Donald K. Tarlton | |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Donald K. Donald |
| Born | (1943-05-12)12 May 1943 Montreal, Quebec, Canada |
| Died | 13 April 2026(2026-04-13) (aged 82) |
| Occupations | Record producer, promoter |
| Labels | Last Gang Records, Aquarius |
Donald Ross Tarlton[1] CM (12 May 1943 – 13 April 2026) was a Canadian record producer and promoter. He promoted many concerts and Canadian musicians under the name Donald K. Donald.
Early life and education
Tarlton graduated from Rosemere High School in the Laurentian area and then attended Sir George Williams University (now Concordia University).[2] His interest in entertainment promotion began in his youth.
Career
In 1966, Tarlton founded Donald K. Donald Productions, a concert promotion and booking company.[3]
Tarlton was one of several people who founded the Montreal-based Aquarius Records, noted for artists such as April Wine, Corey Hart and Sum 41.[3]
Tarlton was also an occasional theatre promoter in the United States, including the Tony Award-winning Black and Blue and Tango Argentino.
In 1998, Tarlton founded the music industry promotion company Le Groupe DKD and founded several new music labels.[3]
Death
Tarlton died from Parkinson's disease on 13 April 2026, at the age of 82.[4][1]
Awards and recognition
- 1982: Félix Award, Producer of the Year[2]
- 1989: Tony Awards, Nomination, Best Musical "Black and Blue"
- 2000: Appointed Member of the Order of Canada[5][6][7]
- 2002: Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal[8]
- 2007: Walt Grealis Special Achievement Award, presented at the Juno Awards[9]
- 2012: Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal[10]
- 2015: SOCAN Special Achievement Award[11]
References
- Wheeler, Brad (30 April 2026). "Impresario Donald Tarlton brought the world's biggest acts to Montreal". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 30 April 2026.
- Rioux, Christian (2013). "Donald, Donald K.". Encyclopedia of Music in Canada. Historica Canada. Retrieved 23 August 2019.
- Larry LeBlanc (8 January 2000). "Promoter Tarlton Turns to New Labels in Canada". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. pp. 39–. ISSN 0006-2510.
- Brownstein, Bill (14 April 2026). "Brownstein: Legendary promoter Donald K. Donald loved music, and loved Montreal even more". Montreal Gazette. Retrieved 15 April 2026.
- The Right Honourable Adrienne Louise Clarkson. "Donald K. Tarlton, C.M." Ottawa: Governor General of Canada. Retrieved 16 June 2011.
- The Right Honourable Adrienne Louise Clarkson (30 September 2000). "Canada Gazette Part I, Vol. 134, No. 40" (PDF). Ottawa: Governor General of Canada. Canada Gazette. Government House. p. 5 (3069 Canada Gazette). Archived from the original (PDF) on 7 October 2011. Retrieved 16 June 2011.
- "Mr. Donald K. Tarlton". Governor-General of Canada. Retrieved 14 April 2026.
- "Mr. Donald K. Tarlton". Governor-General of Canada. Retrieved 14 April 2026.
- "Juno Awards Database". junoawards.ca. Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. Archived from the original on 4 April 2012. Retrieved 16 June 2011.
- "Donald K. Tarlton". Governor-General of Canada. Retrieved 14 April 2026.
- "2016 SOCAN Awards | SOCAN". Archived from the original on 4 November 2016. Retrieved 28 October 2016.