Russell Hill

Russell Hill first met Ziggy Coyle in 1957 when the famed retailer hired him to help manage the business side of the company. Ziggy and Russ made a wonderful team—while Ziggy was out performing and promoting the store, Russ handled the numbers and operations, providing the steady leadership that allowed the company to grow into several locations across Ohio. He was also a key factor in supporting Ziggy’s broader industry service, running the business while Ziggy helped establish NASMD and later served as president of NAMM’s Board of Directors. Before his years in music retail, Russ taught instrumental music in Chillicothe, Ohio, and later in the Worthington City School District. A skilled trumpet player, he performed with many ensembles throughout central Ohio and remained active in music performance for much of his life. He was deeply involved with The Ohio State University’s music traditions, helping form the first Alumni Band reunion, and later serving as president of the OSU Alumni Band, the Script Ohio Club, and TBDBITL. He was also a proud member of the Phi Mu Alpha music fraternity. Russ passed away in the summer of 2025 at the age of 95.