Armand Zildjian

Armand Zildjian had many friends in the music industry and even years after his passing, the stories of Armand and his role in the industry seem to be everywhere.  As president of the Avedis Zildjian Company, Armand oversaw the cymbal manufacturing that was part of his family since it was first established in 1623.  Armand worked in the Norwell, Massachusetts plants during the innovative jazz era.  He was good friends with many of the leading players who provided Armand with ideas on improving the product line.  These jazz drummers included Chick Webb, Gene Krupa, Ray Bauduc and Buddy Rich.  Although Armand was ill with cancer, he agreed to an audio interview for the NAMM Oral History program, providing us with his own voice and first hand stories of his impressive career in the industry.