O n Aug. 26, the MI industry lost a true legend. Larry Linkin, former NAMM president and CEO, passed away at the age of 87. Larry was more than NAMM’s CEO. In a role he held from 1985–2001, he was a leader who helped build some of the organization’s most influential programs, many of which are still part of NAMM today. He helped shape what would become NAMM U, bringing education and professional development to the heart of The NAMM Show, and played an important role in the creation of the Museum of Making Music, which opened in Carlsbad, California, in 2000. He also championed PERSPECTIVE I BY KATIE KAILUS REMEMBERING LARRY LINKIN
the NAMM Oral History Program, help- ing ensure the stories and experiences of generations of MI industry members would be preserved and passed on. Though he retired from his post in 2001, Larry continued to be a part of the larger NAMM community. For years afterward, he remained a familiar face at NAMM shows. Here are just a few reflections on Larry from those who served the industry along- side him. An in-depth obituary will be shared in the forthcoming November issue of Music Inc. magazine. “Larry Linkin led NAMM through two decades of growth, while our industry was constantly evolving through the boom of digital product innovation, the introduction
Larry Linkin
of the internet and the growth of the international winter NAMM show,” said John Mlynczak, current NAMM president and CEO. “NAMM, and our industry, are stronger today because of Link’s leadership. His legacy will not only be remembered but is seen and felt every day in what he built for us.” “It’s impossible to measure Larry Linkin’s impact on NAMM and the global music products industry,” said Joe Lamond, former NAMM presi- dent and CEO who succeeded Linkin. “Through his vision, leadership and unwavering belief in the power of music, he changed countless lives and helped build a stronger, more connected industry. I was fortunate to know him not only as a mentor, but as a father figure and dear friend. His wisdom, generosity and confidence shaped my life in ways I can never fully repay.” “Every so often, someone comes along who touches your life in a way that leaves an indelible mark. Link was one of those rare people whose impact was lasting and profound,” said Gerson Rosenbloom, a former NAMM chair who served during Larry Linkin’s tenure as CEO. “We met in 1989 when I first joined the NAMM board. As I moved through the various officer roles, Link and I grew closer, and I learned more about how genuinely talented he was.” “All you had to say was ‘Link’ and everyone in the industry knew ex- actly who you were talking about,” said Kevin Maher Sr., owner of Maher Publications, Music Inc.’s publishing company. “We lost a truly great one. I’m sure he’s upstairs with all the great ones that preceded him.” MI
10 I MUSIC INC. I OCTOBER 2026
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