Avedis Zildjian Company

Leon Chiappini is the Head Zildjian Cymbal Tester who gained his skills and phenomenal musical ear from two of the true icons in the industry, the father and son team of Avedis and Armand Zildjian. Leon developed improved ways of testing the sound of each product and worked with the “A” team musicians over his long career, including Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, and Papa Jo Jones to create a cymbal as close to perfection as possible. Along the way Leon also had life-long friendship within the Zildjian Company, among drummers and throughout the music industry.

Sam Denov retired as the percussionist and timpanist for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra after playing with the group in concerts, on the road and in recordings since 1954! Sam helped bring cymbal playing to a new level of recognition and professionalism when he wrote “Playing Hand Cymbals” in the early 1960s. He worked with the Zildjian Company and later with Paiste Cymbals in creating concert level products and in conducting clinics that brought greater access to hand cymbal playing to students and professionals alike.
 

Lennie Di Muzio was told for years that he ought to write a book about his career and his many stories, so he did! Lennie was the artist relations director for Zildjian Cymbal Company for many years. He oversaw the line-up of endorsees and their many activities, as well as the company’s printed material related to musicians and their official endorsees. Lennie worked closely with Armand Zildjian before his passing in 2002. Lennie then went to work for Armand’s brother, Robert, who years before had started the SABIAN Cymbal Company. 

Jerry Donegan began his career in the music industry in October, 1966, when his brother arranged for him to get a job in the shipping department of the Zildjian Cymbal Company. He found that early experience in the shipping department was a wonderful training ground in learning about the company’s customers. Jerry later managed their marketing and played a vital role in the NAMM Show booth designs. He also helped the company develop its independent sales network, which has been a great asset to the business.

Paul Francis, Quality Manager, fondly recalled the early days of his career at Zildjian and spoke with pride of the history of the company as he has come to learn it. His understanding of cymbal making is only equaled with his passion for the Zildjian sotry. Paul was able to work for Armand Zildjian before his passing and recalled the elements of the business most revered by the master cymbal builder.

Roy Haynes knows jazz! His ideas and techniques have made him a legendary drummer who in many ways helped develop Bebop and Free Jazz, a form of post Bop jazz that was popular beginning in the 1960s. With graceful motion Roy brought a new feel to drumming and encouraged an entire generation of percussionists. Among his many awards and honors was his 2008 induction into the Percussive Arts Society’s Hall of Fame.
 

John King is among the most noted cymbal tester in the business. Working alongside Armand Zildjian in the factory in Massachusetts. John learned the fine skills of a tester and worked with Tony Williams, Buddy Rich, and other top players. John, a Product Communications Manager, has also become a historian at Zildjian. In his interview, he provided great detail regarding some of the traditions of the company.

Craigie Zildjian has accomplished what no other woman has done in her company’s over 380-year history; she has become president of the Zildjian Cymbal Company. She has also been a pioneer in industry-related organizations where few other women have been. Following in her father’s footsteps (Armand Zildjian 1921-2002) she has met the challenges of expanding the company into a growing world market as well as the innovative product lines that have become a tradition for the company.
 

Deborah Zildjian proudly recalled stories of her father and her grandfather, two of the most successful leaders of her family’s 380 plus years as cymbal makers. Deborah has a compelling way of recounting her family’s history such as her memories of her grandmother and grandfather. Deborah serves as Vice President of the Zildjian Cymbal Company under her sister, Craigie, making the two daughters of the late Armand Zildjian a pioneering sister act.