Bill Neale, Director of Client and Artist Relations
Bill Neale and Dale Rabiner crossed paths in the mid 1990's while both were customers of famed luthier Robert Benedetto. Their mutual interests, especially their love for guitars, kept them in touch loosely over the years. Then in the summer of 2008, Bill purchased an instrument through DHR Music and during conversations, the relationship was strengthened. At this time, DHR Music was growing rapidly and in need of additional support staff. Dale and J. Lee Rabiner believed that Bill was the perfect person to fill this need and shortly thereafter invited Bill to join the DHR team as Director of Client and Artists Relations. As Director of Client Relations, Bill is responsible for identifying new products which meet the needs of our target market, working closely with our manufacturers, and interacting directly with our clientele regarding sales of DHR's product offerings. As Director of Artist Relations, Bill works hand in hand with DHR's endorsers, coordinating DHR sponsored events, such as guitar shows, concerts, and clinics. He also serves as a talent scout, searching for extraordinarily talented musicians to become future DHR endorsers.
Bill has had a unique work history, in that he was a talented musician, producer, arranger and songwriter for approximately 16 years, before leading a successful career in sales and sales management beginning in 1986. Bill began playing guitar at the age of 10 and by the age of 18, he was fortunate enough to have already played with Sammy Davis Jr. and the Temptations. After touring with The Temptations, Sammy Davis Jr. ,and Deniece Williams, he spent over a decade as a Studio Musician in Los Angelos, playing on albums by artists such as Teddy Pendergrass, The Temptations and Lou Rawls. One of Bill's favorite recordings over the years was Deniece Williams' hit, "It's Gonna Take A Miracle".
Bill also served as the staff guitarist for all Chuck Barris Television productions, including "The Gong Show". Additionally, he performed on other television shows such as "Dallas", "The Tonight Show" and "Fantasy Island". During this time period, he represented the Kawai Corporation at two consecutive NAMM shows for their line of guitars.
Bill has been acknowledged for his talent throughout the years. In 1997 he was featured in "Vintage Guitar Magazine". He received both Gold and Platinum record awards - including, a RIAA Gold award in 1980 for his guitar solo on Robert John's hit record "Sad Eyes", and a RIAA Double Platinum award in 2001 as a songwriter for Will Smith's "Willenium" CD. In 1998 he appeared on the award winning "World of Guitar" TV show as a featured guest.
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