In late February, we received the following message from NAMM’s Dan Del Fiorentino:
NAMM past president and longtime music retailer, George Lukas, passed away last month.
George passed away on January 29, 2016, having dedicated his entire life and career to music!
George recalled, in great detail, when he was aboard a navy ship at the end of World War II and sitting down to play a blue-painted Steinway upright piano (also known as the Steinway GI). Two sailors stood on either side of the piano with rope and knots to ensure George was able to play as the ship rocked back and forth. As the president of Lukas Pianos, George saw the need to keep the industry strong and united. He was an active member of the industry and became president of the NAMM Board of Directors from 1975-1977. Over the years, he has amassed a large collection of piano- and organ-related artifacts such as action demos, posters, and ads. In 2004, George donated his collection to the NAMM Resource Center.
To view a clip of George Lukas’ Oral History interview click here:
