Larry Linkin

Larry “Link” Linkin devoted more than a quarter century to shaping the future of the music products industry through his visionary leadership as president and CEO of NAMM. Beginning his career as a sales representative for the G. Leblanc Corporation, Link brought firsthand knowledge of both manufacturing and retail to the association when he joined the NAMM staff in 1975. Under his ardent stewardship, NAMM evolved from a North American trade association into a truly international organization dedicated to advancing music-making around the world.

Throughout his tenure, Link championed initiatives that reached far beyond the trade show floor. Guided by NAMM’s mission to strengthen the music products industry by promoting the joy and benefits of making music, he helped establish international partnerships, educational programs, the Global Summit for the Music Products Industry, and what would become NAMM University. He also encouraged groundbreaking scientific research that demonstrated the educational, social, and cognitive benefits of music-making, reinforcing NAMM’s commitment to music education and advocacy.

Among Link’s most enduring legacies was his leadership in creating the Museum of Making Music, which opened in Carlsbad, California, in March 2000. Conceived as a place to celebrate the history, innovation, and cultural impact of musical instruments—and the people who create, manufacture, sell, and perform with them—the museum has inspired visitors from around the world. Recognizing that preserving the personal stories behind the industry was equally important, Link also championed the creation of the NAMM Oral History Program, ensuring that the voices and experiences of the industry’s pioneers would be preserved for future generations. Today, the collection stands as one of the world’s largest archives dedicated to documenting the rich history of the music products industry.

Link also guided several transformative changes within the association, including expanding NAMM’s governance to include commercial members on its Board of Directors, strengthening international relationships, and helping shape a mission-driven organization focused on the long-term health of the global music products industry. His collaborative leadership and unwavering belief that music-making enriches lives helped define an era of remarkable growth and innovation.

Link retired in 2001, the same year NAMM celebrated its 100th anniversary. His foresight, and enduring commitment to serving the industry left an indelible mark on the association and continue to inspire NAMM’s mission of supporting those who bring the joy of music to people around the world.