One-of-a-Kind French Horn Maker Ethel Merker, 1923-2012

The creator of the popular Merker-Matic French Horn recently passed at the age of 88. The creator of the popular Merker-Matic French Horn recently passed at the age of 88. Merker, a Chicago native, pioneered the role of working women in music in a variety of contexts, from symphonic performances to radio and TV jingles. She was at home playing jazz and pop music as well, and throughout her career backed up artists like Barbra Streisand, Quincy Jones, and the Rolling Stones.

Find segments of her oral history project at NAMM’s site here