Check out our photo gallery of Summer NAMM in Nashville here
If you’re a musician who strives to be the best in your field and who only uses the best equipment to do so, chances are, you’ve been to a NAMM convention at least once or twice. And if you aren’t familiar with NAMM, we’ve got you covered. But be sure to not miss any NAMM conventions from now on since NAMM is the ultimate coming together of music retailers, instrument makers, providers, and manufacturers, ranging from the latest Gibson guitars to the most stylish straps to pedal boards and amps.
For those who thought NAMM was only an LA thing underneath sun and palm trees in the dead of winter, Nashville proved to be the Summer NAMM hangout last weekend. Over 1,650 brands and companies and around 14,284 industry members packed the ballrooms of the Music City Center from June 13-15—brands like Fender, Gibson, Sabian, Gretsch, and Yamaha. Pro audio companies like CAD Audio, Casio, and Neutrik were also around showcasing new equipment and offering incentives like product giveaways and jam time with some of the world’s best. And by the world’s best, we mean 14 time ACM and CMA artist, Brad Paisley. Paisley’s new guitar was revealed as part of the Fender’s Artist Series—a silver sparkle Road Worn Lacquer Finish Telecaster with the goal of inspiring the next generation of players. Americana artist Jason Isbell also debuted a new guitar-a signature Martin, closely modeled after the Golden Era series. To make it even more special, the prized instrument includes a graphic of one of Isbell’s tattoos, located on the 12th fret. Powerhouses Sheryl Crow and Sara Evans were also present during NAMM as part of the professional development sessions, used to create excitement between industry partners and teach knowledge on topics such as the art of music production and video marketing secrets.
The excitement of the days carried over into the nights. Thursday night became a time of celebration and recognition. The American Eagle Awards, sponsored by the National Music Council, paid homage to honorees Crystal Gayle, Patti Smith, and Harry Shearer. The National Music Council celebrates 77 years and includes 50 music organizations that challenge music affairs on a national level and strengthens the importance of music in culture, education, and everyday life. Upon accepting her award from friend and songwriter Richard Leigh (‘I’ll Get Over You’, ‘Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue’), Crystal Gayle told the captive audience, “our music education was singing and playing instruments on the front porch in Butcher Holler. Music was a way of life. She went on to talk about the importance of music education in schools by saying, “it heals the soul. Music is joy.” Musician Paul Shaffer (Late Show with David Letterman) inducted his bud, comic, actor, writer, musician, and creator rights activist, Harry Shearer. Shearer is known best as a writer, actor, and musician in the 1984 cult classic, This is Spinal Tap and is currently working with reps in DC as a fierce advocate for artists’ rights. Poet, activist, and singer Patti Smith was also honored with an American Eagle Award. Her critically acclaimed album, Horses (1975) paved the way for artists like REM and U2. Instead of a preplanned speech, Smith read aloud the 5 music rights printed in the program, which includes the right for all children and adults to “express themselves musically in all freedom” and “to have access to musical involvement through participation, listening, creation, and information.” The ceremony concluded with Smith, Gayle, Shaffer, and company resurrecting Smith’s anthem, “People Have the Power” co-written by her late husband, Fred Smith. For more information on the National Music Council, visit www.musiccouncil.org. Friday evening, the 7th annual “Dealer’s Awards”, hosted by CMT’s Cody Alan, were held to applaud excellence and innovation found in music products retailing. The biggest honor of “Dealer of the Year” went to A & G Central Music. Other recipients include Spicer’s Music (Auburn, AL) for Marketing and Sales Promotion and The Candyman Strings and Things (Santa Fe, NM) for Best Customer Service.
Last by not least, Saturday July 15, otherwise known as “Music Industry Day” was open to the public and included a FREE outside performance by legend Charley Pride. Pride sang hits like “Is Anybody Goin’ to San Antone?” and “Kiss An Angel Good Morning” and also surprised the audience with songs off his new album, Music In My Heart. Pride, a Grand Ole Opry member since 1993 and a Country Music Hall of Fame member since 2000, made history as one of the first black artists to appear on the Opry back in 1967. He won the prestigious CMA Entertainer of the Year and Top Male Vocalist in 1971.
NAMM proved to be a great time of Q&A, networking, and showcasing between the world’s top industry providers. And if you didn’t get enough of Summer NAMM in Nashville, check out the 2018 NAMM in Anaheim, CA from January 25-28, which will feature over 100,000 square feet of building! For more information, check out www.nammfoundation.org.