Alabama

Gary Asher was working at Nuncie’s Music in Birmingham, Alabama when he provided a tour and interview for the NAMM Oral History program, just three years after the program began.

Clay Bailey recalls his father’s early career included producing local country music ho-downs while establishing a radio repair shop, which turned into an appliance store called the Radio Hospital. His business grew to offer furniture and other goods over the years and at one point he was joined in business by his oldest son, Clay’s brother Paul Jr. In 1986 Paul Jr. and Clay opened a small music store. It was called Bailey Brothers Music and soon became a successful business. The two brothers were often heard/seen on local radio and TV commercials remembered to this day for their

Jim Darby was the band instrument salesman who formed Capital Music in Montgomery, Alabama, and who built a customer base both in school band programs as well as among the elderly. Jim’s sharp sales pitch was like that of a preacher on Sunday morning and if you are not going to buy an instrument from him, you’d better have a good reason. With a joke for every day of the week, Jim created a market for senior bands long before the New Horizons concept was widely used.  

David Ellis is the founder of Ellis Piano in Birmingham, Alabama. The store’s staff includes his sons who are proudly following in their father’s footsteps in providing high-quality pianos and top customer service. David’s own love for the piano all began when his mother purchased a piano at the county fair from Dick Reeves’ Piano Service. Some years later, in 1971, David was hired by that same store to deliver pianos and he fell in love with the business, especially the idea of helping each customer find the perfect instrument for their needs.

Jason Ellis played baseball all throughout school along with his brothers, which might be the reason their father built a baseball training facility in the family’s piano store! His father, David, wanted to keep his boys close to him and thought up the idea for the top floor of the store complete with batting cages, an Astroturf infield and a painted green wall (a homage to the left field wall at Fenway Park). And it worked! David’s sons work in the store to this day. Jason was 12 years old when he helped with college sales and recalls moving hundreds of pianos.

French Forbes II is the grandson of the founder of the Forbes Piano and Organ Company. Ernest Erastus Forbes formed the company in 1889 by selling pianos from the back of his horse-drawn carriage. His son oversaw the Birmingham, Alabama-based company during the Great Depression and French II put the company back on track following World War II, a time when pianos were hard to come by until the manufacturers were able to re-establish their production.

French Forbes III. of course took piano lessons as a child, after all his great-grandfather established EE Forbes & Sons Piano Company in 1889. While he grew up surrounded by pianos, French III played trumpet throughout school and managed the store’s band department for over a decade. In 1988, when French III joined the company full-time, the company had four other family members involved and a total of three locations. His father brought in the Steinway brand in 1958, later there was a period of about ten years when they did not have the brand, however, French III reestablish

Paul Freehling was brought up in the music retail business as the son of Art Freehling, the legendary music man of Montgomery, Alabama. Art’s incredible knowledge of business and music not only resulted in a successful store; it also made him a local hero and a beloved salesman. Paul’s role in the business was also vast, including the introduction of a computerized system in the store as early as 1969. He also oversaw the expansion to three stores and the relocation of the Montgomery store to a new and stronger location. Paul’s daughters joined the business making their family’s t

Jim Greenhill opened Jim’s Music store in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. The area was brimming with recording activity in 1977 when Jim opened the store and as a result, most of the studio sessions players were customers of his. Jim focused on the latest in electronic technology in his store and among his early customers were LeBlanc & Carr, who purchased all of their amps and Anvil cases from Jim for their first tour. After closing the store, Jim worked with Ron Tunks Sales and began his long career as an independent rep, first for Ron and then on his own.

David Lambert was boyhood friends with David Ellis’ sons. Mr. Ellis is the founder of Ellis Pianos in Birmingham, Alabama, who built a baseball training facility on the top floor of his store to keep his sons close to him. As a good friend, David was also often found in the batting cages at the store. Whenever help was needed to move a piano or help clean up, David was there. This led to more and more involvement with the store, especially as it related to electronics, a passion of his since he was a kid. His interest in repairing Leslie Speakers evolved into becoming the area’s c

Larry Leberte was proud of his family’s history in music retail. Larry’s grandfather opened a small music retail shop just after the Great Depression hit the United States in the early 1930s. He crafted a business plan that would include trade and bartering as well as greatly expanding the products he offered his customers. Larry’s father carried on the store’s rich history, working closely with music programs in Birmingham, AL.

Gale Mallory served as Band Director in Georgia and Alabama for over 38 years, making a real difference in the lives of thousands of students! She innovated several elements to the Marching Band’s Color Guard, such as the broader use of flags and dance lines. She attended Troy University where she met her husband and fellow band director Ronnie Mallory. The two taught together for many years before Gale decided to pursue her love of elementary music, working with beginners and having a ball. She also volunteers for Art’s Music, where Ronnie is a School Road Rep.

Ronnie Mallory is one of those small town Band Directors who had made a big difference in the lives of students, parents and fellow educators alike. Playing tuba in high school and enjoying the Music teachers he encountered, Ronnie attended Troy University where he not only earned his degree but met his future wife, Gale. The two taught together for many years before trying new endeavors. Next Ronnie become a school road rep for Art’s Music in Alabama in 1989. The role is perfect for him as he knows what band directors need and want.

Clyde Morris’ mother loved and appreciated music and ensured her three children were exposed to a wide range of music. She took them to symphonies quite often and by the time he was in the first grade Clyde was taking piano lessons as his sisters did. He played in the school bands and focused on the tuba while in college. Having great music teachers throughout school Clyde was inspired to become a band director. His first teaching job was in Alabama in 1974. The owners of the local music store, Gadsden Music (which opened a few years earlier in 1971), called on him and supported h

Jessie Osborne has always been deeply passionate about music and lifelong learning. When she joined the team at Spicer’s Music in Auburn, Alabama, it was a natural fit. As the dedicated and detail-oriented Sales Manager, she oversees the comprehensive training process for new employees and ensures continuous education for the sales team. Beyond her leadership role, she organizes dynamic in-store events that foster community engagement.

Loretta Pritchard is a songwriter and composer who has had several of her works published, including those written for young students. She wrote her first piece when she was four years old and began playing in church when she was eight. Her passion only grew when she joined school band programs and performed in musical events around her hometown of Alexander City, Alabama. After majoring in music in college she went on to teach music for some 20 years, all the while writing little songs to help her students practice.

Tim Spicer studied special education in college and has applied his passion of helping others and his love of music when he opened a music store in 2012. Spicer's Music focuses on offering its customers with a wide range of quality products as well as carefully constructed lessons that meet the needs of each student. As a result, his 23 teachers are able to focus on each student, such as those with special needs. Since the time the store opened, Tim has also been very active in the music industry and in 2017 was voted to serve on the board for the NAMM Young Professionals.