Pro Audio

Steve Churchyard grew up reading the liner notes of album covers and studying the names of the engineers and studios, which somehow fascinated him just as much as the recording artist. With the help of a guidance counselor, Steve slowly made his way into the recording studio world. He worked at Air Studios alongside Sir George Martin for seven years and became a noted engineer and producer. Among his long list of artists he worked with over the years were Wings, The Scorpions, The Pretenders and Billy Joel.

Lynn Clapp opened a small guitar shop in the back of a piano store in 1967.  He later moved into his own building in Knoxville and called the place Lynn's Guitars.  The store was a hot spot for musicians and for those dreaming of being the next big star.  Lynn focused on lessons and over time expanded his product lines and accessories to service his growing customer base.  After his daughter, Amelia, joined in the company, the store name was changed to Broadway Sound, which by this time had a strong pro audio focus.  Amelia continued to run the store after Lynn's retirement in 201

Bob Clearmountain is best known for his recording engineering, mixing of artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Bryan Adams, Toto, Simple Minds and The Rolling Stones.  It was on Springsteen’s 1984 album “Born in the USA” for which Bob might have gained his widest audience and greatest fame.  The tracks are still considered works of art, and are often the focus of analysis within trade magazines and blogs.  As a mixing engineer, he worked on David Bowe’s “Let’s Dance” album, Tina Turner’s “Back Where You Started,” Bon Jovi’s “Crush” as well as dozens of others beginning with Kool and

Ryan Clement was among the first employees at Grandma’s Music in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Established by Micky Patten in 1986, the store gained a strong reputation for selling pro audio and digital gear in great volume. Ryan became an expert on programming synthesizers, possessing a knowledge and understanding of MIDI in the very early days, which was greatly appreciated by the store’s customers. When Micky closed the store to retire in 2017, Ryan purchased the name and moved the business online, which continues to this day.

Harold Cohen's name can be heard spoken by Chip Monck during the Woodstock film. After the Sha Na Na performance on Sunday evening and just before Jimi Hendrix appears on stage, Chip says softly in the microphone, "Turn it up Harold." And so Harold turned the controls on the sound system way up to accommodate the legendary artist on what would become an epic performance. Harold worked for Terry Hanley and other sound companies over the years and was key in providing mixes for a number of iconic performers, even working the sound at the White House.

Gary Cooper enjoys a well-regarded career in journalism with a run in recording and popular music magazines before his work in the music products industry. He branched out with celebrated articles on the people and musical products for Music Trade News and MI Pro, both published in England. He has also contributed articles for pro-audio publications in the United Kingdom. Along the way Gary has been an important supporter of the NAMM Oral History program, providing ideas, background and contacts for many of the veterans and leaders of the British music industry.  

Ed Corvo feels that his experiences playing for many weddings and in bars helped him develop several skill sets he uses every day as National Account Manager at The Music People, including his communication and collaboration skills. His background with gear has also been key to his success, especially when working with a customer who needs guidance as to what equipment might be best for their situation. When Ed joined TMP in 1997, he was on the phones making cold calls. As he grew within the company, mentored at one point by the late Dave Renz, he rose within the sales department.

Jim Cowser is a respected manufacturers’ representative and longtime advocate for the pro audio and music products industry. As the founder of Cowser Marketing, established in 2001, Jim leads a successful independent rep firm serving the MI retail, production, integration, and broadcast markets across Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas. His team supports a wide range of partners, including AV consultants, integrators, production companies, and retail accounts, with a focus on technical expertise and customer service. Jim’s passion for music began at a young age, playing viol

Roger Cox began his career at Ampeg in Linden, NJ.  At Ampeg he served as Vice President of Operations responsible for Quality, Manufacturing, Service, and Research and Development.

Helen Culleton recalls with a smile attending her first concert. The live event took place in London with AC/DC (with their original band members) and the opening act was Def Leppard’s first tour. It was the first of many for her as she lived close to several popular venues in an era of cutting-edge and popular bands such as Pink Floyd and Rush. With a love for audio, Helen began working in the industry in 1982 as a PA at Soundtracs. The small company focused on developing innovative mixing consoles and recording studio gear. Helen left the industry only to return 8 years later wh

Sylvia Cunliffe was working for the City of Los Angeles when she created and produced a series of large public events that brought music to millions over the years.  The Los Angeles Street Scene and Country Scene were among her most notable events, which provided over a dozen stages that showcased big name artists to un-knowns who performed everything from jazz and rock to country and classical.  The success of her events paved the way for many other similar events, all of which offered the latest in audio and staging gear.

