The Ed Sullivan Show

Mark Altekruse, like so many passionate members of the music industry, specifically remembers the lessons he learned from one of his earliest and most influential music instructors. Trombonist Bugs Beddow was a local musician in Detroit who served as a musical mentor to young Mark, who went on to form his own band (Rhythm Kitchen) which ultimately led to a long career with Roland, BOSS and Apple. Along the way, he had some incredible musical experiences including playing in the Hex Orchestra on their recording of Human Experiments. Within the music products industry, Mark worked o

Gary Baker watched the Beatles perform on the Ed Sullivan Show along with his brother. The two became so engrossed by music that his brother bought Gary a Silver Tone Guitar from Sears. They formed a band together and Gary soon discovered he enjoyed writing songs. As a songwriter, Gary has written a dozen tunes for the Backstreet Boys as well as the classic hit "I Swear" and Lone Stars' big hit "I'm Already There". He opened the recording studio, Noise Block, just across the river from Muscle Shoals, Alabama where he first cut his teeth in the studios thanks to Rick Hall at Fame.

Herschel Blankenship’s love for music all began when he saw Buddy Holly on the Ed Sullivan show as a kid. It sparked his interest and led him down a path filled with performing and touring. After working for many years in the music industry, he became a founder of Schecter Guitar Research – a company focused on the hot-rodding of guitars. 

Clora Bryant was billed as the female Louie Armstrong in the era of the Ed Sullivan variety show. Her raspy-voiced imitations were a big favorite among viewers but the gimmick often over- shadowed her incredible talents as a trumpeter. Most music lovers don’t like to think about how Clora had to struggle. Being a black female jazz musician was not easy and in some places it was impossible. In Los Angeles it was possible to play and not only did she play, she became a chief architect of the LA jazz sound beginning in the 1940s.

Tony Buffalo retired in 2023 after a distinguished career as a district manager for Guitar Center. His father was a trumpet player and leader of a swing band called Vito Buffalo & His Orchestra, and as you can imagine, he grew up in a very musical home. Following in his father's footsteps, Tony honed his skills as a guitarist, leading his own band, Night Watch, to local fame in Central Illinois's vibrant music scene. With a passion for music and a knack for sales, Tony joined Guitar Center in 1986, quickly excelling as a top salesperson and rising to the role of store manager

Joe Carducci remembers with a smile sitting in front of his parents black and white television set on a Sunday evening in February when he watched the Beatles storm America on the Ed Sullivan Show.  He recalls falling in love with the guitar George Harrison was playing and even combing his hair down in front of his eyes before school the next morning.  Joe has been involved with music ever since!  Most of the industry knows Joe for his 40 plus years working for Fender Musical Instruments and the many products and customers he has been associated with during that time.  Joe’s passi

Jim Collins was given a Silvertone Guitar by his dad following the Beatle’s appearance on the Ed Sullivan television program, an event he still recounts with enthusiasm. Jim took a day job in a local recording studio in Texas where he was born while gigging at night. As a studio musician, he also provided backup vocals when needed and began writing his own songs. He was on the trajectory of becoming a solo artist when his songs became in demand by other performers.

David Coy is a seasoned bassist renowned for his extensive collaboration with legendary songwriter Burt Bacharach. His passion for music was nurtured by his father, a dedicated college band director who notably led Pasadena City College’s ensemble in the iconic Rose Parade. During collage, David immersed himself in the Los Angeles recording scene, performing alongside esteemed studio musicians of the 1970s and ’80s. His early career featured engagements with various Christian music groups across Los Angeles and Orange County, laying the groundwork for his professional journey.

Lew DiTommaso was a key member in Daddy’s Junky Music for many years and built a reputation on honest and passion driven hard work.  That passion for Lew started when he first heard the Beatles, several months before their famous American debut on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1964.  After playing in several bands and a few years in the wholesaling of consumer electronics, he met Fred Bramante.  The year was 1977 and Fred hired Lew on the spot and he has enjoyed being in the industry ever since.

Rob Gottfried, known as "Rob the Drummer," was born into a musical legacy, inspired by his father's performances with swing era icons like Paul Whiteman and Bunny Barigan. Influenced by The Beatles' iconic Ed Sullivan Show appearance in 1964, Rob embarked on a lifelong journey with music, honing his craft as a drummer from a young age. His partnership with the Zildjian cymbal company allowed him to not only provide feedback on new products but also conduct clinics, sharing his expertise with aspiring musicians. In 1976, Rob's career took a unique turn when he became a beloved figu

Jerry Grote grew up in Minnesota and began playing guitar after seeing the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show in February 1964.  As a high school student, Jerry began visiting local music stores and discovered music retail.  One of the stores he visited was called The Guitar Center, not related to the chain, but ironically, some years later Jerry did work for that Guitar Center when the chain opened a store in the Twin Cities.  He may be the only person we have interviewed who has worked for both The Guitar Center and Guitar Center.  As his passion for music developed, Jerry was aske

Doug Hake was one of countless kids whose life was forever changed after watching the Beatles perform on the Ed Sullivan Show in February 1964. From that moment, Doug knew he wanted to play the guitar, and he quickly immersed himself in playing the instrument, finding it a powerful outlet for self-expression. His passion for music continued as he honed his skills as a songwriter and engineer, recording his own compositions whenever possible. In 1985, after relocating to Grass Valley, California, Doug was drawn to the local music store, Foggy Mountain Music, where he soon became a

John C. Hall’s father purchased a guitar company from Adolph Rickenbacker, who was a cousin of the famed fighter pilot, Eddie Rickenbacker. The Rickenbacker Guitar Company made and sold Hawaiian guitars in the early 1930s including an electric model now known as the Frying Pan and historically the first electric guitar. John grew up in the business. During his NAMM Oral History Interview, John shared amazing stories behind the Rickenbacker Company, including the enormous impact the Beatles had on the popularity of their instruments.

