Ray Erlandson's Grandson Donates Personal Papers to NAMM Resource Center

My name is Scott Erlandson and my grandfather served on the NAMM Board and as President in the 1950s.  My grandpa's entire life was dedicated to business and education. He was in the music sales business as vice president of Wurlitzer. He owned a chain of music stores in Ohio, which is what led him to NAMM as a board member. He was also the first assistant secretary of the N.E.A. Later in life he was involved with the American Institute for Character Education, for the implementation of teaching young children the values of good and kind behavior.  My grandfather always stressed the importance of music as part every education and character development.
 
My grandpa would be absolutely blown away at what NAMM has become today. He would be so pleased to think someone today still recognized and cared enough to "keep music alive". As his grandson, carrying on the family tradition, I am a musician but am also involved with helping kids to get their hands on an instrument, so music can be part of their lives and character development from an early age.  I have always thought that music is as important as any other subject kids get in school today.
 
This month I was proud to donate several items from my grandfather’s career in music to the NAMM Resource Center.  Along with this collection, is my most sincere thanks on behalf of my family, to NAMM for keeping these records safe, and available for people to see. The history and documentation of such a wonderful organization is so important to preserve, for the curious generations ahead. Grandpa would be delighted and thrilled to have been a part of NAMM's development and growth in becoming such an important part of the industry he loved.  In my mind, without music, nothing else really matters, it's that important.

Thanks again,
Scott Erlandson