NAMM Head Larry Linkin Passes at 87

Larry Linkin, who had a colorful career as a featured entertainer and the highly-successful head of the largest trade association in the music industry promoting music education and music-making advocacy, passed away August 25 in Scottsdale, AZ at the age of 87.

“Link,” as he was known, was a 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, as well as performing at Carnegie Hall and in various Las Vegas venues.

During his business career he was vice president of C.C. Conn, Ltd., world-renowned wind instrument company, and president of Slingerland/Deagan, the leading drum manufacturer, and for 24 years, the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), a world-wide organization that represented the interests of music manufacturers, retailers and distributors in over 100 countries.

Larry Linkin received honorary doctoral degrees from Berklee College of Music and Duquesne University. He was recognized for devoting his time and energy to educating and helping aspiring musicians by spearheading funding for research that proved young people who study and perform music do better in math, the sciences and all other areas of learning. – Lew Shaw