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 (January 25, 2011) Buddy Charleton / Pedal Steel Great

Buddy Charleton
March 6, 1938 – January 25, 2011

Buddy Charleton was a highly respected steel guitar player who is perhaps best remembered for his days playing in Ernest Tubb’s Texas Troubadours.  Charleton was just 23 when he began playing with Tubb, and he would continue to perform live and on record with his band until 1973.  He then went on to become a sought-after instructor and session player for the likes of Garth Brooks, George Strait, and Reba McIntire.  Buddy Charleton was 72 when he passed away on January 25, 2011.  He had been battling lung cancer.

 



Died On This Date (February 3, 2009) Tom Brumley / Steel Guitar Great

Tom Brumley
December 11, 1935 – February 3, 2009

brumleyTom Brumley was an accomplished steel guitarist who played with two of California’s most beloved recording artists, Buck Owens and Rick Nelson.  As part of Owens’ Buckaroos from 1963 to 1969, Brumley played on such landmark country records as “Act Naturally” and “I’ve Got a Tiger By the Tail.”  By doing so, he helped popularize the so-called “Bakersfield Sound.”  After leaving Owens, Brumley joined up with Nelson to record and perform for the better part of a decade.  His playing was instrumental in the development of Nelson’s latter-day country rock sound.  Over the course of his career, Brumley also played with the likes of Rod Stewart, Martina McBride, Waylon Jennings, and Reba McIntire.  Tom Brumley passed away on February 3, 2009 as the result of an earlier heart attack.  He was 73 years old.