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The History of RPMDAThe first meeting of the Retail Sheet Music Dealers Association, as it was then known, was held on April 12, 1976 in St. Louis, Missouri. The purpose of the new organization was, and remains: “To provide a common meeting ground for the interchange of ideas among dealers, to promote ethical standards and policies in dealing with music publishers, and to promote better and more meaningful dealer-publisher relations.” The charter member companies were: Brodt Music, Charlotte, NC RPMDA - A Personal History By Joe Keith, RPMDA President, 1978-79 It’s the winter of 1975, and a group of sheet music dealers meet at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Directors Convention. Led by Merle Jones, Tom Serne, John Walters and Bill Slott, they are determined to form an association to address problems associated with our industry. Invitations are sent to top dealers throughout the country, and in April, 1975, some 30 dealers gather to discuss their needs and concerns. They look for solutions that would make the business stronger and give retailers a voice in the music industry - a voice many felt they did not have. During those early times, there was conflict between dealers and publishers, but after a few years, strong leadership from dealers and publishers led to a kinder, gentler approach to solving our mutual problems. Happily, both RPMDA dealers and publishers have prospered ever since. Now harmony is the rule rather than the exception. Publisher input is earnestly solicited in all areas, and dealers have a feeling of rapport with nearly every operating music publisher. RPMDA has had the benefit of clinics and seminars led by the best minds in the industry. A list of the officers and leaders of RPMDA would read a ‘Who's Who” in the music business. Their expertise has been passed on yearly to us, in private conversation and during group workshops and sessions covering a wealth of subjects - insurance, hiring and firing, reading sessions, financial planning, copyright, banking, office equipment, personnel training, inventory control, marketing and advertising. We've been uplifted and motivated, we've changed our ways, and we've been congratulated for our support of music education. We've rejoiced when a member succeeds, and cried when those we love die. We will miss the great ones like Dorothy Hutchinson and Merle Jones, but the knowledge they imparted lives on in all who knew them. This group is strong in both quality and numbers, and its strength is felt throughout the music industry. We have seen the effect our organization can have on an issue, and have watched with pride as dealers and publishers who have solicited our advice and support have flourished. We've gone to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Albuquerque, San Antonio, Kansas City, St. Louis, Minneapolis, New Orleans, Miami, New York, Washington, D.C., Toronto, Las Vegas, Dallas, Milwaukee, Orlando, Albuquerque, Vancouver, Nashville, Atlanta and the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Information has been freely shared by all, and even more important, we've made friendships that will last a lifetime. Past Presidents Ted Frank, 1976-77 RPMDA’s Dorothy Award The “Dorothy” Award was named for Dorothy Hutchinson, former executive secretary/treasurer and charter member of RPMDA. During her too-brief life, she epitomized the finest that our industry has to offer, and had in abundance the attributes that print music dealers and publishers all aspire to. Dorothy served her community and music education, she was an active participant in promoting good dealer/publisher relations, and was an ethical businessperson who generously shared information with her fellow dealers. Her examples of hard work and high standards make the “Dorothy” Award RPMDA's highest honor. Dorothy Award Honorees Merle Jones (posthumous), 1991 History of RPMDA Convention 1976 St. Louis, Missouri |
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