The Music History Project

In honor of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, The Music History Project team takes a look at those in the Oral History Collection who were impacted by World War Two, with perspectives ranging from those who served overseas and at home, to individuals who were living in Europe during in World War II, and even some who returned to the states to open up their own retail stores.

Dr. Robert Moog was the father of the synthesizer and perhaps the best-known promoter of the Theremin and electronic music. The synthesizer celebrated the two things Bob loved most, electronics and music.

Founder of the Fender Electric Instrument Manufacturing Company and inventor, Leo Fender, brought the world iconic instruments such as the Fender Telecaster, Stratocaster, and Fender Precision Bass. This week, the team examines interviews with some of Leo’s closest friends and employees to examine the man behind the brand.

In this special episode of The Music History Project take a look behind the scenes of what goes in to capturing an interview and the creation of the podcast. Hosts Dan Del Fiorentino, Michael Mullens, and Elizabeth Dale discuss everything you never knew you needed to know about the NAMM Oral History Project. Featuring special guest Zach Phillips.

The conclusion of recording engineer, Lenise Bent’s, NAMM Oral History interview focuses on her work with groups such as Supertramp, The Knack, and Fleetwood Mac as well as some of the challenges she has faced in the studio.

In part one of this two-part series the NAMM Resource Center team reflects on an interview completed with recording engineer, Lenise Bent. Lenise discusses her background, education, and early work in the industry as well as working on some of her more notable projects including working as an engineer on Steely Dan’s Aja.

Two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and two time Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, Graham Nash recounts his career as a musician, songwriter, photographer, and activist.

With the help of music advocate, Christie Z, the conclusion of pioneering DJs focuses on the development of Hip-Hop, as well as current equipment that many of the pioneering DJs are working with today featuring interviews from DJ Grand Master Caz, DJ Grand Mixer DXT, DJ Afrika Bombaataa, DJ Jazzy Joyce, DJ Johnny Juice, and DJ Grand Wizard Theodore.

In part one of this two-part series we explore the televised debut of scratch with Grand Mixer DXT showcasing his skills on the Herbie Hancock hit “Rockit” as well as the birth of scratch from its creator, DJ GrandWizard Theodore. In addition, we learn what it took to build speakers, develop that signature DJ technique, and the formula to building a set from pioneering DJs Afrika Bombaataa, DJ Jazzy Jay, DJ Jazzy Joyce, and DJ Johnny Juice.

Les Paul is known for his role in the popularity of the electric guitar, the design of the Gibson Les Paul guitar, multi-track recording, early guitar effects, and hit recordings with his wife Mary Ford.

The second half of the Sun Records podcast discusses the legendary “Sun sound” that defined an era of music, famed recordings that were captured in the studio by Sam Phillips, and the Million Dollar Quartet session that brought together Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Elvis Presley for one defining night of music history.

In the first of two episodes about Sun Records in Memphis, TN covers studio founder Sam Phillips efforts to record the Memphis sound recording stars such as Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Roy Orbison.