Connie Czerwinski was the president of Cerwin-Vega, the company her father established in 1954 and worked with her father and the team he assembled, which provided many innovations in pro audio. Among the products the company became known for were speakers, the world's first solid-state  "Electronic amplifier," folded bass subwoofers and sound reinforcement.  The company was key in the development of sensurround technology beginning in the late 1960s, which was used in the motion picture industry.  Connie provided a wonderful background on her father, who passed in 2010 and the en

DJ D-Styles entered the hip-hop scene B-Boying and popping but soon realized his strength was in DJing. He has pioneered many different scratch styles and techniques over the years and has produced numerous break records. In 2002, he released Phantazmagorea, the first album created entirely from scratching. He is also a member of The World-Famous Beat Junkies, a hip-hop crew established in Orange Country, California in 1992. The crew provides classes on turntablism at the Beat Junkie Institute of Sound located in Glendale, California.

Dana Daniel played drums for his father’s big band when he was young. Being exposed to not just the musical side of performances from a young age, Dana became interested in the production side of performances. He became a pro lighting director for artists such as Charlie Daniels and Tom Petty and later for the Civic Center in Pensacola, Florida. For a time he worked in pro audio and pro lighting sales at Harris Music, which when it closed became the building Blues Angel Music moved into.

Chuck Davies is the founder of American DJ, which provides a long list of innovative products, many of which Chuck designed and engineered. He opened his own audio store in 1979 selling Hi-Fi equipment, which has since branched out to include six locations in Southern California. By 1982, it was clear to Chuck that he could provide the type of speakers his customers were requesting. He was among the first industry leaders to travel to China and form relationships with manufacturers in building new products, which soon included effects lighting and professional audio. 

Fela Davis is the co-owner of One of One Productions, a Fort Lee, New Jersey, recording studio specializing in podcasts, voiceovers, and music. Her passion for audio took off in the 8th grade when she took a career placement test and received engineering training at Full Sail University. She worked at the House of Blues, ESPN and Arturo Sandoval Jazz Club before becoming the front of house audio engineer for jazz bassist Christian McBride. Fela participated in the 2023 Women of NAMM (WoN) leadership summit.

Raul del Trejo often reflects back on the many lessons his father taught him about music and business. His father was a roadie for many local and traveling bands in Brazil. His motto was to offer his help in any way that was needed, which led to him repairing broken gear when needed. Soon he developed ways of making gear that was more durable and reliable. He established Staner Audioamerica with a focus on loudspeakers and Line Arrays. Raul grew up in the business and some of the long-term employees still recall watching him running around the factory as a kid.

Chahoud Dergham was born in Syria, but as he fondly recalls, a woman led him to move to Sāo Paulo Brazil, his future wife! Once in Brazil, Chahoud began working for an audio retail company specializing in high-end automobile sound systems. In 2003, he took a bold step and opened his own store, which quickly flourished and expanded into multiple locations. By 2010, his business had grown to 13 stores, now offering a wide range of musical instruments and accessories. His relentless dedication and entrepreneurial spirit inspired his son, Michel, who joined the family business.

Michel Dergham grew up immersed in the world of pro audio and musical instruments, watching his father, Chahoud, build a successful retail chain in Sāo Paulo. By the time Michel officially joined the business 16 years later, he had already developed an in-depth knowledge of their products and a strong connection with their customers. With a keen eye for innovation, Michel focused on enhancing the company’s marketing strategies and strengthening relationships with leading brands such as Yamaha, Harman, and Fender.

Afrika Bambaataa, was known as the godfather of Hip Hop, but preferred to be referred to as the "Amen Ra of Universal Hip Hop Culture." He was one of the trinity of DJs known as the founders of Hip Hop. From his home turf of Bronx River, Afrika Bambaataa nurtured the development of Hip Hop culture from it's beginnings across the globe, establishing Universal Zulu Nation chapters and rocking concerts, parties, jams and raves worldwide. Considered to be one of the first Hip Hop activists, Bambaataa had a hand in uniting the street gangs in the Bronx in a movement toward peace.

DJ Cash Money, one of the most famous Hip Hop DJs, hailing from Philadelphia, he began spinning records as a kid and soon found his musical expression by creating dance mixes for his friends and neighbors. He strived to create his own style and a different sound for Philly DJs.  Along side his MC, DJ Cash Money & Marvelous created hits such as "The Mighty Hard Rocker" and "All the Ugly People Be Quiet". Of the many DJ battles he has won, his most cherished title is that of 1988 DMC World Champion. He is credited for having a hand in developing the Transformer Scratch.

