‘Deacon Of Music Row’ Dies

Billy Deaton, known as “The Deacon of Music Row,” died after a lengthy illness in Nashville Oct. 31.

Deaton,74, managed and booked country hall-of-famer Faron Young in the 1960s, then became the agent for Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Charley Pride and Roger Miller.

As noted in the Tennessean, Deaton’s advertising slogan was “One call gets ‘em all.”

“Regardless of who the artist was, the number to call was 244-4259, the Deaton Agency,” National Association of Talent Directors prexy Rod Harris told the paper.

Deaton, who had an office on Music Row for 30 years, also co-wrote country hits “Wine Me Up” and “Louisiana Man.”