Music Industry Pioneer Gene Kornblum of St. Louis Music Passes Away at 89
Gene Kornblum passed away on September 17, 2024 in St. Louis at the age of 89. Kornblum was best known for transforming St. Louis Music Inc., his family’s business, into a leading company in the music industry.
Born on July 21, 1935, Kornblum graduated from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School in 1957. Under his leadership as president, St. Louis Music Inc. grew significantly, expanding from 40 to over 350 employees. The company became renowned for its Crate and Ampeg amplification equipment, Alvarez acoustic guitars, and Knilling string instruments.
Impact
Kornblum’s impact on the music industry was substantial. Equipment and instruments from St. Louis Music were used by notable artists including the Grateful Dead, Crosby, Stills and Nash, Fleetwood Mac, Johnny Cash, and ZZ Top.
NAMM and GAMA
He served on the board of the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) and was president of the Guitar and Accessory Marketing Association (GAMA). After retiring in 2005, Kornblum remained active in the St. Louis community, serving on various boards including the St. Louis Symphony and the St. Louis Art Museum.
