The Music History Project

March in to the next episode of The Music History Project as the NAMM Resource Center team reflects on the work of John Phillip Sousa. Featuring content from Harold Gore, Paul Bierley, James Saied, Steve Dillon, and John P. Smith we celebrate everything that is patriotic in honor of the 4th of July.

Hang ten with the NAMM Resource Center team as they examine the evolution of Surf Music featuring a swell lineup with Surf Music icons such as Will Glover, Bruce Johnston, George Tomsco, Bob Berryhill, Paul Johnson, and the King of Surf guitar, Dick Dale.

Take a listen this week to the NAMM Oral History interviews with Dr. Leo Beranek and Dr. Sidney Harman as they discuss and dissect the concepts behind acoustics, sound engineering, and the pro-audio field.

Al Schmitt reflects on his career as a recording engineer that covers more than 50 years of innovation in the pro audio world. Working with the likes of Sam Cooke and being inducted into the TEC Hall of Fame in 1997, Al has an illustrious career that continues to inspire others.

Celebrate what would have been American composer and lyricist, Irving Berlin’s 130th birthday with Dan, Michael, and Elizabeth as they examine the work of one of the greatest songwriters in American history. By examining interviews from those who worked closely with Irving and two of Irving’s children, Mary Ellin Barrett and Linda Emmet, the team provides a unique look into the life and work of this prolific American songwriter.

Join The Music History Project team as they explore the careers and life work of iconic luthiers Scott Baxendale, Bob Benedetto, Roger Bucknall, Wayne Charvel, and the late Bill Collings. We discuss the foundations for finding a path as a luthier, the creation of ones first instrument, start of their iconic careers, and reflect on some lessons learned by these industry heroes.

Two of the industries most iconic names in amplifiers are Hartley Peavey and Jim Marshall. The NAMM Oral History team examines the interviews conducted with these two legends while discussing the history of the amplifier.

The conclusion of the interview with American film composer and session musician specializing in the synthesizer, Michael Boddicker. Michael discusses what it was like to work on some of his more iconic projects including Michael Jackson’s Thriller and his work scoring films.

In part-one of this two-part series, the NAMM Oral History team examines the life and career of American film composer and session musician specializing in the synthesizer, Michael Boddicker. Michael reflects on his early years where he discovered a passion for music, specifically electronic music and his memories of attending the NAMM Show.

In honor of National Women’s History Month, we take a look at influential female performers who have made a lasting impact of the music industry. Hear content from Wanda Jackson, Jennifer Batten, Sheila E, DJ Spinderella, and see if you can figure out the mystery interview from this iconic female electric bassist.

The Avedis Zildjian Company has been making cymbals since 1623 and former president Armand Zildjian continued to grow the company when his father handed over the company to him. This now 14th generation, family run company, has a rich history full of captivating stories, some of which Armand Zildjian shares during his NAMM Oral History interview.

In honor of Black History Month, The Music History Project team takes a look at stories from performers who have faced their share of struggles as African American artists and those who were advocates for change during one of America's most tumultuous periods in history. Hear from greats like Clora Bryant, Joe Wilder, Preston Epps, Tom Paxton, Peter Yarrow, Buddy Collette, Billy Taylor, and Specs Powell.

Join the Music History Project team in the conclusion of the podcast all about Elvis Presley. In this episode, we talk all about the King's film career after the army, his comeback and return to Las Vegas, as well as some final thoughts from iconic musicians such as Scotty Moore, DJ Fontana, James Burton, and Frank De Vito.

In celebration of what would have been his 83rd birthday, The Music History Project team dives deep into what made Elvis Presley the King of Rock & Roll. In part one of a two part series, we discuss the early days of Elvis, his instruments, and his recordings. Interview segments include Ron Tutt, Mike Ladd, Herb Brochstein, Scotty Moore, DJ Fontana, James Burton, Chip Young, Fred Foster, Boots Randolph, and Norbert Putnam.

Dan, Michael, and Elizabeth examine the July 17, 2000 NAMM Oral History interview with author, retailer, and vintage guitar expert George Gruhn. George discusses the idea behind vintage guitar collecting and setting up his business in Nashville, Tennessee as one of the pioneers in vintage guitar sales.