Jerry Ash

Jerry Ash recalls his father, Sam Ash, giving him a pocketful of change and sending him off on the subway to New York City to pick up the sheet music orders from the publishers. With nickels for the subway rides and some string for wrapping the bundles, Jerry set off. United Parcel Service and FedEx later replaced his job, freeing him to become one of the best known retail store buyers in history. He oversaw the company’s expansion from one location to over 50 locations including the famed 48th street store in New York City. Jerry Ash was first interviewed for the NAMM Oral History Program on January 20, 2002. A follow-up interview was completed with his wife Bernice by his side on June 6, 2007, then Jerry was interviewed once more by our team in 2017.