DJ Dr. Duss, known throughout the Hip Hop world as the Mixologist, hails from the Millbrook section of the Bronx. Not only is he known as fellow legend, DJ Hollywood's DJ partner, he also shines uniquely on his own, always seeking to bring a different sound to Hip Hop by focusing on the composition of the music and how the beats and flow intersect with one another while at the same time getting the dancers moving and feeling the music!

DJ Grandmaster Caz is the pioneering DJ also known as the Cassanova Fly who played a role in the early development of Hip Hop in his hometown of the Bronx in New York.  While Caz is best known today as an MC and lyric writer, he began his career in music as a DJ in the parks of New York mixing records to create unique beats and rhythms.  His lyrics can be heard within the first rap hit record called “Rapper’s Delight” by the Sugar Hill Gang.  His work has been an influence on several artists over the years and Caz has been awarded several honors including as an inductee into the B

DJ Grandmaster Flash combined his love of music with his passion for electronics to become one of the pioneers of Hip Hop music. His innovative style of mixing records and blending beats provided the foundation for a generation of DJs and MCs, as well as set the stage of EDM and other forms of music.

DJ GrandWizzard Theodore is world famous for inventing the signature sound of Hip Hop, The Scratch, and he was around 13 years old at the time! The story of how this came about 1975 is a funny one of fate, but it was by no means his only contribution to Hip Hop. He also invented & perfected The Needle Drop, which also became widely used by Hip Hop DJs across the world. His crews include The L Brothers and Fantastic 5. GrandWizzard Theodore is a spokesman for Hip Hop as a culture, he teaches DJ classes and continues to rock parties across the globe!

DJ Hollywood always had the showbiz bug, even at six years old he would perform at his mother's parties. As he saw crowds gather to hear music in the Harlem parks, Hollywood brought out his records to get the people to dance, and they have been dancing ever since! During his NAMM Oral History interview, he quoted a well-known rap which highlights the simple fact that before there was a term for Hip Hop there was DJ Hollywood! 

DJ Jazzy Jay is the pioneering DJ and producer who helped establish Hip Hop as more than a musical form but rather a cultural experience.  He began spinning records in the parks of the Bronx and soon performed in such clubs as the Roxy and Negril before teaming with other DJs.  Jazzy Jay played a vital role in what would become Def Jam Records, not only as a co-founder of the label but he also created the label's first single: “It’s Yours”  with T La Rock as well as “Def Jam” featuring Russell Simmons, Brass Monkey by the Beastie Boys and many more. 

DJ Jazzy Joyce, born in the Bronx, grew up in the era that ushered in the Hip Hop movement of dance, culture and music beginning in local parks.  Joyce developed her style with her strong techniques and engaging energy.  In 1986 she teamed with Sweet Tee for the hit recording of “It’s My Beat” and later with Digable Planets for “The 9th Wonder.”  She is one of the few women (if not the only) who battled in the legendary New Music Seminar DJ battles, going up against the likes of champions like DJ Cash Money!   

DJ Johnny Juice is perhaps best known for his work on such records as “Rebel Without a Pause” with Public Enemy and “Musica Negra” with Rob Swift.  The musical integrity of his contributions to Hip Hop cannot be overstated.  In addition to perfecting the art of scratching, Johnny Juice approaches his musical projects as a producer,  composer and arranger bringing his vast musical knowledge to bear upon every facet of the music making process.

DJ Ken Heath grew up in a very musical family and was always encouraged to follow his passion for music. His mother and uncles performed on the radio over the years and Ken dreamed of performing for others. While developing his career as a DJ, Ken endorsed a number of products such as speakers and pro lighting, which gave him a front-row seat to the developing technologies that have been a key element to the craft of spinning records. Over the years Ken proudly has become friends with several of his musical heroes including studio drummer Hal Blaine.

DJ Mean Gene (L Brothers) from the Bronx, was not only a legendary DJ but an early Hip Hop promoter and organizer of jams and shows. Gene was Grandmaster Flash's first DJ partner. His youngest brother is Grand Wizzard Theodore who invented the Scratch. Gene, Theodore and their other brother Cordio, established the legendary L Brothers crew.  The "L" stands for Livingston, which is their last name. 

DJ Rockin Rob, from the Mott Haven section of the Bronx, was spinning records in the early days of Hip Hop, perfecting what has been a very important element to DJing, the art of showmanship!  While spinning the music that he loved, Rockin Rob learned to entertain the audience with tricks and special moves as a DJ such as the incredibly difficult style of needle dropping.  Rob’s warm personality, turntablist skills and extensive rare record collection have been an inspiration to other DJs from all generations, within and outside of the world of Hip Hop.