Sam Ash Music to Close All Stores S am Ash Music has announced it will close all of its remaining stores, according to posts made on its social media pages on May 2. The news of it closing all stores comes after an announcement in March that it would initially just close 18 of its locations. The 100-year-old company operates some 45 locations nationwide. The statement on Sam Ash Music’s Facebook page read: “It is with a heavy heart that we announce that all Sam Ash Music store locations will begin store closing sales today ... thank you for allowing us to serve musicians like you for 100 years.” Sam Ash Music was founded in New York in 1924 by musician Sam Ash. As the business grew, all of Ash’s children — Jerry, Paul and Marcia — played an active role in the business, along with the third generation, Richie Ash, and Sammy Ash, who passed away last fall from cancer. Throughout its 100 years in business, Sam Ash Music became the largest family- owned music chain in the country. Representatives at Sam Ash Music could not be reached for comment. For the industry’s reaction on the closing, turn to page 10. {samash.com}
HAL LEONARD VP WALTERS PASSES AWAY H al Leonard’s Rick Walters, long-time
vice president of clas- sical and vocal pub- lications, has passed away. He was 68. Walters was a key figure at Hal Leonard
for 39 years. He began his journey as a keyboard editor and ascended to the role of vice president of classical and vocal publications. In 2011, he pioneered the Hal Leonard Vocal Competition, the industry’s first all-YouTube contest for vocal students. This initiative earned widespread respect. Walters’ dedication was evident as he per- sonally reviewed tens of thousands of vid- eos until the competition concluded with his retirement in 2023. Even after retiring, he continued to make a difference in the music community, particularly with the Mil- waukee Youth Symphony Orchestra, where he served on the board. {halleonard.com} Rick Walters
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