy has never left him, which is why he has dedicated his life to providing that same opportunity to students in everything that he does. Roger’s first job in the industry was...
Garth Gilman finished his MBA and through a mutual friend met Tom Sumner who provided a tour of the Yamaha offices in Buena Park. Tom, who at the time was the General Manager of the Pro Audio/Combo Division, recognized Garth’s passion for music and interest in business. The two discussed the...
David Jewell remembers his brother’s snare drum sitting in the closet and wanting so much to play it. He begged his teacher, Mrs. Mandy, to join the band and after several tries, she agreed. David remarked during his NAMM Oral History interview that if she didn’t say yes, he probably would not be...
Steve Gadd has a long and strong friendship with the music products industry going back to his first visit to a music store as a kid and his long career as a product endorser and NAMM guest! However, it’s his influence as a drummer and clinician that has placed Steve as an important inspiration to...
Greg Golden was in the vintage guitar business back in the days when such instruments were referred to as simply “used.” Along with a handful of key dealers across the United States, Greg played a vital role in developing the vintage market by not only offering top quality instruments and setting...
Rusty Brutsche and two friends formed the famous pro audio rental company Showco with the simple mission to produce good sounding concerts. The goal required the building and maintenance of cutting edge and often innovative gear such as boards, pre-amps and lights. Their Varilight system became a...