Short answers, pulled from the story.
Friedrich Gretsch opened a musical instrument shop on 128 Middleton Street in Brooklyn, New York during the year 1883. The young German immigrant was only twenty-seven years old when he began manufacturing banjos and tambourines for local markets.
Fred Gretsch Jr. assumed control of the company after his father retired in 1942 following World War II service as a Navy commander. William Walter Bill Gretsch ran the business until his own death in 1948 allowing Fred Jr. to return fully to leadership roles.
Gretsch launched its first collaboration with Chet Atkins in 1954 to produce a line of endorsed electric guitars. The resulting model became known as the 6120 hollowbody guitar followed by later designs like the Country Gentleman.
George Harrison played a Gretsch Country Gentleman during The Beatles' early performances including their first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show. That broadcast triggered an overnight surge in global sales for the company.
Fender Musical Instruments Corporation gained control over marketing and distribution through an agreement reached in late 2002. The Gretsch family retained ownership of the company even as Fender managed production efforts.