Grand Prize Winner Colourslide to perform at Gretsch 125th Anniversary Concert in New York City on Nov 18; Lansdowne and London Egg Win Gretsch instruments and gifts!
The Gretsch Company has announced the top winners in the Next Gretsch Greats Unsigned Artist Competition, an online search for the world’s best unsigned and independent bands.
The competition began in May when 879 musical acts from the U.S., U.K., Japan, Canada, Germany, France and (more…)
Fred and Dinah Gretsch, president and CFO of Savannah-based The Gretsch Company, one of the world’s most well-known drum and guitar makers, have become the first musical instrument manufacturers to be inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame.
On September 20, 2008, the couple was honored with the “Mary Tallent Pioneer Award,” a distinction given once a year to an inductee who embodies the characteristics of “Mother Mary” Tallent. Tallent was a charter member of the Atlanta Chapter of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) and longtime supporter of Georgia music until her untimely death in an automobile accident in 1984.
As Georgia Music Hall of Fame inductees, the Gretsches joined the likes of Ray Charles, Gladys Knight, R.E.M., The Allman Brothers Band and (more…)
Nashville, TN June 20-22, 2008
After a 3 year absence the Summer NAMM Show returned to Music City USA. Nashville feels like the rightful host for Summer NAMM. Where else can you get so much music and history. The 3-day event was again held in the Nashville Convention Center in the heart of downtown, just across the street from the Ryman Auditorium — historic home of the Grand ole Opry. NAMM reported a 36 percent increase in show registrants as compared to last year’s show in Austin. As always, the (more…)
From Thursday, July 10 to Sunday, July 20, 2008, Gretsch collectors and NASCAR fans everywhere will have the chance to bid on a new, one-of-a-kind Gretsch Nashville guitar autographed by racing legend Kyle Petty and support a fantastic cause in the process. The auction will be hosted on eBay here:
The Gretsch Company has teamed up with the 14th Anniversary Chick-fil-A Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America, an eight-day motorcycle ride led by Petty which raises funds for and awareness of Victory Junction Gang Camp and other children’s charities. Kyle Petty and his wife Pattie founded Victory Junction in 2004 in honor of their son Adam with the mission of enriching the lives of children with chronic or life-threatening illnesses by creating (more…)
Danbury, Connecticut — As he celebrated his one hundredth birthday on June 14, Richard “Dick” Gretsch Sr. had a lot to look back on. He’s led a fascinating life full of noteworthy milestones. But misty-eyed reminiscing isn’t really Dick’s style. He’s too busy.
A long-time Connecticut resident, Dick currently makes his home at the Glen Crest retirement center in Danbury. He lives independently in his own apartment, the walls of which are covered with framed photos, newspaper articles, and certificates that document his personal and professional accomplishments. A small patio is brightened by several flowering plants and a bird feeder that attracts jays and robins.
The apartment might seem the quintessential home for the quiet retiree-were it not for the room that serves as Dick’s office. There, a printer busily spits out emails from (more…)
Long Time Gretsch Friend Entertained and Inspired the Globe
Legendary R&B king and long-time Gretsch friend, Bo Diddley, has passed away at the age of 79. With his rectangular Gretsch guitar and trademark “Bo Diddley Beat”, he entertained and inspired the globe. His Ed Sullivan television debut aired way back in 1955. That was America’s first look at a man whose unique rhythm and style would eventually serve as fuel for the Rock’n'Roll, Blues, and Psycodelic genres. (more…)
Kicking off the new year, the 2008 Winter Show was the busiest on record!
Anaheim, CA — With an official total of 88,128 registrants, this year’s winter NAMM Show was the busiest on record. This semiannual event, hosted by the city of Anaheim, featured five main areas that allowed attendees to see, try and buy from the ever-growing array of musical products. Buyers, manufacturers and artists were treated to a dizzying display of the Music Industries top shelf merchandise.
As always, Gretsch and all Gretsch Products were on hand and showcased throughout the five halls of the convention center. Gretsch Guitars, Drums, Gear, Amps and Bigsby Vibratos seemed (more…)
SAVANNAH, Ga., U.S.A., January 1, 2008 – The Gretsch Company, one of the world’s most well-known drum and guitar manufacturers, will celebrate its 125th anniversary in 2008. Throughout the year, Gretsch will celebrate by introducing new lines of limited edition anniversary drums, guitars, and other Gretsch products; conducting an online search for the world’s best unsigned bands; and hosting a major concert event in New York City featuring an illustrious lineup of “Gretsch Greats.”
“It’s quite exciting to reach this remarkable milestone,” said President Fred W. Gretsch. “We owe our many years of success to four generations of Gretsch owners and the dedicated men and women on their team who were – and are – passionate about great music and high-quality instruments.” (more…)