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Country music legend Leon S. Walton, known professionally as Leon Ashley passed
away Sunday morning at his home in Hendersonville, TN after an extended illness.
Leon Walton was born on May 18, 1936 in Mansfield, Georgia. He began his long career at age
nine performing on a local radio show.
In 1967, Leon founded Ashley Records. In that same year, he released the #1 record
“Laura (What's He Got That I Ain't Got)” making him the first country music artist
to write, publish, record, perform, and distribute a #1 recording on his own independent
record label.
He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Margie Singleton Walton, sons
Leon Walton Jr. of Covington, GA and Tommy Walton of Mansfield, GA, stepsons Stephen and
Sidney Singleton of Nashville, TN, ten grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and long-time business partner
and manager, Linda Denny.
The family will hold a private service and in lieu of flowers, requests that donations be
made to MusiCares.
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