OCT. 26 I WILLIS MUSIC I TRIBUTE
Remembering Edward Cranley

Music retail and publishing pioneer Edward Cranley died on Oct. 19. He was 87.

Cranley served as Willis Music’s president emeritus and chairman of the board for 59 years. The Florence, Ky.-based full-line dealership is now run by his son Kevin.

During Edward’s NAMM Oral History interview in 2005, he spoke passionately about the growth of Willis Music’s publishing business, which included a long partnership with Edna Mae Burnam, who penned several successful method books.

“He lived a long, happy life, and I had many great years with him,” Kevin said. “He will always be with me.”

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Jane O’Toole Cranley; his son; daughters, Kathleen Rudnick, Nancy Cranley and Terry Flottman; a brother, William Cranley; a sister, Mae Buckley; 14 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.