Lalo Schifrin

Dennis Dreith was inspired and encouraged by several music teachers and professors during the early part of his education. A few of his college professors made special accommodations so that Dennis could gain his class credits while touring with bands. Those experiences, along with the kindness shown to him by studio musicians, helped Dennis realize his need to help the next generation of musicians.

Mark Guerrero has had a passion for music ever since he was a young boy growing up in East Los Angeles. His father was singer/songwriter Lalo Guerrero, who inspired a generation of Chicano musicians. Growing up, Mark was surrounded by a wide variety of music both in his home and in the community, and began playing the guitar at age 12. With some of his school friends he formed the band Mark & The Escorts in 1963 originally playing surf instrumentals.

Johnny Mandel brought his unique talents as a composer and arranger from jazz clubs to the big screen during a brilliant career that spanned over 60 years! As a songwriter, he spent several years in the 1940s and 50s plugging his songs in the Brill Building in New York which was the hotspot for music publishing at the time. He spent years working in Hollywood and for big bands as well as penning popular songs for artists such as Tony Bennett and Peggy Lee.

Kevin Mitchell wrote the MMR cover story in 2009 dedicated to the NAMM Oral History program and has been a strong advocate and supporter ever since! His background in music (he played the piano as a child and would graduate from UMKC’s Conservatory of Music) and his love of journalism (he feels his piano lessons made him a great typist) brought him into writing books and editing music. He worked with Alfred Music and wrote several popular books including How to Put a Band Together and the Essential Songwriter's Rhyming Dictionary. Kevin is also the producer of the annual Parnelli

Lalo Schifrin composed "Mission Impossible" for television and "Dirty Harry" for the movies (among others) and yet what seems to have brought him the most personal joy was his work and friendship with Dizzy Gillespie!  During his childhood and music education in college, Lalo was a big jazz fan so when he had the opportunity to work with Dizzy, he was thrilled!  The two recorded and performed together for many years. His composing and arranging career in Hollywood was storied.  He was awarded many times for his work but during the interview he shied away from such talk.  He wanted