Jon Bergen obit

JON BERGEN, a notable music industry figure and co-owner of Bender Music Group, died in a car accident on Sunday, Aug.15. He was 37. Bergen got his start at Mercury Records, working with artists such as Hanson and Kiss, before moving to Restless Records, where he worked in artist development and marketing. He later served as West Coast Director of Sales and Marketing for BMG, where he did distribution for the Beyond label, and National Sales Director for Sony-distributed Gold Circle Records. Bergen then formed Bender Music Group with partner Bo Caldwell, running the business out of his hometown of Phoenix. The company has handled clients such as Warner Bros. Nashville, Sandra Bernhard, Young MC and Rhino Records. A versatile, knowledgeable figure in the music industry, Bergen served on the board for the Arizona Music Entertainment Hall of Fame and was often called upon as a guest speaker for NARIP and music schools around the country. Bergen is remembered warmly and affectionately by those he worked with. Said Caldwell, “Not only was he an astute businessman and a great friend, but his love of life was infectious.” Offered Versa Manos of Gorgeous PR, “This is a devastating loss. He was a wonderful man, and everybody loved him.” Bergen is survived by his father, songwriter Norman Bergen, a brother and two sisters. Services will be held this Sunday, Aug. 22, at Falconer Funeral Home in Gilbert, AZ. (8/19a)