John Chase

I just learned of his passing from a friend and am taking a moment to remember him.

I first met John Chase in the 80s when we both worked for Chuck Levin’s Washington Music Center in Wheaton, Maryland. At the time, “Chuck’s” was the largest music instrument store in the world. I had just moved from Memphis, where 4 of us worked the entire store and at Levin’s, there were 5 of us just selling professional keyboards. It was a culture shock and John Chase was the first one to extend a hand to me. At the time, the DX-7 and the Mirage were two of the hottest keyboards on the market. John was the top salesman in the store and an expert on the DX-7.

During our tenure, Stevie Wonder stopped into the store a few times. John was Stevie’s guy at Washington Music. During one of his visits, Stevie bought a bunch of keyboards and asked John to go on the road with him. John took time off and spent a few days working with Stevie in the back of his tour bus. When he returned to the store, he talked about the generosity of Stevie Wonder. It was truly a great experience for him.

We went our separate ways, me to Ensoniq and John moved to Florida to become a sales rep in the music instrument business. He started a rep firm and became very successful in the southeastern part of the country, representing many lines including Korg. After I moved to Sonic Foundry, there was no doubt who was going to be our rep in the southeast. Although we already knew each other quite well, we bonded even further during our tenure at the Foundry.

He lived close to my mother and upon my visits, we made sure to connect and get caught up. One year for Xmas, Santa bought mom a computer. John offered his house to ship it to so we could surprise her with it. We wrapped the presents, laughed and re-lived our days at Washington Music. He also offered to help her get it set up. I declined and explained that my mom was in her mid-seventies and would like to keep him as a friend.

He had one lick that he always used to demonstrate keyboards with and it has stuck in my head since the 80s. Years later, we met up somewhere on the trail for a drink. There was a piano in the place, so I sat down and started playing, including John’s lick and kidding him about it. He said that was still the only one he knows. Somehow I don’t think so.

John Chase was first class. He was always professional and honest. When I arrived at Washington Music, he was the first to offer assistance.  He was a straight shooter who was passionate and caring.  He will be missed by so many, especially his wife and kids.

Roy Elkins

Broadjam

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Great People Along the Way by Roy Elkins

I have been fortunate to work with and meet some of the great people in technology and the music industry.  I began my music career as a musician in Michigan and ended up working at Amro Music store in Memphis, Tn.  Amro is a family owned store with strong values and run by an amazing group of people, the Averwaters.  Chip Averwater eventually became the Chairman of the National Association of Music Merchants, the organization that represents music retailers.  He is a well-respected leader in the industry.

At the request of ENSONIQ Corp, I moved to the legendary Chuck Levin’s Washington Music Center in Wheaton, Md.  At the time, this store was the largest single location of any music instrument store in the world.  Along with their father and mother, the store was run by Robert and Alan Levin.  Very hardworking folks who put lots of hours in making their business run.

I moved onto ENSONIQ Corporation in Malvern, Pa.  Several folks assisted in that transition including Dan Garrett, Bob Stillman, Bruce Wismer and Steve Coscia.  My first boss was Rob Weber who has been successful in numerous ventures since leaving ENSONIQ. As we grew, I worked for numerous individuals including Jeff Hasselberger (Phenomenal creative mind), Roland Hanson (Incredible strategist), Ray Whelan (Get it done guy), Dan Garrett (Great thinker and problem solver), Steve Claflin (Highly technical thinker), Bob Papke (Strong leader and gets along with everyone)  and a brief time directly for the founder of the company, Bruce Crockett (an exemplary leader).  I am very thankful to have the opportunity to learn from all of them.

A transition back to the Midwest where I worked with Rimas Buinevicius, CEO of Sonic Foundry and the two founders, Monty Schmidt and Curt Palmer to help build one of the great entities of the music software business.  Sound Forge, Acid and Vegas are the products that we launched and are still well respected by  whoever used them.  We had an incredible run together.

I started Broadjam with my wife in 1999 to help songwriters have a place on the web. I have worked with some amazing people during the tenure with Broadjam including Matt Thompson, Anthony Del Ciello, Mike Huberty, Kyna Ganshert, Jon Aguilera, Erin Graham, Matt Shinker, Dave Eickhorn, Tibby Torhorst, Dan DeRubeis, Ken Hawkins, Greg Gray, Donny Neufuss, Kurt Maleug, Jeff Muendel, Brian Cunningham, Ian Atkin, Sheena Tesch, Joe Amstadt, Dan Naab, Matt Lea, Steve Davis, Kyle Maresh, Jesse Spohn, John Ostlund, Sean Laurent, Jack Thompson, Victor Backunovich, Birk Cooper, Galen Eckland, Ken Fitzsimmons, Leslie Gavin, Colleen Mullin, Craig Parsons, Al Hawkins, Brent Hoffman, Jason Weaver, Mike Leger, Dennis Anderson, Heather Abney, Shane Tracy, Ed Muir, Bill Steinberg and I’m sure I forgot to mention someone. My apologies. We have an amazing community of musicians who make everyday a worthwhile venture for us.

My goal with this blog is to recognize some of the good people I’ve met and worked with along my journey and some others as well.

Roy Elkins

Broadjam

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