South Dakota

Rollie Bunn worked at Taylor Music in Aberdeen, South Dakota, when he was growing up and in fact returned to the store to work full time after attending Northern State Teacher’s College. During his college years he was a part time band director, which he enjoyed, before returning to Taylor. Ten years later in 1969, Rolli moved to Elkhart, Indiana, where he soon became the marketing manager for Selmer. The company has just purchased Premier Drums, and Rolli was in charge of product development.

Gene Gray was a sales rep for the mighty Wurlitzer Company from 1965 until 1988. During his NAMM interview, Gene spoke first hand of the great family feelings many had while working for the DeKalb,IL, based manufacturer. Gene played in his high school marching band and had music a part of his life in college where he studied economics and began working in sales. After several years in a music retail store and in other industries Gene started his long association with Wurlitzer.  

John Larson worked in piano retail in and around North Dakota before opening his own store. He worked the area and became involved in the music programs and lessons within the community. He also became a well respected member of the National Association of Piano Travelers and would rarely miss the organization’s annual meeting and dinner, which are held on the Saturday evening of the winter NAMM Show.