How a Stolen Bass Drum Sparked a Music Retail Legacy: The Story of Ernie Williamson Music

For nearly 90 years, Ernie Williamson Music has been a pillar in the music retail industry. What started as a small music shop in Pittsburg, Kansas, has grown into a regional powerhouse, with seven locations serving Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and beyond.

But the story of Ernie Williamson Music didn’t begin with a grand business plan or a strategic investment—it began with a stolen bass drum.

A Business Born from Necessity

In 1935, Ernie Williamson, a drummer in the Four States area (Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Arkansas), was preparing for a gig when disaster struck—someone stole his bass drum. Desperate to replace it, he went to the local music store, only to find that they didn’t carry one.

Frustrated, Ernie saw an opportunity: What if a local music store actually had what musicians needed, when they needed it?

That night, Ernie made a decision that would change his life—and the local music scene—forever. He opened his own music store, ensuring that no musician in the area would ever face the same problem.

From Sheet Music to a Multi-Location Business

What started as a small shop quickly became a central hub for musicians. The store specialized in band instruments, drums, and sheet music, and eventually expanded to include record sales, complete with listening booths where teenagers could preview new music before buying.

By the early 1940s, Ernie expanded his business, opening a second location in Joplin, Missouri. Over time, the company continued to grow, reaching six locations across Missouri and Arkansas.

A Family Business That Stood the Test of Time

When Ernie passed away, his wife, Grace Williamson, took over the business and ran it successfully for decades. Her leadership made her an even more well-known figure in the industry than Ernie himself.

Later, their daughter Lois took the reins, continuing the family legacy until she sold the company to Springfield Music in 2003.

The Serendipitous Sale

The sale of Ernie Williamson Music was almost fate.

At the time, Donovan Bankhead, then working for Springfield Music, was discussing expanding into the Joplin market. His boss suggested looking into acquiring a store in the area. Donovan immediately thought of Ernie Williamson Music, knowing its strong reputation and deep-rooted community trust.

That same evening, before Donovan even had a chance to reach out, he received a call from Ernie Williamson Music’s store manager.

“Hey, I know this is out of the blue, but I just wanted to see if you guys might be interested in purchasing our store.”

It was a perfectly timed opportunity, and by December 2003, Springfield Music acquired Ernie Williamson Music.

Rebranding for the Future

For years, Springfield Music operated under multiple store names, creating challenges in marketing and brand consistency. In 2021, Donovan and his team made a strategic decision to unify all locations under one brand: Ernie Williamson Music. The change was driven by several key factors. First, the Ernie Williamson name carried decades of history and credibility, making it a trusted brand among customers. Second, managing multiple brands had become a logistical nightmare, requiring separate social media accounts, websites, and email lists. Finally, consolidating under one name positioned the company for long-term growth, ensuring a recognizable and cohesive identity across all locations.

Adapting to the Digital Age: The Shift to E-Commerce

Brick-and-mortar sales remain a key part of the business, but Ernie Williamson Music is making a big push toward e-commerce.

With online shopping becoming the norm, Donovan and his team aim to balance online and in-store sales, working toward a future where half of their revenue comes from digital sales.

Video Marketing: The Game-Changer

One of their biggest marketing moves? YouTube and video content.

They’ve launched multiple YouTube channels, including:

• Guitar reviews on the main Ernie Williamson Music channel
• High-end bass guitar reviews on a niche channel
• Trumpet tutorials and product reviews, which has become their fastest-growing channel

Why? Video content sells.

“YouTube is the second-largest search engine after Google,” Donovan explains. “People research products before buying, and video builds trust.”

Lessons for Music Retailers

For other music store owners looking to stay ahead, Donovan offers these key takeaways:

• Don’t ignore video marketing – YouTube is a long-term play that drives credibility and sales.
• Focus on the right social platforms – Facebook engagement is declining, while YouTube and TikTok are growing.
• In-house marketing beats agencies – Your staff understands your brand better than outsiders.
• Use AI tools like ChatGPT – It can save time on marketing and business decisions.
• Stay ahead of industry shifts – The businesses that fail to adapt risk being left behind.

Final Thoughts: A Legacy That Continues

What started as a drummer’s frustration over a stolen bass drum has grown into a thriving, multi-location business that has adapted through nearly a century of change.

The music retail industry is evolving, but the core principles of success—innovation, customer trust, and adaptability—remain the same.