Virginia

Gordon Keller owned and operated a string of piano stores in and around northern Virginia and became a much-celebrated figure in the area due to his work at the Kennedy Center and Wolf Trap. Mr. Keller was also a well-regarded leader within the music products industry and among piano technicians. He opened his first store in 1955,  His retirement in 2008 resulted in the closing of the last Gordon Keller Music location, indeed the end of an era, one that contributed to the development of countless music makers. 

Herbert Newton opened his piano store in 1939, a few years after becoming a piano tuner in the Norfolk area. Back in the beginning of the store, traveling out to nearby farms was key to his success. A decade later he found the key to be servicing pianos for the US Navy. Herb spent decades bringing music to his customers and teaching their children to play. He also served the industry, sitting on the NAMM Board from 1967 and '68 and being a strong supporter of the American Music Conference (AMC). The day of our interview he recalled showing the NAMM board some early TV ads he created, which was rather innovative for the time. He later won two Best Brand Name awards in 1958 and 1959.