Chad Smith

Brad Smith is the Senior Sales and Marketing Manager for Hal Leonard.  During his career as a writer and industry historian, he worked for MIX Magazine before joining the Hal Leonard team. Among his many tasks is overseeing the publication of books dedicated to the history of musical products such as the Fender Guitar Company and the musical gear used by the Beatles.  Brad has been a strong supporter of the NAMM Resource Center and this Oral History program since the early 2000s. 

Chad Smith developed a great sense of rhythm at an early age and attributes that to having music constantly surrounding him. He was in love with the musician’s lifestyle and knew that he wanted to make drumming a career. After putting in the work playing clubs six nights a week and playing in multiple bands with mild success, Chad moved to California and auditioned for the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Thirty-two years later, Chad is still the drummer for the Chili Peppers and has played shows in just about every venue all across the world.

Terry West started playing in bands at an early age and continued throughout his twenties and thirties. He was always one to maintain a day job, and his many roles at an outdoor advertising company combined with his experience as a working musician turned out to be the perfect training path for his next job when he was hired to work for Pearl Drums. Walt Johnson hired Terry in 1987 to run Pearl's advertisement department. His roles soon grew into many other tasks, such as designing their NAMM Show booths and controlling all consumer marketing. Terry became Vice President in 1992,