Rock and Roll

Gunnar Nelson and his twin brother, Matthew, formed a rock band in the 1980s that followed the musical traditions of their father, Ricky Nelson, and their grandparents, Ozzie and Harriet. The Nelson twins wrote and recorded “I Can’t Live Without Your Love and Affection” and in the era of MTV,...
Brent Mason can often be found at the NAMM show as he has developed some long-lasting relationships with musical instrument companies during his long career as a studio musician. He grew up in a very musical family, in fact his parents and siblings formed the Mason Family musical group, which...
Marvin Maxwell opened Mom’s Music in Louisville, Kentucky with his wife Beverly in 1981. He also designed and developed a line of music themed toilet seats called “Jammin’ Johns,” which were first sold in his music store then in shops around the world. Marvin’s love of music began when he played...
Nick Bowcott is a founding member of the British heavy metal band, Grim Reaper. Nick put the band together in 1979 and by 1985 had gained commercial success namely due to Nick’s guitar skills and the band’s lead vocals by Steve Grimmett. While still with the band, Nick began writing about the gear...
Jack Casady played electric bass for the Jefferson Airplane before forming the band Hot Tuna with his lifelong friend, Jorma Kaukonen. Jack and Jorma played together in Jefferson Airplane at the beginning of that band in 1965 and while the band continued to record, they formed Hot Tuna in 1969....
Howard Ungerleider spent over 40 years as Lighting designer/director as well as 25 years as Tour Manager for Rush!  His focus has always been in creating a show for the audience and not just a band performance. As a result, Howard has become an innovator in pro lighting, laser, and immersive stage...
John Jorgenson is best known as a guitarist, although he also plays and records with a number of musical instruments. While performing in the bands The Hellecasters and the Desert Rose Band, John often plays his signature model Fender. However, he often can be heard playing the piano, clarinet, and...
Henry Diltz was the official photographer at Woodstock and has photographed over 200 record album covers including the iconic Morrison Hotel. His images have defined an era of music and inspired generations of artists. Henry sat down for his NAMM Oral History interview at the Anaheim trade show in...
Neal Preston recounted a special photograph he took while on tour with Led Zeppelin in the 1970s. The image captured Jimmy Page playing guitar as stage smoke was raising and the iconic musician looked right into Neal’s camera lens. It was one of a dozen stories Neal provided during his NAMM Oral...
Jim Peterik was just a teenager when he joined a rock band and knew what he wanted to do when he grew up! He began writing songs and formed several bands including The Ides of March, which scored a couple of hit recordings on songs Jim wrote including “Vehicle”. He also formed the band Survivor and...

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