NORTHWEST BATTLE OF THE..USA

The Northwest has always been rich musically, with unique hybrids of R&B and rock and roll developing along the way. There are various theories and reasons for this, but suffice to say our musical heritage has constantly been one of high quality. And the scene in the '60s was so vibrant that local musicians could make a good living playing music, a far cry from later decades. Sixties' Northwest bands were often booked for up to 12 months in advance and had their choice of plum gigs. Of course, it took savvy entrepreneurial businessmen to make all this happen, and Jerry Dennon was one of the best. He got his start in the late '50s as a record promo man. Dennon spent a couple years in Los Angeles, but in 1962 he was back in Seattle to stay. His first major success was the Kingsmen's "Louie Louie," and he never looked back.'