TORONTO (CelebrityAccess) — Canadian musicians nationally are mourning the death yesterday (Sept. 4th) of Jack Long, the founder of Long & McQuade, Canada’s leading instrumental retailer. He was 95.
Long changed the face of Canada’s music business when he founded Long & McQuade in 1956 with the idea of selling instruments to friends in the local music industry.
His original two-room retail store on Toronto’s Yonge Street eventually spawned over 80 branches nationwide.
A professional musician and businessman, Long valued his customers’ and competitors’ interests. He also provided financial and in-kind support to more than 100 of Canada’s educational, charitable and musical organizations.
The Long family also owns Yorkville Sound, a manufacturer of audio amplifiers (including the Traynor amplifier line), loudspeakers and related professional sound reinforcement equipment.
Yorkville Sound began in 1963 in the back room of Long & McQuade’s store on Yonge Street. Peter Traynor, the business’s repairman, was asked by a customer to build a pair of portable p.a. speakers for him. Traynor’s product became the first-of-its-kind YSC-1 6×8″ p.a column, the main catalyst for the launch of Yorkville Sound a few months later.
In 2014, Long received the Order of Canada for his contribution to the Canadian music industry, and in particular for founding both Long & McQuade and Yorkville Sound
“Making music is a lifelong passion,” Long said in an interview. “Music is something that can improve people’s lives.”
From a post shared by the Long Family:
To friends and family of Long & McQuade,
“We’re sorry to share the sad news that Jack Long, our father and company founder, passed away last night at the age of 95. Jack lived a long and happy life, surrounded by music and family until the very end. We are proud of the legacy he leaves and will miss him every day.”
The Long Family
“The testimonies will pour in,” added noted Toronto blues guitarist Danny Marks. “Safe to say, no one has ever done more for music and musicians in Canada than Jack Long. On every level, from corporate to personal. His kindness is legendary. His care for our collective condition knew no bounds. His modesty and pride walked hand in hand with all of us who came in contact with him and any of his locations. Coincidentally, I made a purchase from my local Long & McQuade Pro yesterday! I mentioned to the guys at the counter about Jack (and former employees) Pat Coffee, Bob Abbott, Wayne Mills and Ray Harrison. I’m also reminded of (the late) dear Newton Garwood. Jack directed his company and his care to musicians and gave us respect. He got burned, too, at times. But he never stopped believing. Let’s carry that forward. Play on Jack! We love ya.”
