We use cookies in the following ways: (1) for system administration, (2) to assess the performance of the website, (3) to personalize your experience, content and ads, (4) to provide social media features, and (5) to analyze our traffic. You consent to our cookies if you continue to use our website. Please consult instructions for your web browser to disable or block cookies, or to receive a warning before a cookie is stored on your computer or mobile device. Read our Privacy Policy.

Country Music Hall of Fame logo.
Museum View Cart
Country Music Hall of Fame logo.
Back to Oral History
  • Oral History

Billy Deaton

December 5, 2000 OHC396 62 min.
Share

Biography


Country music promoter and talent agent. Born September 19, 1935. Career most active 1960s-2000. One of the first promoters to book Charley Pride. Managed the career of Faron Young, 1970s-1996.

Interview Summary

2000 December 5
(1 hour, 2 minutes)
Talent agent Billy Deaton describes the development of his career. Discussion includes the role of his childhood in his future success; his first job; joining the Air Force and his early work as a booking agent; his early career selling radio time and his first connection with Nashville talent agents; the start of his career booking country music talent; his working style; the Rankin Transmission shows; and his experiences booking Charley Pride early in Pride’s career.