On June 20, The Willis Music Company acquired Buddy Roger’s Music. Buddy Roger’s has been a leader in school band support for over 64 years. Kevin Cranley, Willis President, stated, “I have admired Bill Harvey and his business for many years. While competitors, we both knew we could count on the integrity and honesty of each other. I’m tremendously humbled that Bill has entrusted his business to our team. I’m confident that the combined efforts of the Willis and Buddy Roger’s teams can make this alliance truly beneficial to schools throughout the region. Buddy Roger’s will continue to focus on school band with the added benefit of access to Willis’s full-line offerings.”
The two businesses complement each other without a great deal of overlap. After many years in combo and school band, Buddy Roger’s began exclusively focusing on School Band several years ago. Their focus and tremendous reputation with schools in our region will complement the Willis School Band division. The Buddy Rogers team has immense experience and will continue to operate the business as they have in recent years.
Asked why he chose Willis Music, Bill Harvey stated, “Willis Music is one of the oldest, most reputable companies in the music business and a pillar in our community. They understand the music business and the importance of music in our schools and have been long-term advocates of music in our community. Kevin Cranley is an outstanding individual who has served in the top leadership of our industry and community. We believe Willis Music can best continue the work and legacy of Buddy Roger’s Music.”
Buddy Roger’s retail store and repair shop will continue, and it is business as usual for both companies. Kevin stated, “having Bill and Jo Ann Harvey available to consult and advise both the Buddy Roger’s team and the Willis executive team was an essential aspect of this agreement, and we are pleased to have them both accessible.
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