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Tommy Aldridge doesn't mind being compared to the wild Muppet named “Animal." As Tommy puts it, both have crazy hair and crazy drum styles! Tommy's playing career has included gigs with Ozzy Osbourne, Whitesnake, Thin Lizzy, and Black Oak Arkansas. Being a fan of jazz, Tommy used Louis Bellson's double-bass drum setup and pioneered its use in rock. That loud, driving double kick style led to recordings with Black Oak Arkansas for nearly five years before working with the Pat Travers Band and then Ozzy, which really opened the doors for Tommy. Over the years he has worked with Yama

Jamal Batiste grew up in a very musical family and when he saw his brother’s drum kit at 3 years old, he fell in love. Raised in New Orleans he was surrounded by what he calls the gumbo of music, playing all styles and in many different settings. Throughout his career he has played alongside groups and artists ranging from jazz and soul to hip hop and rap, and gained first-hand knowledge in the importance of sharing his culture and knowledge musically. Jamal also works with several organizations to help raise awareness and funding that provide hope and support through his music. T

George Benson recalls befriending Bob Cavanagh at the EU Wurlitzer Music store in Boston long before his noted career as an entertainer took off. George often visited the store and spent hours playing the instruments while Bob often showed him chords, provided picks and let him try out various guitars and amps. As George stated in his NAMM interview, Bob’s support was a key to his success. The audio only interview was conducted by David Schwartz and donated to the NAMM Oral History program

Joe Berger knows sound! Joe has been mixing sound for over 30 years and he stopped counting at 35,000 bands! Also a virtuoso guitar player with his own definitive, unique playing style and “ear”, Joe has jammed with the likes of John Entwistle and Jack Bruce. He has also been a fixture at music trade shows for decades as a guitar demonstrator, having set a record for most hours played at a single trade show.

Jackie Bertone knows firsthand about the power of music.  As a percussionist for countless recording dates and live performances, Jackie has added the sounds, the feel and the color that puts the song in motion and in the pocket for performers ranging from Brian Wilson to Third World.  His professional career started thanks to his work with Tower of Power, which has always been a special part of his life in music.  Jackie was diagnosed with MS back in 1996 yet never let it define him or slow him down.  His passion and dedication to his craft has included lectures to medical and sc

Michael Bland was playing drums for top acts while still in high school. Just two years out of school, in 1989, Michael began playing for Prince, a gig that lasted seven years. Michael was on drums for such Prince albums as Crystal Ball, Emancipation, and Chaos and Disorder. He also worked with Mandy Moore, the Backstreet Boys, and Soul Asylum. Michael is also a product endorsee who has been involved with such industry innovators as Yamaha and Remo. 

Jimmy Bruno has had a long and influential career as a jazz guitarist and played with many top performers including Buddy Rich and Joe Beck. Jimmy also wrote several method books for Mel Bay which have inspired and encouraged musicians for decades. Over the years he has also formed long lasting friendships with luthiers such as Bob Benedetto for whom he served as a product endorser and can be seen in the guitar maker’s printed ads in the 1980s and 90s.

Ace Cannon grew up in Mississippi singing with his father on street corners and in church, and he knew even as a small child that he wanted to have a life in music.  When he was ten his father drove him to Amro Music in Memphis and let him pick out an alto saxophone by CG Conn.  Right there in the store, he played "Beer Barrel Polka".

Frank Capp .always fancied himself a jazz drummer, although he successfully played many styles of music. As a session player in Los Angeles, Frank played on many hit recordings, among them, "The Beat Goes On" and "I Got You Babe" with Sonny and Cher. He led big bands and played in small groups with the likes of Stan Kenton and Peggy Lee. Frank was also the drummer for the David Rose Orchestra, which appeared on the Red Skelton television show for over 13 years! His friendship with Remo Belli, and several others in the music products industry, is among the main reason Frank was a r

Wallace Coleman played blues harmonica with the legendary Robert Lockwood Jr. as well as forming his own groups during his long career.  His creative style can be heard on live and studio recordings with Robert Lockwood and on his own albums, all of which include at least a few songs he wrote.  For years, Wallace has been playing and endorsing the Hohner Harmonica, which has featured his image in their print ads and packaging.

Juan Croucier toured the world as a rock and roll star as an original member of Ratt! He began performing bass in Hollywood in 1973, which lead to friendships that would later become the foundation for Ratt. He wrote several hits for the band including "Lack of Communication" and "You're in Love." He helped produce the band's hit music video for "Round and Round," which became an early hit on MTV. The video featured Juan playing an Orange Amplifier, which was a big promotion for the London based company. Juan later formed several more relationships with instrument and gear supplie

Karl D’Amico is a guitarist, composer, and recording artist whose versatile career has spanned live performance, studio recording, film, television, and touring. A graduate of Stony Brook University with a bachelor’s degree in music, Karl began his musical journey in New York, forming a rock band with friends during high school — an early experience that ignited his passion for collaboration and performance. He later immersed himself in the studio world, working alongside producers and musicians who became lasting influences on his musical development.

Frank DeVille Greenfield's journey began in New Jersey, where his childhood was filled with visits to musical instrument stores — fueling his dreams of becoming a renowned musician. As he embarked on his professional path, he had the privilege of playing alongside top acts, leading his own bands and earning acclaim as an award-winning songwriter. Throughout his career, he cherished the opportunity to own and perform with the gear he had long admired. Establishing strong connections with music manufacturers, Frank endorsed several prestigious lines, including Music Man, George L’s

Don Felder was just a kid in Gainesville when he traded firecrackers for an old guitar and embarked on a self-taught musical journey. His natural affinity for the guitar was evident from a young age; as a teenager, he was already teaching others at his local music store, including a young Tom Petty. Don’s talent and determination led him to play in numerous bands, some of which he formed himself until he ultimately became a key member of the Eagles.

Albie Donnelly started playing saxophone at an early age and played with Merseybeat groups in Liverpool, England. He was then signed to Virgin Records with his group, Supercharge, which he formed in 1974 with drummer, Dave Irving. Their first album, released on the Stag label, was titled Between Music and Madness. The band continues to perform and record including their 2002 release, New. Over the years, Albie has endorsed several saxophones and accessories as well as recorded and performed with a long list of famous artists.

Sheila E sat down for her NAMM Oral History interview to discuss the importance of music and music education, as well as her early musical experiences.  She has always believed her earliest exposure to music, such as watching her father and his friends, proved integral in her development as an artist.  Sheila has been an active member of the music industry since the 1970’s including work and collaborations with Prince, Lionel Ritchie, Sy Smith, Beyonce, and Ringo Starr; the list goes on… She regularly attends the NAMM shows and is active within the NAMM community.  Over the course

Elliot Easton often visited Grayson's Music in Long Island, New York as a kid. He ordered his first custom left handed electric guitar from Mr. Grayson, who always treated Elliot with kindness. Years later, after Elliot's rock band, The Cars, had notoriety, he reunited with Mr. Grayson at a NAMM Show in Chicago. It was a special moment for both of them. In addition to his highly successful musical career, Elliot has been a regular at the NAMM Shows since 1979 and has formed lifelong friendships with manufacturers and retailers alike.

Rick Estrin and Charles Baty started playing blues together and decided to form a group in 1976.  They brought in two other players and called themselves Little Charlie & the Nightcats.  They began touring and soon began to feature at many of the top blues festivals.  Ten years later they cut their first album, ALL the Way Crazy, which featured several of the band’s best known songs including "Suicide Blues," "Poor Tarzan" and "When Girls Do It.” When Charles decided to come off the road, Rick continued the great traditions that they formed together.  In 2009, the band name wa

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

Gaz Gaskell has fond memories of playing for AKG at the Frankfurt MusikMesse in the 1990s. These gigs were among several booth performances Gaz took part of as a product endorser, which throughout the years included such brands as Maxima Guitar Strings, Bobby Dukoff Mouthpieces, and Hohner Harmonicas. Gaz got his start at the age of 14 when he played the harmonica in a Liverpool based band. He later switched to saxophone and was a member of such bands as Juke, Gaz & the Groovers and Supercharge. 

Art Greenhaw has devoted his entire life to music, from his earliest days at the piano at age three to his award-winning career as a musician, producer, and advocate for music making. The son of a gospel music director and band leader, Art grew up surrounded by instruments and song. His family operated a music store from 1943 to 1997—selling instruments, hardware, and even the first RCA color TV in the Texas area—and became a leading Rickenbacker dealer in the 1980s.

