Full Interview

Eva Gardner is a Los Angeles–based bassist whose powerful groove and musical versatility have made her one of the most respected players of her generation. Raised in a musical household as the daughter of bassist Kim Gardner, Eva was drawn early to the bass and developed a deep, song-first approach to her instrument. A graduate of the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts and UCLA, she blends formal study with real-world musical intuition. Eva was a founding member of The Mars Volta, contributing to the band’s early sound, and has since built an extraordinary career as a tou

David Garibaldi is the innovative drummer for Tower of Power and a much respected clinician well known throughout the world.  He joined the group in 1970 just as they signed Bill Graham on as their manager.  Before long the group was recording and landed several hits on the charts.  David’s skills as a drummer soon generated the attention of young students and others to learn more about his style and his techniques.  The interest resulted in a multi-decade long journey to music stores around the world performing and teaching his craft.  In 2012, David was inducted into the Percuss

Leif Garrett, a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, gained fame as both an actor and a singer during the 1970s. With a string of acting roles in television and film, he captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. His hit records, notably "I Was Made for Dancing," solidified his status as a musical sensation. Starting his career as a child actor, Leif transitioned into music, where he found a profound connection to his passion. In recent years, he has rekindled his love for live performances by forming his own band, captivating audiences primarily in the Los Angeles are

Steve Genewick's journey into sound engineering was sparked by his childhood fascination with music and a desire to be part of the band without being on stage. His path led him to Cherokee Studios, where he absorbed knowledge from talented engineers like his future collaborator, Bill Smith. This connection ultimately brought him to Capitol Records, where Steve spent over two decades, most notably working alongside the legendary Al Schmitt. As Al’s trusted Pro Tools expert, Steve’s role was vital in many high-profile projects, forging a deep bond with his mentor.

Barbara Gensmer established herself as one of the top church organ dealers in the United States, having sold and installed over 1,200 units since the 1970s. She focused on Minnesota and Wisconsin, and stayed loyal to the Rodgers Instrument Company for most of her career. In 1991, when Rodgers introduced an organ with MIDI, Barbara took the time to become an expert, so she could better serve her customers. Over the years, she has stayed informed on all of the features and upgrades for the same reason, to better fulfill the needs of the churches who entrust her with the task of find

Mark Gibson is the songwriter and composer who wrote a series of method books for the Australian music market. Back in 1997, Mark established the Encore Music school that combined lesson programs with the latest in technology to engage the students. Based on the lessons he created for his students, Mark wrote several method books including "Encore On Keys" in 1998. He received support from Roland Corporation with the follow up set of books entitled "Accent On Keys." Mark continues to support music education programs as well as teach.

Jimmy Gilmer was born in Chicago, but spent his formative years in Amarillo, Texas. As a singer and guitar player, Jimmy gravitated across state line to Norman Petty’s studio in Clovis, New Mexico made famous by the fact that Buddy Holly recorded there. After a fill-in gig with the Fireballs, a band from Raton, New Mexico, Jimmy was asked to join the band. When they began to perform “Sugar Shack” at their live shows Jimmy sent word to Petty that they had a hit on their hands. The song reached #1 in October of 1963 and was called the #1 song of 1963 by Billboard.

Graeham Goble is a founding member, main songwriter and the architect of Little River Band’s sound. Graeham always had a deep and passionate love for songwriting! When he bought his first Banjo and was taking lessons, instead of practicing, he prepared songs he wrote to share with his teacher. He played in several bands growing up in Australia and in 1974 moved to London with Beeb Birtles and met Glenn Shorrock. When the three sang together, blending their voices, Graeham knew they had something very special.

Donna Jean Godchaux was the only female singer to perform and record with the Grateful Dead, joining the band in 1971 and remaining with them through 1979. As the group’s first female vocalist, she brought a soulful warmth and dynamic energy to their sound, both on stage and in the studio. Born and raised in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, Donna Jean’s musical path began early—at just nine years old, she met Rick Hall before he opened FAME Studios and recorded demos in his small studio above the City Drug Store.

