The Music History Project

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 th...

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...

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 Ran...

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.

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 Jaz...

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.