Dealer Spotlight: Al Murrell

Al was born and raised in Sumter, SC. His interest in the organ began at the early age of 3 sitting and hearing the small Moller pipe organ at Trinity UMC. He began to study the piano at age 5 and continued until age 10 when he decided to take up the Trombone which he continued to play into college. In the 9th grade he bought a theater organ album with George Wright playing the music from Lawrence of Arabia. He was hooked.

While attending the Baptist College of Charleston, two significant events took place: He met his suite mate, who became a life-long friend (also a theater organ nut), and he joined the Naval Reserves in during the last half of his freshman year in college.

In 1969, during his sophomore year, his reserve unit was activated, and he was ordered to Antigua, West Indies for two years. In January 1971, while still in Antigua, he flew home to hear a Community Concert by Virgil Fox on the Rodgers touring organ known as Black Beauty. After the concert, he was invited to have dinner with Virgil, Andy Crow, and David Snyder. This dinner lasted from 11:00 PM until four in the morning. These five hours were occupied by sitting quietly and listening to Virgil tell “Virgil stories”. This concert and dinner unknowingly changed Al’s future.

Al decided to remain in the Navy and in 1972 was transferred to San Diego. Almost immediately upon arrival in San Diego, he sought out the local Rodgers representative and purchased the first of six Rodgers organs he would own. In 1973, Al began a part-time, six-year job selling Rodgers and Gulbransen organs for Southland Music Center.

In 1978, Al applied for a direct commission through the Navy’s highly competitive LDO (Limited Duty Officer program. He was commissioned in 1979 and transferred to Virginia Beach where he remained for 10 years and retired in 1989.

While in Virginia Beach, he continued his association with Rodgers working for Parker Piano and Organ. Upon retirement, he was offered a position with R. A. Daffer Church Organs, Inc. and in 1996 was made a partner in the firm.

Al’s career with Rodgers and Ruffatti pipe organs has presented him opportunities to work with the finest concert organist from both the classical and theater organ environments. These artists included talents such as Virgil Fox, Ted Alan Worth, Felix Hell, Cameron Carpenter, Keith Chapman, Fred Swann, Joyce Jones, Richard Purvis and John Weaver as well as Lyn Larsen, Gaylord Carter, Jonas Nordwall, and Ethel Smith. Al’s extensive career has earned him great respect among his peers, and he is often sought out for advice and training by other Rodgers representatives.

Al and his wife, Sharon, reside on Lake Gaston, North Carolina. They have two grown children and three grandchildren. Al is active in a number of AGO chapters and is sub dean of the Central NC Chapter and Vice President of the Old Dominion Theater Organ Chapter.

In February of 2023, Rodgers Instruments was proud to honor Al and his 50 years of continuous service and sales with Rodgers Instruments.