Peavey

 Ken Achard played such an important part of the industry that he was asked to write a book.  The book entitled “The Peavey Revolution” was released in 2005 and covers Ken’s long association with the innovative company and its founder.  Ken met Hartley Peavey in 1972, who entrusted Ken to open up the UK operations of the Peavey Company.  The task did not come without challenges, but as Ken put it, “It was a great opportunity to be a part of something big. 

Bobby Cochran got his start in music playing the licks of his uncle Eddie, who passed away when Bobby was just ten years old. As he developed his own style he performed with Steppenwolf, the Flying Burrito Brothers, Leon Russel, as well as his own bands as singer and guitarist. He formed several important relationships within the music products industry with companies such as Fender, Charvel, Cakewalk, Sonic Foundry, Yamaha, Peavey and with the Ibanez Guitar Company.

Ben Jack was born and raised in Arkansas, so it was no surprise that the passionate steel pedal guitarist would open up a string of successful stores in and around Fayetteville. As one of the leaders of music retailing in the state, if not the country, Ben pioneered many of the American built instruments in their heydays, such as Fender and Peavey. In fact, Ben Jack Music is the oldest Peavey dealer still selling the product today.

Ernie Lansford has served our industry well. With his attention to his customers and dedication to their satisfaction, Ernie has earned the respect and friendship of many –both supplies and dealers. As a sales rep for St. Louis Music and for Peavey, Ernie was well traveled, which allowed him to promote the importance of NAMM member services as well as the educational programs created by the American Music Conference. Ernie has also been a strong proponent of this interview program, seeking to preserve the rich history of the industry he loves.

Bill Xavier was introduced into the music products industry while working with Hartley Peavey. Peavey became a strong mentor to Bill and was like a second father to him. Bill has often said that much of the passion he has for the music products industry was developed as a result of working with Mr. Peavey. In 2007, Bill was hired by the Hanser Music Group as Director of Sales, where he worked closely with Jack Hanser and Jack’s two brothers in a company that was formed by Jack’s grandfather.