Susie Tennant, a former Geffen Records executive and a pivotal figure in the success of Nirvana, passed away on January 18, 2024. She was 61. Tennant had been battling frontotemporal dementia, a progressive neurological disorder, for several years.
A Passionate Advocate for Nirvana
Born in Germany and raised in various locations around the world as an “army brat,” Tennant eventually settled in Seattle to attend the University of Washington. It was there that she became deeply involved in the city’s burgeoning music scene of the late ’80s and early ’90s. As Geffen’s Northwest radio promotion representative, Tennant played a crucial role in Nirvana’s signing with the label. She was instrumental in the successful launch of their iconic 1991 album, “Nevermind,” which has sold over 30 million copies worldwide.
Former Geffen executive Ray Farrell described Tennant as Nirvana’s “real champion in Seattle.” She had a close relationship with Kurt Cobain, and Cobain even stayed on her sofa for a period of time. Another former Geffen executive, John Rosenfelder, emphasized Tennant’s role in rallying Seattle behind Nirvana. Despite being considered more “indie” than other Seattle bands of the time, such as Soundgarden and Pearl Jam, Nirvana received widespread support largely due to Tennant’s efforts.
A Legacy in the Music Industry
Tennant’s impact extended beyond Nirvana. During her career, she worked closely with several renowned artists signed to Geffen, including Sonic Youth, Hole, Weezer, Beck, and Teenage Fanclub. She also held various roles at Tower Records, Sub Pop Records, Experience Music Project (now MoPOP), KEXP, BMG Music, Town Hall Seattle, and the Vera Project—an all-ages nonprofit organization dedicated to engaging youth through music and art.
Photo courtesy Christopher Swenson
Remembering Susie Tennant
Former Nirvana members Dave Grohl and Krist Novoselic expressed their deep sorrow over Tennant’s passing. They affectionately recalled their fondness for Tennant and how much they will miss her presence in their lives.
Tennant’s contributions to the music industry went beyond her professional work. She actively participated in school and community initiatives, such as Music for Marriage Equality—a pivotal organization that played a significant role in the legalization of same-sex marriage in Washington state. She also co-founded the Ladies Who Lunch affinity group, which connected hundreds of women professionals in the music and entertainment industry.
Susie Tennant is survived by her husband, Christopher Swenson, and their children Ella and Eli. Her legacy lives on through the indelible mark she left on the music industry and her unwavering commitment to community engagement.
To honor her memory, donations can be made in Tennant’s name to the Seattle Musicians Access to Sustainable Healthcare Susie Tennant Memorial Fund, Seattle Musicians for Children’s Hospital, MusiCares, The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, or the University of Washington’s Brain Aging and Dementia Research in the Brain Lab Fund. Details for a public celebration of her life will be announced at a later date.
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