Jerry Lard
1950-2026
One of the greatest joys of my work as NAMM’s Music Historian has been capturing the stories of the unsung heroes of our industry. These are the individuals whose names may not appear on album covers or marquees, yet whose contributions are heard every day in the music we love. Jerry Lard was one of those heroes.
Shortly after first meeting West Coast piano technician Carl Lieberman, I shared my interest in documenting piano tuners who played important roles within influential music communities. Not long afterward, Carl called with a suggestion: the next time I traveled to Muscle Shoals, Alabama, I should interview Jerry Lard. Fortunately, that opportunity came in September 2022, and I will always be grateful that it did.
For more than five decades, Jerry served as a piano technician in the legendary Muscle Shoals region of Alabama. While many people recognize the artists, producers, and studios that made Muscle Shoals famous, far fewer know the name of the man who helped keep the pianos sounding their best. Yet Jerry’s craftsmanship touched countless performances, recordings, and musical moments.
During our interview, Jerry reflected on a remarkable career that included work at renowned recording studios, local colleges, and music stores throughout the region. He spoke fondly of refinishing the now-famous Aretha Piano at FAME Studios and recalled working with artists such as Lou Rawls and Lynyrd Skynyrd. His stories revealed not only a skilled technician but also a humble and dedicated steward of music.
I have always felt a fervent responsibility to preserve stories like Jerry’s. They remind us that great music is rarely the work of a single person. Behind every performance is a community of talented individuals whose expertise helps make the magic possible.
Jerry’s legacy lives on in the recordings he supported, the musicians he served, and the countless listeners who may never have known his name but have certainly heard his work.
Thank you, Jerry.
Dan Del Fiorentino
NAMM Music Historian