drums

Henry Adler helped define the percussion industry with his music publishing company, drum shop and method books.  His amazing life in music began as a drummer during the big band era.  His many gigs and one nighters gained the attention of a friend who encouraged Henry to open a drum studio and music studio in the heart of New York City.  The Henry Adler Music Store near Time Square was an important resource for drummers, both those playing in town and those traveling.  He established the Henry Adler Publishing Company and released a method book he co-wrote with Buddy Rich on the rudiments of percussion, along with the Latin drummer’s guide and method book he wrote w

 John Aldridge has become one of the leading experts on the history of drums, percussion companies, and their products.  As a publisher and editor, John established the magazine “Not So Modern Drummer” and dedicated its pages to the vintage drum, the history of which otherwise might have been lost.  John has been instrumental in preserving important percussive collections and documentation to ensure the material could be accessed by those interested.  John’s NAMM Oral History interview was

Spencer Aloisio began working for the Slingerland Drum Company in 1969 and stayed with the company until 1980. During that time he worked on the selling, promoting and marketing of the popular percussion products. Spencer worked his way up from factory employee into the office as sales manager and then as Vice President of Sales and Marketing. The company’s owners changed a few times during that time and Spencer worked hard to keep consistent customer care and dealer relations during that time. Spencer later worked within the band and orchestral segment of the industry before becoming the secretary and treasurer of the Chicago Chapter of the Musicians Union.

Vinny Appice began playing drums at a young age, just like his older brother Carmine. Vinny played drums ever since the age of eight and by age sixteen he was working with John Lennon! His influential career developed in the 1970s with a series of albums, and by 1980 joined the rock band Black Sabbath. Two years later he left the band with singer Ronnie James Dio to form the band Dio, which resulted in five studio records before Vinny left the band in 1989. His drumming style has been the inspiration for a generation of players who were fascinated with his steady and driving force while also able to play soft and gentle.

Drew Armentrout worked in music retail for years before being hired by the Roland Company to work in the electronic drum division. His early experience served him well as he viewed both the musician’s and retailer’s points of view when developing and marketing products for Roland. Drew’s passion for music can be traced back to his childhood and after all these years in the industry his passion is as strong today as ever! 

Billy Ashbaugh remembers with a smile his first drum kit as a kid and the desire to play professionally almost from the very beginning. He learned the ropes as a sub drummer and studio player before landing the gig as drummer for the boy super-group N’Sync. The explosive popularity of the group’s tours and recordings provided Billy with the opportunity to present clinics and classes to inspiring drummers around the world.
 

Robert Beals was just a young man when he first met Chick Evans. The two worked to perfect and promote Mr. Evan’s idea of a synthetic drumhead in the 1950s. Up until that time, drumheads were made from cow skin, which presented several problems. With the skin drumheads, any change in temperature could greatly affect the sound and they would often fade out of tune. Robert became president of the Evan’s Company and oversaw its purchase by the D’Addario Company, which continues to produce the products Bob helped create. Mr. Beals passed away on August 7, 2010. 

John H. Beck has an amazing talent for explaining the art of music making, not just teaching music, but providing meaning to the student in ways that fuel their passion.  As the principal timpanist for the Rochester Philharmonic and a well-respected professor at the Eastman School of Music, John H. Beck has made a lasting contribution to the music industry during his long career.  As a promoter of school programs, he oversaw important changes as president of the Percussive Arts Society that lead to more hands-on programs and demonstrations for students.

Remo Belli revolutionized the music products industry by introducing the Weather King, the single most popular drumhead in the world! As a jazz drummer, Remo was looking for ways to improve the percussive products he was using. Once his team of chemists found the perfect formula, Remo took it around to his many drummer friends to test the product out. Remo has also pioneered the use of music and wellness with his dear friend Karl Bruhn and a wave of instruments aimed at getting all ages involved with music and music making.

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 the true gentlemen of American popular music. With his noted double bass drum kit, a series of method books, and respected clinics, Louie made a major impact on the music products industry. Over the decades Louie has been an endorsee and performer at the NAMM show and served as vice president at REMO, Inc. During his playing career, which included years with Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, Harry James and Duke Ellington, Louie became an innovator in style and a great example of musical staying power.