Pierce, Don

Pierce, Don (10 Oct 1915–) A skilled marketer, Don Pierce (born in Ballard, Washington) ran one of the few truly successful independent country record labels, Starday. After his discharge from the Navy in 1945, Pierce worked in the sales department of 4-Star Records in Los Angeles until 1953. In September 1953, Pierce joined the fledgling Starday Records, eventually becoming president. He moved the label to Nashville in 1957, and assumed sole control in 1958. He signed artists jettisoned by the…