Herb David receives honor from state Legislature

Today is the 82nd birthday of Herb David, the longtime owner of Ann Arbor's Herb David Guitar Studio who recently retired after more than 50 years in business.

Since the closure of his downtown Ann Arbor store, lesson studio and repair shop, the community has heard lots of people talking about his contributions to the community. And this afternoon in a visit to David's home, state Rep. Jeff Irwin added a contribution from the Michigan Legislature.

Irwin presented David with a special tribute from the Legislature, signed by himself and State Sen. Rebekah Warren, "to honor him for all the wonderful work he's done, making Ann Arbor the special place it is," Irwin said.

"It's been a nexus of so many wonderful opportunities for young musicians, for lessons for children, and also attracting some great musicians to Ann Arbor to work with Herb David."

David said he was touched by the honor and deeply gratified to hear he's made a difference.

"It took me totally by surprise, and it brings me a great deal of pleasure," he said. "You go through life and you just do your thing ... but you never think about the real influence you have ...

"It brings such a sense of completeness to your life ... This sort of says, don't lose faith in yourself."

Although he's now retired, David said he hopes to continue working on instruments and perhaps teaching as well.

Concluded Irwin: "There's a lot of exciting people doing exciting things in this town, and when we have an opportunity to recognize that, we try to."

Staff photographer Melanie Maxwell contributed to this report.

Bob Needham is director of entertainment content for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at bobneedham@annarbor.com or 734-623-2541, and follow him on Twitter @bobneedham.