Larry Linkin has the unique distinction of having had an extensive and varied career as a performing musician, and who has also made a substantial contribution to the business side of the industry through his 24-year leadership of the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), a worldwide organization that represents the interests of music manufacturers, retailers and distributors in over 100 countries in promoting music-making advocacy and music education.
“Link,” as he is widely known, was a clarinet soloist with the University of Iowa Concert Band while in college and for three years was a member of the NORAD international band representing the four branches of military service from the United States and Canada. For 19 years, he traveled the seas as a headliner on Holland-America cruise ships, which took him around the world four times. He has performed at Carnegie Hall and in various Las Vegas venues and received honorary doctoral degrees from the Berklee College of Music and Duquesne University.
He started in the business as a road salesman for brass and woodwind instruments. His first involvement with NAMM was as Director of Planning & Development for the organization’s trade shows. He doubled the exhibit space in just four years. He left NAMM to become president of Slingerland/Deagan, the leading drum manufacturer, and vice president of C.G. Conn, the world-ren
