Canada’s music industry honors Montreal entrepreneur Donald K. Tarlton
The passing of the legendary Montreal entrepreneur, Donald K. Tarlton, also known as Donald K. Donald or ‘Deke’ to his friends, on April 13 has left a lasting impact on the Canadian music industry. His long and successful career as a multi-faceted entrepreneur greatly influenced many in the music business. Since his passing, tributes and anecdotes celebrating his life have poured out from colleagues, peers, artists, and admirers who were touched by his work.
One of Tarlton’s significant relationships was with Terry Flood, who shared insights into Tarlton’s rise as a music business entrepreneur. Flood noted Tarlton’s love for music, his natural ability to connect with people, and his salesmanship. Starting as a DJ at a young age, Tarlton’s career blossomed when he began booking local bands. His partnership with Flood in a teenage discotheque marked the beginning of their successful business endeavors together. Tarlton gradually transitioned into promoting concerts, eventually taking over big shows at the Montreal Forum with a groundbreaking profit-sharing arrangement with the Molson brothers.
Keith Brown, who succeeded Flood as the president of Aquarius Records, fondly remembered Tarlton as the head of a family. Their time working together at Aquarius Records created a close-knit community that viewed Tarlton as a family member. Norman Perry, a renowned Canadian concert promoter turned music merchandising mogul, reflected on Tarlton’s pivotal role in his career. Perry credited Tarlton and Michael Cohl for giving him the opportunity to establish Perryscope Concert Productions, a major enterprise that he is proud of to this day.
Perry’s journey in the music business began at a young age in Montreal, where he started booking bands at his high school. Introduced to Tarlton by Bob Rags (Ramaglia), who later managed Corey Hart, Perry initially had reservations about the acts on Tarlton’s roster. However, he soon found himself deeply involved in the production and touring side of Tarlton’s business. Perry’s experience working with Tarlton laid the foundation for his future success, which culminated in the launch of Perryscope Concert Productions in Vancouver with Tarlton and Cohl’s support.
Tarlton’s legacy as a visionary music entrepreneur lives on through the heartfelt tributes and stories shared by those who knew him. His impact on the Canadian music industry and the lives of many young entrepreneurs and artists he mentored is a testament to his enduring influence. Donald K. Tarlton’s contributions to the music world will be cherished and remembered by all who were fortunate enough to have known and worked with him.