Jack Long, founder of Canada’s largest music retail chain Long & McQuade, has passed away at the age of 95. The company announced his passing on September 4, 2024.
Long’s journey from professional trumpet player to retail magnate began in 1956. With a music degree from the University of Toronto, he opened a small instrument shop on Carlton Street in Toronto.
The business quickly expanded, with Long adding practice studios for music lessons. This decision led to a fateful partnership with drummer Jack McQuade, who rented space for drum lessons.
In 1957, the two musicians joined forces to open Long & McQuade Musical Instruments on Yonge Street. The partnership lasted until 1965 when McQuade sold his share to Long to focus on drumming.
Long & McQuade’s expansion across Canada began in 1968. Today, the company boasts over 100 stores nationwide and an online presence launched in 2008. It employs more than 1,800 musicians and contracts about 1,000 music teachers.
The company’s impact on Canadian music has been significant. Notably, Rush‘s late drummer Neil Peart purchased his first drum kit – a chrome Slingerland set – from a Toronto Long & McQuade store.
Long’s contributions to Canada’s music industry were recognized in 2014 when he was appointed to the Order of Canada. He was honoured for his pioneering role in the country’s music retail sector and his commitment to musicians, customers, and employees.
While the Long family continues to own the business entirely, Jack’s sons Steve and Jeff now manage daily operations. Jack remained involved as an advisor until his passing.
The Long family expressed pride in Jack’s legacy, stating, “Jack lived a long and happy life, surrounded by music and family until the very end. We will miss him every day.”
Long & McQuade’s website offers a wide range of services, including instrument sales, rentals, repairs, and music lessons. The company’s non-commissioned sales approach and performance warranty program have contributed to its enduring success in the Canadian music retail landscape.
In deep gratitude and appreciation for Jack Long and the half of a century shopping at Long and McQuade when our family band first moved to Canada in the 70’s, it’s been a life long part of our family’s journey with instruments, rentals, and now me stopping in to a couple of locations on a monthly basis to play a little in the shops and reminis about decades of spending time at Jack’s love for music shops and spreading, making it accessible to everyone shops. I’ve been using Long and McQuade bags when I do groceries etc since plastic bags have been phased out 🙂
Condolences to Jack’s family friends and all of us who journeyed, even if once to hear see experience or shopped at Long and McQuade or Jack’s gigs. May Jack’s love for music live on. Good Blessings and Music Love, Always, Thank you Jack, may your travels serve you well wherever it takes you _()_ Long time customer, Anjala