NAMM Resource Center
Library
Preserving the History of the Music Industry
The NAMM Oral History Collection is unique, unlike any other collection in the world. The heart of the Collection is the depth of its narratives that cover innovative creations, the evolution of musical instruments, the ever-changing world of music retail, as well as our collective quest to improve music education around the globe.
Featured Interview
Malcolm Weldon still smiles when he recalls his first concert—Earth, Wind & Fire—an experience that sparked his passion for live sound. Determined to turn that inspiration into a career, he attended sound engineering school in the early 1980s. With the help of his grandmother (a story worth hearing), he landed a job as house engineer at the Beverly Theater from 1981 to 1988. That pivotal role became his training ground for what would become a remarkable career in live sound and touring production. Malcolm went on to stage-manage major festivals and high-profile tours, including the MTV stadium tour with Paula Abdul in 1989, followed by massive productions with Janet Jackson, Tina Turner, and others. In recent years, he has embraced mentoring, actively supporting young professionals through ROCU (Roadies of Color United) to help them forge their own paths in the live music industry. As he often says, “I wanted to be the best stage manager ever. That motivates me to give my all on every project.”
