Remembering Don Zimmermann
• Don Zimmermann, former President/COO of Capitol/EMI Records, died on Dec. 11 at the age of 85. According to his wife, Rosa, Zimmermann had been battling a respiratory infection for the past few weeks.
As Zimmermann’s obituary reads, “Don was a smart, innovative, honest, genuine man of integrity that led Capitol Records from some lean years into a golden era of success in the ’70s and ’80s with stars including Glen Campbell, Natalie Cole, Duran Duran, Grand Funk, Sammy Hagar, Merle Haggard, George Harrison, Heart, Iron Maiden, John Lennon, Little River Band, Maze, Paul McCartney, Steve Miller, Anne Murray, Juice Newton, Pink Floyd, Helen Reddy, Linda Ronstadt, Bob Seger, Sweet, Ringo Starr, Tavares and Tina Turner, to name a few. Don was a natural-born leader, a wise and wonderful mentor, a highly accomplished music executive, a tireless supporter of creative talent and a loyal friend. Of all his many positive attributes and endearing qualities his authenticity, decency and humanity distinguished him the most. He was not an ordinary man. He assembled a talented team of executives and built a stellar roster of top music artists. With his trademark laugh, his even handed guidance made Capitol feel like a family.”
Zimmermann was life-long Capitol/EMI Records employee, starting in the 1960s as a salesman and District Sales Manager in San Francisco. He worked his way up through the ranks, working in Chicago and New York before arriving at the storied Capitol Tower in Hollywood in 1976 as EVP/COO. Zimmermann was elevated to President of Capitol Records in 1982, followed by a brief stint as President Capitol/EMI North America before reclaiming his role as Capitol Records President in 1984. Zimmermann later served as President of EMI International Marketing, based in London, and he left Capitol in 1989 to become an artist manager.
In addition to his wife, Rosa, Zimmermann leaves four children, Richard, Michele, Eva and Stephanie, six grandchildren and a great grandchild. A small family funeral is being held and a larger celebration of his life is being planned when COVID-19 allows. “Don was a great music lover and a very insightful and sensible leader who was beloved by all who knew him. His demeanor and specialness will live on.”
• Pictured in this early ’80s Capitol staff photo: Standing, back row, (l-r): Mark Levinson, Varnell Johnson, Dick Williams, Pete Goyak, Sam Citro, Bobby Colomby, Bruce Garfield, Walter Lee, Bruce Wendell, Lynn Shultz and Bob Young. Sitting on the arm of the couch: Don Grierson; front row, (l-r): Rupert Perry, Don Zimmermann, Jim Mazza and Gary Gersh.
