Geoff Oakley, passed away on Thursday, May 31, aged 87 after battling several health issues
A passionate music industry veteran, Geoff’s legacy in the musical products business spans two continents and some of the greatest brand names in music, including Steinway and Yamaha
His influence in the musical products industry was significant. To those who knew him well, he was a passionate music man, articulate, fair and a man with a great heart for people and the music business.
Geoff built a successful supermarket business in UK. He moved his family to Australia in 1972. With Rose Music MD Peter Murphy, he was instrumental in establishing Yamaha Music in Australia. He lead the musical products division of Brashs and then headed up Steinway in UK…. and much more.
In his spare time Geoff built a (huge) boat in his back yard named Perfidia after the song and in honour of his wife Margaret. It took him four years to complete and it was a magnificent effort in craftsmanship.
As one long-time colleague said, “He loved people, backed those who shared his vision and had a “fire in the belly” for the music products industry. He was a terrific music man…(“he used to play in a band you know”) loved his craft and generously shared his gift”.
He was boss, mentor and friend to many in the music products industry, and we extend our condolences to Geoff’s family and friends.
RIP Geoffrey George Oakley