Died On This Date (February 3, 2011) Ron Baird / CAA Nashville Talent Agent

Ron Baird
DOB Unknown – February 3, 2011

Ron Baird was a talent agent and one-time head of Creative Artists Agency’s Nashville office.  Baird joined the CAA team in 1991, opening their Nashville “office” in his garage.  The current office is now served by a staff of more than 50.  Over the years, Baird helped guide the careers of such country superstars as Clint Black, Alan Jackson, Reba McIntire, Martina McBride, and many more.  Ron Baird died from complications of Parkinson’s Disease on February 3, 2011.  He was 60.

Thanks to Jon Grimson for the assist.



Died On This Date (June 10, 2010) Barbara Skydel / Veteran Booking Agent

Barbara Skydel
DOB Unknown – June 10, 2010

Barbara Skydel was a well-known and respected booking agent for the better part of the last forty years.  She began her career with Premier Talent Agency where she immediately proved her worth by taking on Led Zeppelin’s legendary 1969 U.S. west coast tour.  Skydel soon found herself working with such acts as Bruce Springsteen, Grand Funk Railroad, Van Halen, U2, and Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers.  By the mid ’80s, she was a partner at the firm, which by then was one of the biggest in the world.  As the first female executive at a major talent agency, Skydel earned the respect of both peers and artists alike.  No less than U2’s Bono had referred to her as “Aunty Barbara.”  In 2002, Premier merged with the William Morris Agency where Skydel remained as Senior Vice President until her retirement in 2009.  Later acts that she handled included Sebastian Bach, the Pretenders, Keith Richards and the Who.  Barbara Skydel passed away on June 10, 2010.  Cause of death was not immediately released.