Stu Goldberg established Marina Music in San Francisco at the beginning of the guitar boom.  The folk music craze was in full swing and the Beatles just hit the USA and within a few months Stu opened his own music store.  His small store had a very big impact on the music industry and soon became a hang-out for Bay Area musicians.  Stu joined the circus when he was a teenager and knew how to talk to people and how to work a deal.  He was a pioneer in traveling to Japan in the 1960s to create working arrangements with several guitar makers who would then supply Stu with a range of

James Goldberg grew up in Washington DC and was a journalism major in college, which led to jobs as a writer for newspapers. He later received his law degree at George Washington University with the hope of getting involved in government affairs. He began working as a lobbyist in the late 1960s for a retail trade association in understanding and explaining the new truth in lending laws. He later became the legislative advisor to NAMM and the music products industry as the founder of Goldberg & Associates with a focus on labor laws and government relations.  

Jerry Goldenson has always had a love for music growing up and has many fond memories of playing drums in clubs and weddings as early as 12 years old. He later toured and recorded with many bands over the years but found a home in the music industry in a retail music store as his day job at Pianos N’ Stuff Music. That was the start of a musical journey that married his business acumen and education with his love of music. As with many of our leaders, working in retail was only the beginning.

Henry Goldrich had some of the most remarkable stories in the industry! As the owner of Manny’s Music retail store in New York City he saw it all. Playing a vital role in Manny’s world renowned reputation, Henry expanded the product line and promoted up-and-coming innovations, which created a strong celebrity customer base. He related stories of selling guitars and accessories to icons such as Jimi Hendrix and Bob Dylan and hosting amazing in-store clinics with the likes of Buddy Rich and Paul Simon!

Hugh Goldsmith was hired by the Mason-Risch Piano Company of Canada when he was still a teenager in 1937. Times were difficult during the depression era and into the war years when Hugh enlisted into the Canadian Air Force. After the war he returned to the industry and worked as a traveling sales rep for nearly 30 years as well as a retailer and piano manufacture.

Gordon Goodwin’s incredible musical journey as a musician, bandleader, composer, and arranger could be traced back to the influence of Count Basie. Basie led a big band during the swing era and was often remembered for the band’s tightness and its driving rhythm section. Gordon’s many musical organizations, including the popular Big Phat Band, were often described in a similar way. Based in Los Angeles, Gordon and his band were active for decades in recording studios, on movie sound stages, and in live musical events. His bands appeared regularly at Disneyland and were heard with

Peter Gotcher played drums in a band with Evan Brooks and they both became interested in creating electronics to change sounds. Together the two school mates created digital audio machines and in 1984 they formed Avid Audio. Later the company became Digidesign and produced a string of innovative products including Pro Tools. Peter served as General Manager of Digidesign. He is also the Chairman of the Board of Directors for Dolby Labs.  

Karlheinz Götz was proud of his musical heritage. His grandfather, Conrad August Götz, was the founder of the C.A. Götz Company back in 1884. The company, which was located near Markneukrichen, Germany handcrafted violin parts such as tuning pegs and later the manufacturing of strings.

Larry Graham fondly recalls stepping out onto stage to perform at Woodstock!  He remembers the sea of people and the energy in the air as he performed as a member of Sly & the Family Stone.  Larry recorded many of the band’s big hits in the 1960s and early 70s before he formed his own funk band known as Graham Central Station. The influence of Larry’s slap style of playing the bass, which he calls “thumbin’ & plunkin’,” has been felt in rock, jazz and world music. One of his biggest hits as a solo artist came in 1980 when he and his wife wrote “One In A Million You.”

Erik Gramkow started his career in the music business with piano manufacturer Brødr Jørgensen. When Eric joined the company the focus was on importing music instruments to Scandinavia. Hammond organ kits were imported from the United States and assembled in Denmark, making it possible to export to other European countries without additional taxes. In 1981 when Brødr Jørgensen had to give up their wholesale business Erik Gramkow seized the opportunity and established a partnership with Ikutaro Kagehashi to form Roland Scandinavia.  

Vince Grantano was a fixture among traveling piano representatives. He traveled the entire United States for several companies over the years to bring new products to retailers. His most notable job was with the Winter Piano Company where he worked for several decades. Vince joined the National Piano Traveler’s Association in the 1950s, during a time when several of the old timers could talk about the golden age of the piano in the early 1900s.

