John Riddle
1941 - 2026
John Riddle was born in Kannapolis, North Carolina, on January 27, 1941, and over the course of his remarkable life became one of the quiet pillars of the NAMM community. While working for the Atlanta Visitor and Convention Bureau in 1975, he was asked to help bring the NAMM Show to Atlanta — and he did so with great success. During that time, he formed a lifelong friendship with Link, NAMM’s Director of Trade Shows, as well as CEO William Gard. John quickly developed a deep affection for the music products industry, forging lasting friendships with many NAMM members; one such friendship even inspired him to take up the bass.
He went on to support every NAMM Show, summer and winter, until his retirement. Known for his attention to detail and unwavering reliability, John could step into nearly any role on the show floor whenever needed — and often did. Walking the floor with John was an education in itself. His strong relationships with exhibitors reflected a deep commitment to customer service, and his knowledge, professionalism, and steady presence guided both staff and members alike.
It is often said that he was part of the NAMM family, but it feels more accurate to say that John helped create the very sense of family that defines NAMM today. A reliable friend to NAMM, its staff, and its members, he assisted with more than 50 shows, leaving a meaningful and enduring mark on the organization and the industry it serves.
We were proud to interview John three separate times over the years — a reflection of just how important his voice was to our historical collection. Those conversations allowed us to capture not only his stories but his wisdom, ensuring that future generations will understand the care, professionalism, and humanity he brought to his work.
Former NAMM President and CEO Joe Lamond shared these thoughts:
“John Riddle was the consummate old-school gentleman—his presence alone brought out our best. A fixture at every NAMM Show since the 1970s, John knew most exhibitors by first name, and likely the names of their children as well. While we all have our favorite memories of our friendship with John, I recall many evenings were spent on the back porch of his North Carolina mountain retreat, Rocky Waters, where he and his beloved wife Judy generously hosted the NAMM member motorcycle club following our annual Summer NAMM rides out of Nashville. John will be deeply missed by generations of NAMM members, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family.”
What meant the most to me was being John’s friend and having the opportunity to learn from him. I loved hearing his stories about Bill Gard and other icons of our industry whom John knew personally. Conversations with him often caused me to pause and cogitate — reflecting not only on NAMM’s history but on the relationships and shared values that continue to guide us forward.
And just as I asked questions of him, John remained endlessly curious, engaging NAMM leaders such as past presidents Ziggy Coyle, Jimmy Johnson, and Jim Kleeman in thoughtful conversations about the industry’s evolution. He believed history mattered because people mattered, and he never stopped listening, learning, and connecting.
There was a steadiness about John that made everyone around him feel supported. He did not seek the spotlight, yet his influence could be felt in countless ways — in the smooth execution of a show, in the confidence of an exhibitor, in the camaraderie shared among colleagues who knew they could rely on him.
John Riddle was more than a dedicated professional; he was a gentleman in the truest sense of the word. His legacy lives on in the culture he helped shape and in the memories we are fortunate to carry forward.
We are all better for having been part of his extended family — and he will be deeply missed.
Dan Del Fiorentino
NAMM Music Historian