Larry R. Linkin believed with his whole being that music does make a difference.  Similar to the character of Harold Hill in The Music Man, Link began his career in the music business as a road salesman.  For more than 30 years, the former President/CEO of NAMM, an accomplished musician, devoted himself to the growth of the music products business worldwide with an emphasis on the global promotion of music education and music-making advocacy.  Under his leadership, NAMM, the organization that represents the interests of music product retailers, manufacturers and distributors around the world grew from a small, grassroots operation to an international association representing more than 7,700 members from more than 85 countries.

Born in Burlington, Iowa during the Big Band era, Link was inspired to make music and grew up playing the clarinet.  After graduating from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor Music degree, his love of music led him to a sales position with the G. Leblanc Corporation.  Later, he was employed by the Chicago Music Instrument Company to be in charge of the Maestro division where he became one of the first players to demonstrate the amplified clarinet.  He was also in charge of CMI’s Reynold Band Instrument division.

In 1971, at the invitation of NAMM’s Executive Vice President, the legendary William R. Gard, Link joined NAMM and became head of the trade show division and was shortly thereafter promoted to Staff Vice President.

In 1977, he left NAMM to join Slingerland/Deagan as President of this leading drum manufacturer.  Under his leadership the company flourished, expanding their market and their product line.  He later served as Vice President of C.G. Conn Ltd.  Link rejoined NAMM in 1980 as Bill Gard’s protégé, taking over the helm as President/CEO in 1981 upon Gard’s retirement.

During Linkin’s tenure, NAMM expanded its membership and diversified its outreach to embrace manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers and distributors in the worldwide music products industry.  To reflect this enhanced direction, the Association changed its name from the National Association of Music Merchants to NAMM – International Music Products Association.

A much sought-after performer, Linkin retired from NAMM in May of 2001 to tour the world doing what he loves most: making music with his clarinet.  His enthusiasm and positive energy helped encourage camaraderie within the industry and promoted the benefits of music-making to the world.  These achievements, along with receiving an Honorary Doctor of Music Education degree from Duquesne University and an Honorary Doctor of Music degree from the Berklee College of Music, are evidence of Link’s far reaching impact within the world of music and his undying passion for making music.

Through the generosity of Link’s friends and associates, this gallery is named in his honor.