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…)

Legendary rockers, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young recently finished a successful Spring Tour of the US. With a few stops in Canada, the tour rolled through over 40(no pun intended) venues in a little over 2 months. The nearly 4 hour performances were true “concert events” capturing the bands’ greatest and latest tunes. Those in attendance were treated with acoustic and electric sets, and as always, powerful harmonies.

Both Stephen Stills and Neil Young were seen playing their Gretsch Guitars: New White Falcons , a classic Nashville, and even an old Stereo Falcon. Young was also working the Bigsby during classic jams like “Southern Man” and “Cinnamon Girl”; in full Rock mode. “He was wailin’ on the guitar during the entire electric set…the band was really tight, and the vocals were dead on” said Joe Savage, a dedicated CSNY fan who attended the first Philly Show. (more…)