Don Light Dies

Don Light, 77, who helped guide the careers of artists including Jimmy BuffettThe Oak Ridge BoysSteve Wariner, and Dailey & Vincent, co-founded the Gospel Music Association, and opened the industry’s first gospel talent agency, died June 18 following a lengthy illness.

Light got his start playing drums in the Grand Ole Opry. He launched Don Light Talent in 1965 and worked with a diverse roster of artists, producing hundreds of records.

Buffett credited Light for having a “unique eye for talent … Don Light was an honest guy that took an interest in me. He was the only guy that ‘got’ me at the time in Nashville. I was lucky to have him in my life,” the Tennessean reported.

Light served on the board of directors for the GMA, Country Music Association and Country Music Hall of Fame, and was a president of the Nashville chapter of the National Academy of Recording Arts.