In Memoriam

Remembering oral history interviewees who passed away in 2009.

Jim Chapin thumbnail

Jim Chapin

Jim Chapin had the idea of writing a method book for the beginning drummer that would provide clear examples and illustrations. The year was 1947...
George Lewis thumbnail

George Lewis

 George Lewis is the founder of George L’s in Madison, Tennessee, one of the industry’s leading innovators of cable and electronic...
Heribert Glassl thumbnail

Heribert Glassl

Heribert Glassl had two musical loves, the tuba and the cello. While it may seem like a strange pairing, Mr. Glassl made it work. In fact, after a...
Ed Garbett thumbnail

Ed Garbett

 Ed Garbett was the founder of the Progressive Music store in McKeesport Pennsylvania in the years following World War II.  He worked for...
Harry Benson thumbnail

Harry Benson

Harry Benson became the president of William Lewis & Sons when the company was under the ownership of Chicago Musical Instrument...
Ernesto Gittli thumbnail

Ernesto Gittli

Ernesto Gittli was born in Uruguay and moved to the U.S. as a small boy before he began taking piano lessons. He met his wife, who also taught music,...
Marie Jensen thumbnail

Marie Jensen

Marie Jensen was born in Rosebud, Texas as the daughter of a Texas Ranger. She graduated college in Houston with a business degree before meeting Al...
Jack Javens thumbnail

Jack Javens

 Jack Javens loved the piano business and became one of the industry’s quintessential salesmen.  He worked for the Aeolian Piano...
Joseph Rashid thumbnail

Joseph Rashid

 Joseph Rashid studied the art of violin-making like few others.  His goal was not to mass produce the instrument or even to sell them, but...
Louie Bellson thumbnail

Louie Bellson

Louie Bellson was one of the World's premier drummers and listed in every jazz encyclopedia. Even with great success, he remained humble and one of...

© 2009 NAMM, the International Music Products Association