Stu Hamm attended the Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he credits a good deal of his understanding for creating his own style as a bassist.  During that time Stu met several musicians who were key to his early career including Steve Vai and Joe Satriani.  His impact on the bass has been felt by many over the years and his style has been an influence on many performers around the world.  After several well received albums (including his first solo album in 1988 entitled Radio Free Albemuth), Fender Musical Instruments produced two signature model basses, both of which have

Bob Henrit has been a regular artist at music trade shows all around the world for decades.  As a top rated drummer who has performed with many bands and stars over the years, Bob has endorsed several drum and accessory companies over his career.  As a result, he is not only well known to the NAMM family, but he has known many of our industry’s innovators and pioneers.  His list of recordings is also very impressive as well.  Did you know it is Bob playing the opening cowbell on the multi-million selling 60’s rock classic “Concert & Clay?”  Other notable bands he has given the

Alphonso Johnson, an internationally renowned bassist and Chapman Stick virtuoso, epitomizes the epitome of musical mastery and innovation. With a career spanning decades, Alphonso has carved an indelible mark on the world stage through his mesmerizing performances, prolific recording endeavors and unwavering commitment to musical education. From his humble beginnings in Philadelphia to gracing prestigious venues worldwide, Alphonso's journey is a testament to the transformative power of talent and perseverance.

Led Kaapana grew up in a family of musicians in Kalapana, in the southernmost district of Hawaii Island. His teachers included his mother, Mama Tina Kaapana, from whom he learned to sing leo ki'eki'e (Hawaiian falsetto singing), and his uncle, Fred Punahoa. "We didn't have electricity, no television, not even much radio," says Kaapana. "So we entertained ourselves.

Tony Lovello began playing accordion when he was five years old, thanks to the fact that his father was a professional musician.  Tony performed on stage, television, radio and in the movies, along with teaching and selling the accordion.  He was an early adapter of the Roland electric accordion and proudly endorsed Petosa for over forty years.  In addition to his playing, Tony was also a songwriter.  His song “I’ve Never Cried Before,” was recorded by Roy Clark, whom Tony performed with on the TV show “Hee Haw” several times over the years.

Steve Lukather lives to make and play music, epitomizing the passionate musician. Steve grew up knowing that one day he would be a rock star and was driven to see that happen. Growing up in Los Angeles surrounded by and playing music with friends such as Jeff and Steve Pocaro, Mike Landau, and David Paich, it was only a matter of time. Before long, Steve was playing in Toto and on his way to becoming one of the most active session players in history.

Butch Miles was born in Ironton, Ohio, on the 4th of July during a family reunion. When he was asked to join the school band he decided to play the drums. By the time he was in high school, Butch was playing in local bands and studying jazz with Frank Thompson at the Guthrie and Dean Music Shop. Butch moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan, and became the house drummer in a jazz club. After backing Mel Torme for a week, Butch was hired by Mel and toured the world for 3 years before getting the call to play with the Count Basie Big Band. Butch's career in music reads like a who's-who in the

Duncan Moore moved to San Diego from Iowa in 1977 and quickly established himself as the go to drummer for gigs and sessions. Playing with all the top names in San Diego, including Peter Sprague, Jaime Valle, Mark Dresser, and Mundell Lowe, Duncan shows a rhythmic drive that supports and pushes band members to their peak. When not playing professionally, Duncan stays active in the community, teaching at both the local community college and university.  

Steve Morse has been a regular attendee at the NAMM Shows for several decades thanks to the Ernie Ball Company.  In fact, it was thanks to Sterling Ball that Steve was interviewed during the show in 2015.  Steve’s long career in music, which began professionally in 1969, has included gigs with the bands Kansas, Living Loud and Deep Purple.  Over the years he has been closely associated with the Music Man brand of products, which is owned by Ernie Ball Music as well as Fender Guitar, which created a signature model Telecaster for Steve after he famously played the Frankenstein Tele

Sandy Nelson was among the small group of musicians who scored a top ten instrument hit record when he recorded "Teen Beat" in 1959.  The song sold a million copies and paved the way for Sandy to become a well-respected studio musician.  He followed up his first hit with another called "Let There Be Drums" which became an anthem for young drummers wanting to play rock and roll.  In 1963 Sandy was in a traffic accident that cost him his leg.  He soon returned to the drums, this time giving up the high hat and focusing on the driving bass drum beat that originally made him a star. 

Jamie Oldaker sat down in his living room in Tulsa, Oklahoma for his riveting and inspiring NAMM Oral History interview in December 2018. He opened up about his background in music and how his drive and passion led to a series of gigs, including the Silver Bullet Band and Eric Clapton. He recorded 11 albums with Eric, toured the world and played historic events such as Live Aid with the iconic guitarist. Jamie spoke honestly about the challenges of being a rock star and the difficulties of losing good friends and bandmates to drugs and alcohol abuse.