Our Staff

Our Staff Elin Kang September 14, 2023
Jim DeStafney

Jim DeStafney is the co-owner of Blues Angel Music in Pensacola, Florida. After completing a 24-year career as a Navy fighter pilot, Jim opened the shop in 1997. Blues Angel Music has been named a NAMM Top 100 Dealer every year since the program began, and continues to show excellence in customer service and programming within the music retail industry. Jim recalls the Sunday evening in 1964 when he saw the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan television program, at once he wanted to play guitar. He even formed a garage band with his buddies called No So Fab, which performed for almost 20 years.

Nan DeStafney

Nan DeStafney became the co-owner of Blues Angel Music after she served her country as a United States Navy nurse. As she neared retirement, she met navy man Jim DeStafney who had the idea of opening his own music store. The two were married and saw Jim’s vision come true when Blues Angel Music was opened in northern Florida. Nan has served in the background, running the business side and handling the accounting duties. Her care and passion to help those in need, especially special needs children, has resulted in programs and music lessons in the store that serve all levels of musicians. She has also worked tirelessly to support music education and even formed a non-profit organization in addition to running the store. If you need an example of a passion-driven person, stop by and ask for Nan.

Barry Frost

Barry Frost thoroughly enjoys his role as the manager of the piano department at Blues Angel Music in Pensacola. Being in the position of providing the right piano for his customers is meaningful to Barry and harkens back to the moment his parents purchased a Kimbal Piano when he was eight years old. He took lessons on that piano throughout high school and went on to major in music in college, earning a degree in music education. Barry worked for Dollarhide Music in Pensacola where he was afforded the opportunity to meet Mr. Henry Steinway of Steinway & Sons as well as the founder of Roland, Mr. Ikutaro Kakehashi. When the store closed in 2016, Nan and Jim DeSafney at Blues Angel Music hired most of the crew, including Barry, who quickly found a new home to continue his passion for uniting each customer with their perfect piano.

Michele Clark

Michele Clark is the director of Blues Angel School of Music overseeing the day-to-day operations of our music school, ensuring that each student receives the highest quality instruction in a supportive and encouraging environment. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics or an experienced musician seeking to refine your skills, Michele and our team of talented music teachers are here to help you reach your musical goals. Michele is happy to take your call personally to schedule an in-house piano lesson with one of our skilled teachers. Together, we’ll embark on a musical journey that will inspire, challenge, and enrich your life.

Contact Michele Clark and the team at Blues Angel School of Music today to schedule your piano lesson and discover the transformative power of music!