Trade Regrets: Bill Crowden

February 18, 2013

Well known and respected industry figure, Bill Crowden, passed away last Thursday (Valentine’s Day) at the age of 82.

A pioneer in the retail percussion business, Crowden was the owner of Drums Ltd. and later Frank’s Drum Shop – both in Chicago.   Bill’s friends and customers included the likes of Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa, Elvin Jones, and Max roach, among many others.   Fittingly, Bill married into the Ludwig family when he married the founder’s granddaughter, Brooke.

The family is requesting that donations made in Bill Crowden’s name be made to the Percussive Arts Society at www.pas.org or by calling (317) 974-4488 and referencing the “William F. Ludwig, Jr. PASIC Scholarship fund.”

To view a clip of Bill’s NAMM Oral History interview, click here.

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