INDUSTRY VET CRIS BEHRENS JOINS BERT MURDOCK MUSIC B ert Murdock Music has named
Cris Behrens general manager. “Cris’ appointment marks a sig- nificant milestone for our company,” said Ryan Murdock, president and CEO of Bert Murdock Music. “His exceptional leadership in school rentals, sales, community engage- ment and team development aligns perfectly with our vision. His track
Cris Behrens
record in Utah is nothing short of remarkable, and we are confident that his expertise will propel Bert Murdock Music to unprecedented heights.” “Joining the Bert Murdock family is a privilege,” Behrens said. “Our shared commitment to nurturing music education in schools is a strong foundation for future growth. I am eager to collaborate with the team to enhance the musical journey for students, educators and musicians alike.” With more than three decades of experience in the MI industry, Behrens was also recently named president of the National As- sociation of School Music Dealers (NASMD) after spending the last eight years serving on the board. {bertmurdockmusic.com} C.F. MARTIN & CO. ADDS NEW STRINGS BUSINESS LEADER B rian Hall has joined C.F. Martin & Co. as senior director, strings
Gary Clark Jr., center, cements his place in Guitar Center’s RockWalk.
Guitar Center Inducts Gary Clark Jr. into RockWalk O n May 1, Guitar Center inducted four-time Grammy-winning guitarist Gary Clark Jr. into its RockWalk, which is located at the entrance of GC’s flagship store on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, California, where the private ceremony took place. Gary Clark Jr. performed at Guitar Center’s flagship following the ceremony. “We are thrilled to welcome Gary Clark Jr. into the esteemed ranks of Guitar Center’s RockWalk inductees. His extraordinary talent and contributions to music make him a perfect fit for this honor,” said Gabe Dalporto, Guitar Center’s CEO. “Gary’s induction is a testament to his incredible impact on the world of music, and we were pleased to celebrate his achievements at this year’s ceremony. His handprints are a prestigious addition to Guitar Center’s Rockwalk, alongside the legends who have shaped the industry.” The RockWalk ceremony made a return to the city of Los Angeles after six years. Renowned Los Angeles broadcast music journalist Nic Harcourt hosted the evening and presented Gary Clark Jr. with the prestigious recognition. “I am honored to be the latest inductee into Guitar Center’s RockWalk,” Clark Jr. said. “This recognition holds immense significance for me, as it not only reflects my unwavering dedi- cation and love for music but also acknowledges the respect and admiration of my peers and fellow musicians, who I also equally love and admire.” Guitar Center’s RockWalk is dedicated to honoring those art- ists who have made a significant impact and lasting contribution to the growth and evolution of rock ‘n’ roll, blues and R&B. As the latest RockWalk inductee, Gary Clark Jr.’s handprints now reside alongside the handprints, signatures and faces of other accomplished musicians, such as Eric Clapton, George Martin, Jimmy Page, Ozzy Osbourne, Carlos Santana, Johnny Cash, Van Halen, AC/DC and Queen. {guitarcenter.com}
business segment leader, filling a newly created position and signal- ing the company’s renewed focus on growing its strings business. Hall has worked with and con- sulted for numerous consumer brands in his 14-year career, including Gen- eral Mills, Steinway, Whirlpool and
Brian Hall
Kawai Musical Instruments. A multi-instrumentalist with a strong business background, Hall brings the creativity of a jazz musician and acumen of a data scientist to this role. “For more than 50 years Martin has been manufacturing strings,” said Thomas Ripsam, Martin president and CEO. “As the largest maker of acoustic guitars, it only makes sense for us to do so, and strings remain an important part of our business that we want to continue to grow. I’m confident that Brian’s extensive experience, creativity and passion for the brand will help us take strings to the next level.” Hall earned a Bachelor of Music from Brigham Young Uni- versity and an MBA from the University of Michigan’s Stephen Ross School of Business. {martinguitar.com}
22 I MUSIC INC. I JUNE 2024
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