NAMM Show Highlights

Chip Averwater took over the music retail business in Memphis, just as his father did and his son would one day, keeping the tradition in the family. Chip’s passion for the music business expanded beyond the store and out into volunteer positions for several organizations including NAMM. Serving on the NAMM Board, Chip played an important role in the development of international outreach programs including providing support for the newly created China show. Chip was the Chairman of the NAMM Board for two years beginning in 2008.

Suzanne Ciani played a key role in the early awareness and usage of electronic musical instruments into pop music, film and even the stage. She was experimenting with electronic musical instruments long before many other performers, male or female.  When she began composing on the Buchla synthesizer, she provided the introduction of electronic music to many people, audiences and performers alike.  Her unwavering dedication to innovate and educate has resulted in many firsts and many connections with a group of fellow musicians who cite her as their influence.  Pioneer is a good wo

Kevin Cronin grew up in Chicago, where his passion for music began at an early age with the guitar. As a teenager he was already gaining recognition for his talent, including demonstrating a new musical product at the 1968 NAMM Show in Chicago — an early connection to the music products industry that would continue throughout his career through artist relationships and endorsements. Kevin studied guitar at Rossie Music, where instructor Jim Nash recognized his ability and, while Kevin was still in high school, entrusted him with teaching more than 30 of his own students.

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

James "Hutch" Hutchinson’s career is rooted in the fertile San Francisco music scene of the early 1970s, where he performed with John Cipollina in Copperhead. His reputation as a premier "pocket" bassist led to a lifelong professional partnership with Bonnie Raitt, beginning in the early 1980s and appearing on landmark recordings such as Nick of Time. Hutch’s resume reads like a history of American roots music, featuring tenures with The Neville Brothers, Al Green, B.B. King, and Ringo Starr.

Robert McDowell was president of the NAMM Board of Directors from 1969-1971. During that time he assisted William Gard in the expansion of the NAMM organization, including more hands on involvement with AMC and its publication Music USA. As a retailer in St. Louis for Ludwig-Aeolian, Bob saw the need to launch a nationwide music promotion campaign in the early 1970s. “Discover Music” and other ideas championed by Bob became an important foundation for other promotional programs. In 2000, Bob served as the president of the NAMM Foundation’s Museum of Making Music at the time when t

Nick Peck’s entire face lights up whenever he talks about a great school music program! The son of a band director, the passion seems to be in his blood. After taking over the store his father started in Greenville, South Carolina, Nick joined the NAMM board in 1969. He rose to the top becoming President at a very important time in the industry. He stated, “During that time, we had changes both in and outside of NAMM. It was hard work, but very rewarding.” His first NAMM Oral History interview was completed on May 6, 2003. 

Gerson Rosenbloom grew up in the music industry! His father, Harry, formed Medley Music for which Gerson would later become president. Gerson took pride in being a member of the industry and was involved with many organizations including AMC. He also served on the NAMM Board for over a decade, rising to the role of Chairman of the Board of Directors. After 54 years in business, the landmark Medley Music in Bryn Mawr, PA closed its doors for the last time on December 31, 2008.