May 1977

Robert G. Campbell invites Henry Z. Steinway to his office in Chicago. During the meeting, Robert G. Campbell informs Henry Z. Steinway that he has been removed from the post of Steinway & Sons’ president: a CBS executive named Robert Bull has been assigned to the position. Robert G. Campbell asks Henry Z. Steinway to remain with the company as chairman of the board, with limited responsibilities. Henry Z. Steinway agrees, for the sake of Steinway & Sons. The title of the chairman (ironically, created by Henry Z. Steinway himself 22 years previously for his father Thedore E. Steinway) carries neither defined duties nor responsibilities. For the first time in the company’s 124-year history a Steinway family member is not in command of Steinway & Sons.