Jerry Bird

The Making of a Skydiving Legend

By: Linda Collison, Jerry Bird, Sam Alexander, Raylene West

Narrated by: Ken Pollard

Jerry Bird became the 20th century's most widely recognized skydiver during the evolution of sport skydiving in America. This book is a compilation of writings by many who knew and flew with Bird, and by Jerry himself—a skydiving life-and-times of Jerry Bird from 1963 into the 21st century. At the heart of the book are inclusions of Jerry’s own oral storytelling transcribed in his inimitable voice. It is both a group sports biography and a personal memoir of one man whose name became legendary among jumpers around the world and whose influence on sport parachuting is evident today. Alongside accounts of record-setting dives and competitions are glimpses into the freewheeling skydiving subculture of the 1960s, '70s, '80s and '90s. The book includes many historical images, references, footnotes and bibliography.

©2025 Ground Rush Productions (P)2025 Ground Rush Productions

Critic reviews

"This book is such an important part of skydiving history.”—Dan Brodsky-Chenfeld, 6-time world champion skydiver, author and motivational speaker.

“A long-awaited salute to skydiving’s most iconic and admired ambassador," writes Jan Works, editor with Pat Works of Parachuting: United We Fall and other skydiving publications.

"Jerry Bird's skill and wisdom helped to make me the skydiver I am today!”—Kate Cooper-Jensen, skydiving coach, world record holder, co-founder of Jump for the Cause.

Jerry’s ability to narrate his amazing stories.

Love this book from start to finish. The narrator is also outstanding and has a very clear and captivating voice.

The History of a Legend and an Old Friend

Such an impressive background, much of it unknown to me... and I love history, but I never heard it from Bird became he lived in the present. While we were both load organizing at the Tanzania Boogie around 1991, I heard him suggesting a different tracking position to a young jumper that provides better lift and glide. By simply turning your palms inward away so they face rearward, it pops your elbows out, thus producing extra lift for your upper body. I tried it on the next jump and have been using it ever since. Jerry is also one of the best ping pong players I know! I've never seen him lose a game.
Blue Skies, Black Death!
T.K. DONLE
NWSCR-53