Gerald Burdette Dennon

Jerry passed away January 30, 2017 at his home on Bainbridge Island. He was born September 18, 1938 to E. (Bud) Burdette Dennon and W. Elaine Looney and was raised in Cannon Beach, OR. He graduated from Seaside High School in 1955 where he was active in Sports Journalism, was the Student Body President and hosted the school's weekly radio program on KAST Radio in Astoria, OR.

Jerry went on to attend Linfield College and Northwest Broadcasting School. He worked at KOIN-TV and TV Guide before moving to Hollywood, CA to pursue a career in record promotion. However, soon after he was drafted into the Army Reserves.

In 1962 he married Anne Vining, his wife of 54 years. They lived in Bellevue with their two children until moving to Bainbridge Island in 1978.

In 1963 he started Jerden Records which produced The Kingsmen of Louie Louie fame, The Sonics, Don & The Goodtimes, Springfield Rifle, Ian Whitcomb and many more. He was a major influence in the Northwest music scene and was honored with three gold records and two Clio awards. Soundworks, the parent company, is still run today by his partner Bob Wikstrom.

Jerry had many other endeavors over the years; Concert Promotion, started Pacific Ocean Farms in Rich Passage on Bainbridge Island, Media Brokerage as well as radio station ownership. He served on the board of Poncho, was President of the American Salmon Growers Assoc., on the Vestry at St. Barnabas Church and a member of Wing Point Golf & Country Club.

Jerry's family was his true love along with their Labrador Retrievers. Work was always his hobby.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Elizabeth Dennon Kaltreider and his brother James of Seaside. He is survived by his wife Anne, son Daniel (Vika) of Bainbridge, brother Jack (Jeani) of Seaside; and grandchildren Jack Kaltreider, Karina, Darya and Yuriy Dennon.

Arrangements are through Cook Family Funeral Home. A private family service is planned. Remembrances may be made to the Elijah Fund at St. Barnabas Church.

1187 Wyatt Way, B.I., WA 98110.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Seattle Times on Feb. 19, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Gerald Dennon

Sponsored by The Family.

8 Entries

Bob Haworth

January 26, 2025

I first met Jerry when he signed our band, The New Yorkers, to his Jerden Label. The photo attached shows us at a NW teen dance in 1969 as our current release on Jerden was populating the airwaves. After I left the group I did some jingle production for him and then, out of the blue, he called and asked if I might be interested in singing with The Brothers Four. During that period I also produced two banjo albums for his Piccadilly label. If not for Jerry Dennon my life would not have taken the twists and turns that it did. I think about him often and finally decided to check up on him. Sad to find it's been 8 years since he passed and I never knew. It shoulda been front page news. A lasting legacy, Gerald B. Dennon

February 16, 2019

Jerry Dennon hired me in June of 1974 to work on the construction and operation of Pacific Ocean Farms, a pioneering salmon farming venture off the Fort Ward pier on Bainbridge Island. It was a fun and exciting opportunity for a young oceanography graduate with a great love of Puget Sound and all things salt water related. The pay was low and we worked hard but it was a year I have never forgotten. Sad to find out about his passing, and my sincere condolences to his family.

Jerry Truax
Edmonds, WA

Mardig Sheridan

August 12, 2018

An Indelible memory is sitting in Jerry's office in 1966 when he told us he'd decided to sign us. We drove back to Moses Lake on a cloud. Fact is, without Jerry, The Bards would never have been as successful as we were in the NW. Jerry encouraged us to explore our very strange and unique approach and ultimately, after our one minor international hit, was willing to let us go so we could be produced by Curt Boetcher and Keith Olsen. It was a true act of generosity on his part which I wish I had been wise enough and mature enough at the time to express my gratitude. Years later we reconnected and happily my last memory of Jerry is again, sitting in his office and reliving some happy and funny memories. Every NW musician whether he/she knows it or not owes a debt of gratitude to our first and perhaps only music mogul.

Jim Wolfe

September 19, 2017

I first recorded for Jerry with Tom Thumb and the Casuals in the middle 60s. Some of those songs have found their way to Youtube and still live on. I spent my whole life writing, recording and producing music...and 30 years of it at the Music Source Studios in Seattle. During those years I worked with Jerry again--this time as a producer for several local groups for his First American Records. My love for music and recording as a way of life was encouraged by my early experiences with Jerry and I have many wonderful memories of his imprint on my life.

Carolyn Moore

March 30, 2017

I have often thought about Jerry over the years and today when I woke up he was on my mind. I worked for Jerry 1969-1971 so I searched for Jerden Ind. and was surprised to learn that he had just passed away. He was a wonderful person and a boss that made working fun! I was introduced to many Seattle bands and for a 23 year old kid, it was an exciting job to be a secretary for Jerry Dennon. I will always cherish my memories of Jerry and the musical journey that made life so much fun... I regret not reaching out to him sooner and letting him know that he made an impression on my life. My condolences to his wife and family. Carolyn Moore, Seattle, WA

Terry Morgan

February 25, 2017

I have been thinking of Jerry these past few weeks and was tempted to reach out and give him a call. I'm sad to hear of his passing. He would come out as see us "LeRoy Bell & His Only Friends" play almost every time we played at the Treehouse on Bainbridge. I had several great conversations with him about old NW rock and roll and how much it had influenced me. He was a major part of the NW sound........

Danny O'Keefe

February 25, 2017

Gerry gave my first break and was a kind and generous mentor. I'm so glad we reconnected a few years back. He was a NW legend. Rest In Peace old friend.

February 23, 2017

Remembering the golden days at Jerden and sending sincere condolences to Ann and thr family. He and Jeff Beals and Gil Bateman with a host of others, will have many things to discuss.

Most Sincerely,

Wendy Maguire
Ellensburg

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