Ed Hamrick enjoyed playing the drums ever since he saw the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1964. From that moment on, he played drums and in the early 1970s established his own drum shop outside of Atlanta, Georgia. Over the years the Atlanta Pro Percussion Shop has become one of the strongest dealers in the industry, providing top name clinics and introducing decade’s worth of new and innovative percussive products. Ed was an active member of PAS and NAMM and as well as sponsoring several local music events over the years. Ed passed in March 2022 and is deeply missed.

Jerry Hovey grew up in a musical home as his father was a professional drummer.  Jerry’s own love for music began at an early age but it wasn’t until he saw the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show in February 1964 that Jerry wanted to be in a rock band.  And he has been in such a band ever since.  He joined the Schmitt’s Music Company where he found he could support the school music programs, which have always been near and dear to his heart.  Jerry began working for Schmitt’s Music in 1972 and in fact retired from the company.  Jerry played in a rock band ever since the Beatle’s perf

Doug Kershaw is the wild man of Cajun music who has been a powerful ambassador for the musical style around the world for many decades. His passion and high energy performances gained the attention of people who may have otherwise not have been exposed to this native Louisianan's music. Beginning in 1955 he recorded a series of songs for Hickory Records with his younger brother Rusty. The group known as Rusty & Doug had several hits and performed on the Grand Ole Opry, as well as on the Louisiana Hayride where he met young Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash, who would become a life

Billy J. Kramer took part in the British Invasion, coming to America and performing a number of his hit songs on the Ed Sullivan Show, just like four of his friends from Liverpool did a few months earlier. In fact, several of the songs he performed were written by Paul and John, who wanted to write songs for other artists as well as for themselves. The Beatles and Billy also shared the same manager, Brian Epstein, who Billy helped get inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, thanks to a song he wrote called "To Liverpool with Love."

Tim Miller was watching The Ed Sullivan Show when the Beatles came on and changed his life. From that moment on, he wanted to play drums! Tim’s very supportive father drove him to lessons each week and Tim was encouraged to develop as a musician by several dedicated teachers. He played his first professional gig shortly after turning 13 and went on to play on stage with the likes of Johnny Cash. Over the years, Tim has also worked for local music stores in Indiana and Mississippi. In 2014 he was asked to serve as the store manager for the Biloxi location of Mississippi Music, wher

Scotty Moore set a date and time on July 4, 1954, to get together with a young singer who wanted to record with Sam Philips at Sun Records in Memphis. Sam asked Scotty, who had recorded with several bands on Sun, to call this kid and work out a few songs. This was his first meeting with Elvis Presley. Playing his Gibson, Scotty can be heard on every recording the King made up through the soundtrack for “Jailhouse Rock” in 1957. When Elvis returned from the United States Army, Scotty returned to Elvis’ side on nearly all of his recordings until Elvis’ comeback television special of

Menzie Pittman is the founder and owner of Contemporary Music Center located in Virginia. Menzie was inspired to to pursue music after he saw The Beatles perform live on Ed Sullivan. After graduating high school, Menzie decided to do music full time, and began playing in some higher profile bands. At this time, Menzie was also teaching at a music store on the side for extra income. When the time came for the music store to close, Menzie opened Contemporary Music Center, which now has two locations.

Steve Porcaro vividly recalls watching the Beatles perform on the Ed Sullivan television program in February 1964 and having the sense that his life would never be the same. After forming several bands with his now famous brothers, Steve became a member of the band Toto, playing keyboards and writing several important songs for the group over the years.

Specs Powell played jazz drums during the hey-day of 52nd Street in New York City. He worked hard -- sometimes four gigs a night -- playing behind such legends as Billie Holiday, John Kirby and Red Norvo. Specs was active in the V-Disc recordings to boost the troops’ morale during World War II and became the first black musician hired by a network orchestra, CBS back in 1943. He made the transition with the orchestra from radio to television, playing in the pit for the long running Ed Sullivan Show.

Drew Schlesinger started playing organ after seeing The Doors on The Ed Sullivan Show. While in college, Drew purchased his first Moog synthesizer and attended the Boston School of Electronic Music to learn synthesis with ARP 2600's and modular synths. Drew knew he wanted to be involved with programming synthesizers. The release of MIDI was an exciting time for music technology and he developed sounds for the Casio CZ-101 that he sold to music stores. This led to writing a book on programming CZ synths for Alfred Music and a career creating presets for manufacturers like Korg, Cas

Mark Schulman remembers seeing The Beatles perform on The Ed Sullivan Show when he was three. The moment he saw Ringo something resonated within him and he knew what he wanted to do. Mark started playing cello as a kid and slowly started learning how to play drums as well. In high school he played in several different bands where he picked up different skills like Jazz, Rock & Roll, Pop and so many other genres. He was able to translate those skills into playing with bands from a wide range of genres including Cher, Foreigner, Velvet Revolver and currently with P!nk.

Sam Tritico spent over five decades as a respected and well-loved music retailer, dedicated to helping musicians find their perfect sound. His love for music began as a child when his sister introduced him to Elvis records, but it was The Beatles’ legendary 1964 performance on The Ed Sullivan Show that changed everything for young Sam. He was gifted a Telecaster in eighth grade, attended Stamps Music School summer camps, and by 11th grade, he had also picked up the bass. Like many musicians, Sam balanced working in music stores by day and gigging at night, gaining invaluable exper