Don Ravitch

Don Ravitch pioneered many elements of keyboard retailing as president of Sherman Clay. With an engineering and financial background Don and his partners purchased the music store chain in 1959 from the third generation of Clay’s. Moving to San Francisco in 1960 and focusing on changing the stores from full line music to keyboard retailing turned out to be perfect timing for the upcoming home organ boom. Don opened or acquired a string of Hammond Organ studios on the east coast and managed them with his unique approach to financing, which was rare within the music industry at the time. His strong partnerships and passion for the industry made Don a celebrated friend and leader of the business he so clearly loved.