29. James D’Addario
2014 Power List
For hundreds of years the D’Addario family has been making top-notch strings for musical instruments, first in Italy and now on Long Island. Keeping the innovation alive, Jim D’Addario, as he’s known by friends and family, has just launched a revolutionary new electric guitar string. Called the NYXL strings, they represent a great leap forward in allowing players a whole new level of freedom, confidence and power to create music that’s never been heard before—or give the classics a brand new feeling. Early this year, D’Addario moved the company’s carbon steel wire mill from Massachusetts to Farmingdale, adding 30 jobs to the Island’s economy. Always looking ahead, D’Addario has also partnered with Rolling Stone magazine to identify the next round of talented guitarists, through its Young Guns initiative. Along the way, this creative company has been recognized for its contributions to music education and community service. Their D’Addario Foundation awards grants and products to nonprofit educational programs offering music-making opportunities in under-served areas. Giving artists and communities the tools to do their best—and helping Long Island benefit—is another reason that D’Addario hits all the high notes as far as we’re concerned.