Zildjian: A History of the Legendary Cymbal Makers from Hal Leonard Publishing was written by Jon Cohan who tells the 376 year history of the world's most famous Armenian family of cymbal makers. Starting with the 1618 decree of Sultan Mustafa I who commissioned Avedis to make cymbals for the Ottoman ruler's court and then tracing the family's history up to their immigration from Turkey to this country in 1929.

Cohan explains how the secret cymbal-making formula has been handed down from father to son. Once in America, the Avedis Zildjian III company grew especially after drummer Gene Krupa invented the modern four-piece drum kit that included Zildjian cymbals. The book goes on to talk about all the big band drummers who contributed their own original ideas and desires to Zildjian with regard to new cymbal styles.

Zildjian credits drummers like Louis Bellson, Buddy Rich, Max Roach, Elvin Jones, Tony Williams, Shelly Mann and then Ringo Starr with popularizing drumming and Zildjian cymbals. A must read for any percussion enthusiast, Zildjian: A History of the Legendary Cymbal Makers in softcover edition costs $19.95 and is available from Hal Leonard Publications at 414-774-3630. Web to: www.halleonard.com


Zildjian: A History of the Legendary Cymbal Makers