The following appeared today on Modern Drummer Magazine's website:
To our drummer, percussionist, and drum-industry friends around the world:
It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Ronald Spagnardi, founder and publisher of Modern Drummer Publications. Ron died Monday, September 22 at the age of sixty, following a courageous battle with cancer.
Ron was a true visionary who saw a need for drummers to have an informative and entertaining publication of their own. In 1977 he put his family’s savings on the line to create that publication, which he named Modern Drummer.
Over the ensuing twenty-seven years, Ron expanded MD Publications to include books by several well-known drummers, as well as several of his own. He also created Drum Business, a magazine specifically for drum retailers. And he was the producer of the legendary MD Festival Weekends.
In all that time and through all his projects, Ron never strayed from his credo to "promote the dream of drumming" to readers around the world. It is the pledge of the entire MD staff to continue in that same spirit, and never to lose sight of Ron’s original vision. The March 2004 issue of MD will carry a special tribute to the man who did so much to bring education and entertainment to so many drummers.
A scholarship fund will be established by Ron’s family and the staff of Modern Drummer Publications. Details for contributions to that fund will be announced shortly, and will also appear in the March issue tribute.
Modern Drummer Magazine
Cedar Grove, NJ
To our drummer, percussionist, and drum-industry friends around the world:
It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Ronald Spagnardi, founder and publisher of Modern Drummer Publications. Ron died Monday, September 22 at the age of sixty, following a courageous battle with cancer.
Ron was a true visionary who saw a need for drummers to have an informative and entertaining publication of their own. In 1977 he put his family’s savings on the line to create that publication, which he named Modern Drummer.
Over the ensuing twenty-seven years, Ron expanded MD Publications to include books by several well-known drummers, as well as several of his own. He also created Drum Business, a magazine specifically for drum retailers. And he was the producer of the legendary MD Festival Weekends.
In all that time and through all his projects, Ron never strayed from his credo to "promote the dream of drumming" to readers around the world. It is the pledge of the entire MD staff to continue in that same spirit, and never to lose sight of Ron’s original vision. The March 2004 issue of MD will carry a special tribute to the man who did so much to bring education and entertainment to so many drummers.
A scholarship fund will be established by Ron’s family and the staff of Modern Drummer Publications. Details for contributions to that fund will be announced shortly, and will also appear in the March issue tribute.
Modern Drummer Magazine
Cedar Grove, NJ
