Inducted 2009

Benefactor: The Harper Agency

Don Light, a former Grand Ole Opry drummer, managed Billboard's Nashville office before establishing Don Light Talent in 1965 as the first agency to book Southern Gospel groups. His first groups were the Happy Goodman Family and The Oak Ridge Boys. He later added groups like the Florida Boys, Rambos and the Cathedrals. 

He co-founded the Gospel Music Association and was the first Chairman of the Board in 1965. In 1968 he served as President of the Nashville Grammy Chapter. 

In the early '70s, Don moved into artist management, working with Jimmy Buffett, Delbert McClinton, Keith Whitley, Steve Wariner, Mark Collie and others.  In 1974 he was awarded the Founders Award from the National Association for Campus Activities that is presented to an individual who, throughout their affiliation have given continued and outstanding service to the organization, have exemplified the standards of professional integrity and conduct, have achieved stature in their professional or academic pursuits, hold the esteem of colleagues and peers, and have worked to further the field of campus activities programming. 

He currently manages Dailey & Vincent and The Steep Canyon Rangers.  He is past President of the Nashville chapter of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, co-founder of the Sound & Speed event, which benefits the Country Music Hall Of Fame, and the Victory Junction Gang, and also serves on the board of the Country Music Hall of Fame, as well as the International Bluegrass Music Association.  

In 2005 Don Light was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and was the recipient of the Living Legend Award in 2007 at the Grand Ole Gospel Reunion.