Trade Regrets: Ed Miller

Former president of KMC Music Inc., Ed Miller, passed away on  January 15 at the age of 66.

Starting in the finance department at Kaman Corp., Miller quickly rose through the ranks of the company’s music division, eventually becoming president of Kaman Music Corp. in 2007. As president, Miller led KMC’s transition to the Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) and kept steady watch over the division until his retirement in December 2012. Highly respected for his knowledge, intelligence and integrity, Miller was known as a true statesman of the music products industry.

Miller’s career in the musical instrument industry began when he became controller of Kaman Corp. distribution subsidiary C. Bruno in 1974. As vice president and general manager of C. Bruno in 1993, he oversaw the restructuring of the music distribution business into Kaman Music Corp.

 “Ed Miller was a key executive of KMC for more than 40 years,” said FMIC CEO Larry Thomas. “He was instrumental in the successful acquisition and integration of KMC into FMIC in 2008. He was well known and loved within the company, and was admired across our industry.”

 Miller was also known as a passionate and accomplished golfer, and his love for the New York Yankees knew no bounds. He was equally if not more tirelessly enthusiastic about working alongside the people he managed, many of who, with his guidance, went on to very successful careers in the music products industry.

 “Ed had a rare combination of an analytical mind and common sense, which enabled him to see the heart of any complex matter,” said Roger Hart, KMC VP of Merchandising. “It gave him great business vision. Everyone at Kaman, C. Bruno and KMC appreciated his fast wit and keen sense of humor.”