OH Taxonomy
Big Jay McNeely was there when the emotions of rhythm and blues gave birth to rock and roll. His honkin' sax style gave raw and bold tones to the feelings behind the R&B and Jump Swing styles of the early 1950’s, all of which played a key role in the popular musical trends that would follow. ...
Preston Epps was the percussionist who had a top 20 hit recording in 1959 entitled "Bongo Rock." The success of the song led to additional recordings and concert tours that forever tied his name with the bongos! His fascinating career in music included gigs with Count Basie, Ben Pollack and even...
Rick Valentine is the founder and president of Valentine’s House of Music, a retail store dedicated to piano sheet music and method books. Over his career, Rick developed not only a true love of sheet music but a wonderful relationship with many of the key piano teachers and music educational...
Gail Warnaar started a double reed camp for high school band students in the Michigan area, which lead to her involvement with the music products industry. In 1981 Gail formed the Double Reed Shop to provide accessories to her camp students, but soon the business grew as did her need to expand. ...
Betsy Bullis began singing in church at an early age and fell in love with music and music making. After college she taught choir where her husband, Russ, was the band director. After Russ began working at Paige's Music in the sheet music department, Betsy joined him. The sheet music department...
Barbara Meeks fell in love with music at an early age and played flute all though school and into college where she majored in music education. While working at Buddy Roger’s Music in Ohio, she developed a passion for sheet music. She later worked for Mannerino’s Music for a decade before joining...
Jay Leonhart's long and often celebrated career as a bassist has included recording and performances with Frank Sinatra, Carly Simon, Sting, and Gary Burton, among others. His first album as a leader, "Salamander Pie" with pianist Mike Renzi, became an instant classic for its clever titles and...
Russ Bullis took up the trumpet as a child and played throughout high school. During his college years he gave trumpet lessons at the local music store and took a strong interest in teaching. He was later a band director after college for six years. He taught at the same school, in Lawrenceville...
Bob Kohl was hired by Music & Arts in Maryland just before turning sixteen years old and has been in the industry ever since that time. The store was located in the local mall and he began working within the sheet music department, an area of the industry he would soon fall in love with and...
Dave Olsen’s passion for music began when he was eight years old and his mother, who also played, gave Dave lessons. He later played French horn for the school band and piano for the high school jazz band, which included Duffy Jackson on drums. After college he learned about Alfred Reed’s music...