Larry Wolfe

Music has been in Dennis Henderson’s DNA since the third grade when he started playing the string bass in a youth orchestra. By the time he was a sophomore at Arcadia (Calif.) High School, he was playing the electric bass guitar in his own rock ‘n’ roll band. He then attended Pasadena Arts College where he continued his music “career,” playing with the Fabulous Boptones, the college party and house band. Later, he was a member of an Elton John Tribute Band with a twist—the band covered Elton’s songs in Reggae-style. Picture guys in 1970s Elton costumes with dreadlocks! It worked, because that group entertained for over seven years!

After college, Dennis worked in the Security Department at Warner Brothers in Burbank where he provided security for the popular TV shows The Love Boat and Dynasty. After three years there, he decided to join his dad’s mortgage business in San Diego. A couple years later, he switched gears and joined Jenny Craig, Inc., opening their first three weight-loss centers in Spokane. Over the next three years, he traveled extensively throughout the U.S., opening Jenny Craig centers in 25 cities. His duties included hiring and training new employees and establishing marketing and other start-up operations.

Tiring of the travel, Dennis returned to the mortgage business, becoming a mortgage banker for Spokane-based Metwest Mortgage Services. He says that’s the best decision he ever made, for it was there that he met his wife-to-be Julie. He and Julie married six months later. They relocated to Seattle where they opened their own mortgage business. They continued in that business until Dennis retired in 2021, and they soon after moved to Arizona. Julie is still in the business here in Arizona while Dennis “plays around”!

Given Dennis’ current athletic prowess on the softball field, you’d think he was probably a high school jock. Well, he almost was, but after suffering a total of four concussions (two each playing football and baseball), his mom said, “That’s enough,” and his focus turned to music. But later he did begin playing softball, first in industrial leagues in Washington, then later in senior leagues. He’s currently one of the top hitters in our Sun Division. He led the league in batting average (.772) last year and finished third in homeruns. He’s also adept and versatile in the field, whether he’s playing in the outfield or on the pitcher’s mound. Dennis played on 55+ AAA tournament teams back in Washington and now is a member of the Arizona-based 60+ AAA tournament team.

The Hendersons have two sons: Erik, who lives in Arizona, and Myles, who’s back in Seattle. Dennis and Julie are “foodies” who enjoy dining out at different restaurants. And, as you might guess, they’re big music fans. Dennis particularly is a big Beatles fan, and they’re considering a trip to Liverpool next year to celebrate their 25th anniversary and visit all the Beatles’ sites. Maybe Dennis could get some ideas for a Beatles Tribute Band, Reggae-style!