Chart Busters

Hal Leonard still making sheet music and beating the digital band.

- By Zachary Lipez

Unless you’re one of the shrinking number of vinyl record purists, it’s a forgone conclusion that the present and future of music is digital. But, just as vinyl still spins, some music companies have managed to thrive providing a physical product.

Even one in that most prematurely mourned medium, print. Since 1947, Hal Leonard has been making sheet music. Today, this Milwaukee institution, with sales of over $250 million, dominates an outdated industry.