Trade Regrets: Donald Ravitch

Don Ravitch and his brother-in-law Bern Schwartz purchased the Sherman Clay piano chain in 1959. For the next five decades, Ravitch guided the San Francisco-based organization and was a pioneer of piano retail practices, setting standards for excellence that reverberated throughout the industry. At its height, Sherman Clay fielded more than 60 retail outlets across the United States.

Donald was also an active supporter of classical, jazz, and popular music in the Bay Area, serving as a board member of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.

Don Ravitch served on the NAMM board and was active in numerous other music industry organizations.

Eric Schwartz, chairman/CEO of Sherman Clay, contacted MMR to share the sad news of Donald’s passing: “My uncle and mentor, Donald Ravitch, passed away. His was a long and distinguished career in the music business, spanning well over 50 years. I will miss him as my uncle, mentor, and close friend.”