NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants), the peak body of the music products industry in America has once again acknowledged the services of former Australian Music Association Executive Officer Rob Walker with another prestigious award.
At the Australian Music Association’s end of financial year board meeting this week, Rob Walker was presented with a plaque by AMA President Anthony Ursino, sent from NAMM, which stated ‘For your years of excellent service in the music products industry’.
The NAMM Believe In Music Award honours Rob for his work as AMA executive officer and organiser of music events over decades such as the AMAC trade shows, the Australian International Music Show, the Melbourne Guitar Show, Sydney Drum & Percussion Show and many others. Rob was also co-founder of Australian Musician magazine and was instrumental in helping to launch the Weekend Warriors and Young Warriors programs in Australia. Additionally, Rob has worked tirelessly on the Make Music Day Australia chapter and is heavily involved in the music charity Music For All.
“It was an honor for all of us at NAMM to present the 2022 Believe In Music Award to Rob Walker! If anyone believes in music and the powerful programs and people who encourage music makers, it’s our good friend Rob! Often hidden behind the curtain, Rob has played a vital and important role in developing and executing initiatives and programs that have benefited people of all ages for several decades. Congratulations Rob and thank you!” said NAMM’s Dan Del Fiorentino.
New AMA Executive Officer Alex Masso said “Rob has been a champion of music making throughout his career, recently he has been involved in advocacy and growing Make Music Day in Australia, and an important part of the charity Music for All. The Believe in Music award is important and well earned international recognition for Rob’s work.”
While Rob has stepped down as AMA executive officer, he continues to work alongside the AMA on projects such as the Melbourne Guitar Show (news on that soon) and Music For All. You can also see Rob performing regularly on bass with Jack Howard’s Long Lost Brothers and Jack’s Bacharach project, The Ambassadors of Love. Congratulations Rob