Dennis M. Houlihan

Dennis Houlihan began his illustrious career as an executive with the Lowrey Organ Corporation and was put in charge of their London offices for 5 years, eventually moving back to the US to become a top executive with Jordan Kitts Music, the (then) largest US Piano retailer. After several successful years  with Jordan Kitts, Dennis accepted a new position with Matsushita (Panasonic) Corporation to lead famed music brand, Technics Musical Instruments, where he befriended PLAY MUSIC -ENJOY LIFE Founder, Rick DePiro. While serving as president of the Roland Corporation, he was so successful he eventually assumed the responsibilities of CEO of Roland U.S. In 2010 after 18 successful years as president and then CEO of Roland, Dennis retired but still continued in his role as a member of  the board of directors of Roland Japan. Dennis had been with Roland as  president since 1993.  Additionally Mr. Houlihan held the position of  president of Rodgers Musical Instruments for several years while at  Roland also serving as it’s president and CEO (Rodgers is a wholly owned  subsidiary of Roland Corp).  Mr. Houlihan was the first manufacturer representative to also be elected as Chairman and CEO  of NAMM (National  Association of Music Merchants).

Mr. Houlihan grew up in the Fresno California area and has lived and worked  in cities around the world including the Washington DC area, greater Los Angeles area, New York City area and in London, England. 

Mr. Houlihan is legendary for his courteous,  extremely effective and  highly intelligent style of management, and is held in the highest  regard industry-wide to this day.  As stated by one well known industry  insider, ” Dennis’ evident and brilliant talent and seemingly innate  ability to make every person feel like “they’re the most important  person in the room” had no doubt assisted him, amongst many other  factors,  in growing Roland to the worlds largest and leading electronic  musical instrument company and the second largest musical instrument  company in the world overall.  To his credit,  Dennis  still somehow  managed to maintain an impeccable reputation, which unfortunately is an  increasingly rare trait amongst CEO’s in recent years.  Roland owes  much of their success to this very capable leader and innovative team  builder.”  

Houlihan  succeeded Ikutaro Kakehashi, founder and special consultant  of Roland Japan, who  resigned from his most recent  roles as chairman and  director of Roland U.S.

As a true believer, leader and participant in the launch and growth  of the practice of Music and Wellness worldwide, Mr. Houlihan has  graciously extended his invaluable expertise to the PLAY MUSIC-ENJOY  LIFE! program. The PLAY MUSIC-ENJOY LIFE! team is very grateful and  extremely fortunate to have had Mr. Houlihan as an advisor and friend.

Mr Houlihan traveled the world meeting up with friends and former colleagues and also as a board member of several organizations. When not traveling, Mr. Houlihan resided in the greater Los Angeles area. He was loved and respected by so many people from all around the world and even upon his untimely passing in September 2024, he still lives in the hearts of all that knew and loved him.  it is , by loving request of our Founder Rick DePiro, that PLAY MUSIC ENJOY LIFE! holds Mr Houlihan in our kindest thoughts and memories through a Memorial Scholarship in his name. AS stated by Mr. DePiro, "Denis was my big brother, mentor, confidant and one of my closest and dearest friends. We must keep his legacy and amazing contributions and inspiration alive in music lovers, musicians and music students forever so no one allows this great legacy to ever fade away. I will miss my buddy forever. Thanks for all you did for all of us, my brother"

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