Joe Morello

Ralph Angelillo grew up inspired by Joe Morello. His dad was a bassist for big dance bands in the 1940s and '50s and his four brothers all played music. In 1961, at the age of 17, Ralph purchased his first Ludwig drum set, with money earned working as a busboy in local hotels. While working in the music industry, Ralph established several music magazines across Canada. At that point, he had the idea of putting on a drum festival.

Dave Brubeck played Baldwin Pianos for most of his long career. As a classically trained performer, he added poly-rhythmic concepts to jazz. Among his most celebrated recordings is the world famous “Take Five.” While he never caught the teaching bug, he was greatly influential on countless performers and musical professors who have been inspired by his blend of the classical techniques and the feel of jazz. Mr. Brubeck symbolized the high art of music and has thus given jazz a great deal of its needed respect. As a supporter of musical education, he appeared and performed for musi

John King is among the most noted cymbal testers in the business. Working alongside Armand Zildjian in the factory in Massachusetts. John learned the fine skills of a tester and worked with Tony Williams, Buddy Rich, and other top players. John, a Product Communications Manager, has also become a historian at Zildjian. In his interview, he provided great detail regarding some of the traditions of the company.

Joe Morello’s influential drumming style was showcased on the landmark Dave Brubeck recording of “Take Five.” Ever since, he has inspired generations of performers. Joe became an icon in the music product’s industry through his long associations with manufacturers as an endorsee, music retailers as a clinician, and publishers as an author of successful method books. He gave advice and lessons to all who ask, and was often known to be the last to leave a clinic – ensuring all questions have been answered. His NAMM Oral History was completed on June 8, 2007.  

Ted Wade was raised in a house full of music!  His father played trumpet with several big bands such as Clyde McCoy during the swing era.  When Ted was four years old he was playing drums along with his father and brother, both on trumpet.  As he grew up in the Catskills, Ted was cutting his teeth playing in drum and bugle corps as well as classical and jazz big bands.  Ted has a thousand stories playing for Stan Kenton, Aaron Copland, Cannonball Adderley, the Manhattan Jazz Band and others.  With so many great teachers (John Pratt, Buddy Rich, Joe Morello and Gene Krupa) over the