Gretsch Family and Company Biographies
 
Ernie Gadzos, 1922-2005

Ernie Gadzos, 1922-2005

Gretsch Company

Description

From Gretsch House Telegram Volume 12, Issue 1 2006

Master Drummer & In-House Drum Expert

Ernie Gadzos was "Mr. Drum Expert" at the Gretsch Drum Company for over nineteen years. Whenever an expert opinion or product test was needed, Ernie was always the guy to go to. A master drummer, Ernie's immense talent was matched by his vast musical knowledge and overall love for music.

Born in Windsor, Ontario in 1922, Ernie was drawn to music, gravitating and excelling at the drums. When he was 16, he started playing with local bands and later studied with Jack Ledingham, the principal percussionist with the Detroit Symphony. In 1948, Ernie moved to the United States and spent several years playing drums for the Statler-Hilton Hotel chain. In the 1950s, Ernie settled in Chicago and worked with various bands including the Glenn Miller Band and the Vaughn Monroe Orchestra. In 1965, Ernie decided to retire from the road. He married, settled down, and went to work for Frank's Drum Shop. Later, he worked for Drums Ltd. for six years before joining the Slingerland Drum Company in sales and service.

When Fred W. Gretsch bought the Gretsch Company from Baldwin in 1985, his first focus was on drum production. Fred convinced Ernie to move to Savannah to join the Gretsch Drum Company in sales and customer service. He was a valued member of the Gretsch drum team and played a key role in resurrecting "That Great Gretsch Sound" to new generations of drummers. Ernie's vast knowledge, experience and deep love of music are irreplaceable. He was a special part of the Gretsch family and his smile and presence will be missed around the Gretsch Company.

Publication Date

2025

Keywords

Gretsch Company, Gretsch Drums

Ernie Gadzos, 1922-2005

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