NEWPORT, Maine — Renowned musician and drumstick maker Everett “Vic” Firth is dead at age 85, according to a statement on his website.
“Vic was an inspiration to all of us. He was a visionary, a mentor, a leader and a friend,” reads the memorial on www.vicfirth.com. “He always said he surrounded himself with the best people, but the truth is he brought out the best in all of us. His boundless passion for music and musicians drove every decision he made.
“Vic’s spirit and legacy will continue to live at the core of the Vic Firth Company. He will be missed beyond words.”
Firth, a Massachusetts-born musician, was raised in Sanford. In 1963, he started Vic Firth Co., which became the largest producer of percussion sticks and mallets in the world. Those sticks were created in Newport.
During a 2008 interview with the Bangor Daily News, Firth said his company was the only drumstick manufacturer that bought its wood green.
Firth originally made the sticks for his own use, but they quickly gained popularity and have been brandished by drummers ranging from Roger Taylor of Queen to jazz legend Billy Cobham.
Follow Nick McCrea on Twitter at @nmccrea213.