June 27, 2022 I Acquisition
Willis Music Acquires Buddy Roger’s Music
Kevin Cranley and Bill Harvey
The Willis Music Company has announced it acquired Buddy Roger’s Music on June 20. Buddy Roger’s has been a leader in school music in the Cincinnati area for more than 64 years.
“I have admired [Buddy Roger’s owner] Bill Harvey and his business for many years,” said Kevin Cranley, president of Willis Music, which is based in Florence, Kentucky. “While competitors, we both knew we could count on the integrity and honesty of each other. I’m tremendously humbled that Bill has entrusted his business to our team. I’m confident that the combined efforts of the Willis and Buddy Roger’s teams can make this alliance truly beneficial to schools throughout the region. Buddy Roger’s will continue to focus on school band with the added benefit of access to Willis’s full-line offerings.”
According to a statement from Willis Music, the two businesses complement each other without a great deal of overlap. After many years in combo and school band, Buddy Roger’s began exclusively focusing on school band several years ago. Its focus and reputation with schools in the region will complement Willis Music’s school band division. The Buddy Rogers team will continue to operate the business.
When asked why he chose Willis Music, owner Bill Harvey said, “Willis Music is one of the oldest, most reputable companies in the music business and a pillar in our community. They understand the music business and the importance of music in our schools and have been long-term advocates of music in our community. Kevin Cranley is an outstanding individual who has served in the top leadership of our industry and community. We believe Willis Music can best continue the work and legacy of Buddy Roger’s Music.”
“Having Bill and Jo Ann Harvey available to consult and advise both the Buddy Roger’s team and the Willis executive team was an essential aspect of this agreement, and we are pleased to have them both accessible,” Cranley said.
Buddy Roger’s retail store and repair shop will continue, and it will be business as usual for both companies.
