Former NAMM CEO Larry Linkin Passes Away

Larry “Link” Linkin, former president and CEO of NAMM, passed away on Aug. 26. He was 87.

Linkin devoted more than a quarter century to shaping the music products industry. After beginning his career as a sales representative for the G. Leblanc Corporation, he joined NAMM in 1975 and was named president and CEO five years later in 1980. Linkin helped transform the association from a North American trade organization into a global advocate for music-making.

Throughout his tenure, Linkin left an enduring mark on NAMM and the MI industry as a whole. He helped establish what would become NAMM U and played a large role in the creation of the Museum of Making Music, which opened in Carlsbad, California, in 2000 to celebrate the history, innovation and people behind musical instruments. Linkin also championed the NAMM Oral History Program, which preserves the stories of industry members and has become one of the world’s largest archives dedicated to music products history. Linkin retired from his post in 2001, but was a constant presence at NAMM shows for many years.

Industry reflections have been pouring in since the news of his passing. Here are a few:

“Larry Linkin led NAMM through two decades of growth, while our industry was constantly evolving through the boom of digital product innovation, the introduction of the internet, and the growth of the international winter NAMM show,” said John Mlynczak, current NAMM president and CEO. “NAMM, and our industry, are stronger today because of Link’s leadership. His legacy will not only be remembered, but is seen and felt every day in what he built for us.”

“It’s impossible to measure Larry Linkin’s impact on NAMM and the global music products industry,” said Joe Lamond, former NAMM president and CEO who succeeded Linkin. “Through his vision, leadership and unwavering belief in the power of music, he changed countless lives and helped build a stronger, more connected industry. I was fortunate to know him not only as a mentor, but as a father figure and dear friend. His wisdom, generosity and confidence shaped my life in ways I can never fully repay. I find comfort in knowing that Link is reunited with his beloved wife Peggy, along with his industry peers who have passed before him. And I know that every time our global music family gathers at The NAMM Show — a community he helped build — his spirit and legacy will be there with us.”

“Larry (whoelsebut) Linkin was a complex individual and a self-described ‘cool cat,’” said Steve West, retired president of West Music and former NAMM Chair under Linkin. “Link’s impact on the music industrial will be felt and realized for years to come. He was driven, a visionary, great musician, proud Iowan, and at times, cantankerous. Since most of the global production of musical instruments was consumed by U.S. consumers, Link was driven to make sure the international music products industry association, NAMM, was the premier showcase and organization to help drive musical instrument sales globally. After 29 years with NAMM, Link and NAMM have established themselves as the global place to meet, conduct business and develop lasting friendship and relationships. Link will be missed and appreciated not only for what he accomplished, but for the fun we had being a part of his vision.”

“All you had to say was ‘Link’ and every one in the industry knew exactly who you were talking about,” said Kevin Maher Sr., owner of Maher Publications, Music Inc.‘s publishing company. “We lost a truly great one. I’m sure he’s upstairs with all the great ones that preceded him.”

“Every so often, someone comes along who touches your life in a way that leaves an indelible mark. Link was one of those rare people whose impact was lasting and profound,” said Gerson Rosenbloom, a former NAMM chair who served during Larry Linkin’s tenure as CEO. “We met in 1989 when I first joined the NAMM board. As I moved through the various officer roles, Link and I grew closer, and I learned more about how genuinely talented he was. As he’d often point out, he had one of the toughest jobs in the music industry: a new boss—the NAMM Chairman—every two years, and an industry constituency so varied that it was virtually impossible to keep everyone uniformly happy. He played that role masterfully. His outsized personality endeared him to people. Combined with his encyclopedic knowledge of the industry and his sharp business acumen, he was able to deftly navigate those tricky challenges. During my time as NAMM Chairman, Link and I spoke almost every day. I got to witness firsthand his deep knowledge and insight as we navigated the challenges facing the industry and NAMM. His wealth of experience proved invaluable time and again. At the same time, he never let his strong opinions cloud his openness to learning. Link was outspoken in his beliefs, but also willing to thoughtfully consider other views. It was this combination of resolute conviction and willingness to evolve that helped him lead so effectively as he transformed NAMM from a struggling trade association into the international industry powerhouse it is today. I also had the opportunity to witness the incredible respect Link commanded around the globe. Wherever we went together, doors opened because Link was there. I personally owe Link a world of gratitude for helping me develop a more global view of our industry, for teaching and inspiring me to be a better leader, and for sharing so many incredible times together that enriched my own life and gave me memories that will endure as a living tribute to him.”

To learn more about Linkin through a program he helped champion, watch his NAMM Oral History recordings here.