Stuart Gray landed his first job in Live Sound as a roadie when he was a teenager. He was living close to the Apollo Theater in New York and thanks to his Godfather, Benjamin Ashburn, was hired to put dry ice over the floor of the stage for a special effect for the Commodores. This was back in 1971! Before too long, while learning all he could from the crew, Stuart assisted the sound engineer, which he enjoyed. He became Front of House engineer for groups such as Force MCs and production manager for Rick James. While working with Ashford & Simpson, he was asked to assist with

Hershel Green spent much of his career in the piano and organ field, working as salesman, technician, and tuner. Along the way, he gained the respect of reps and dealers alike. As a side hobby, Hershel collected Hammond clocks and items regarding the history of the man who made those clocks and went on to create the Hammond Organ Company, Mr. Laurens Hammond. Hersh was a long time member of the National Piano Travelers Association and a strong supporter of the NAMM Oral History program for many years.  In 2019 he was presented the NAMM Believe In Music Award for his dedication to

Ann Patrick Green is the founder of Patrick Music School in Fullerton, California and the music teacher who provided training lessons during the NAMM Shows.  Her passion has always been centered around teaching, so when she had the opportunity to open a music school she jumped at the chance.  For some time, the school became a store as she offered musical instruments and accessories but has trimmed that part of the business to focus on teaching.  During the 1980s she provided several sessions at the NAMM Show in Anaheim for members to better understand how to create and run music

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.

Dinah Gretsch, serving as Vice President alongside her husband Fred's presidency of the Gretsch Company, is a driving force behind the company's success. With a deep understanding of licensing and contract agreements, Dinah has played a pivotal role in steering the company through significant growth over the past few decades. Her expertise has been instrumental in forging key partnerships and expanding Gretsch's presence in the music industry. Beyond her corporate responsibilities, Dinah and Fred have been instrumental in orchestrating the company's remarkable public relations eff

Fred Gretsch stands as a stalwart guardian of our industry's rich history, embodying a profound connection to its roots that few can match. With a lineage spanning over 120 years, the Gretsch family has been an integral force in shaping the trajectory of the music industry. From tales of pioneering family members to the introduction of innovative products and groundbreaking marketing strategies, Fred eloquently recounts the most significant moments in his company's storied history.

Christan Griego grew up surrounded by music. In fact, he did not have a television in his home as a child, but did have a piano! While in the school band during the sixth grade, Christan began playing the trombone, where his love of band and orchestra instruments began. As a child Christan visited Tarpley Music in Clovis, New Mexico, where he explored the repair shop. This inspired him to chose a career at Edwards Instrument Company in 1998. Working first in sales, he became a self taught product engineer.

Ralph Grierson’s father was a sawmill operator who loved playing music after work and on the weekends. As Ralph grew up, his father encouraged him to develop a career in music. After college, while playing in several bands in the Los Angeles area, Ralph was asked to record a film score. Over the years Ralph became one of the most sought-after studio musicians in the film industry. Ralph had a fascination with electronic musical instruments, playing the Moog and ARP on countless sessions over the years. During his career he recorded for television on many occasions and soon began c

Don Griffin is the founder and president of West LA Music in Los Angeles, CA. Don’s background in music and customer service made his store the idea stop for many of the rock and studio musicians in southern California. Don was one of the very first music retailers to break into the pro audio and lighting fields as early as the late 1960s. Don served as the president of the NAMM Board of Directors from 1987-1989.

Arthur Griggs will make you smile when you hear him talk about the two loves of his life, his wife and the music industry. Sitting in his easy chair, next to the fireplace, in his Glencoe, IL home, the 93 year old spoke with passion and pride. His father established the Griggs Piano Company in 1903, where Arthur would later spend every Saturday and summers sweeping the store until he was old enough to run it. Arthur recalled that, “during the Depression, we sold everything we could get our hands on.

Steve Grindrod is the guitar amplifier designer who has pioneered the master-volume models for Marshall with design work on the JCM800 and Silver Jubilee lines as well as the Marshall JCM900.  While working on his own amp line, Steve moved to China and partnered with IAG to establish Albion Amplifiers.  Among the noted products offered by Albion and designed by Steve are the TCT Series, the bass amp series ABH, the GS Series and GS15 Limited Edition products.

John Gronemeyer enjoyed his career in the school band instrument segment of the industry, which included sales positions at CG Conn, King, UMI and Jupiter Band Instruments. John worked for Danny Henkin when many of Henkin’s music companies were sold and became United Musical Instruments in 1985. John worked hard to ensure that the brand names would not suffer in the years that followed the sale of the companies, and in fact it was John who brought a great awareness of the brand to new markets.