“Marion Deaton’s Tribute to Willie Nelson” With The Smooth Willie Show Band
The spotlight glows on center stage. The band vamps the familiar intro to “Whiskey River”. Onto the stage steps Marion Deaton. As he takes the microphone and sings, “Whiskey river take my mind……..”, a restless energy sweeps over the audience. You hear the same thing being repeated all over the room!
“He Looks Just Like Willie!” “Darn, He Sounds Just Like Willie!”
It happens the same way every night, every performance, all across the country. this is Marion Deaton’s tribute to music legend, Willie Nelson. Marion is a road savvy musician with a 30 year track record as a drummer, bandleader, and singer. He grew up in rural Arkansas playing music with local bands who grew up to be  music heroes; including one of the first Rock & Roll Bands, the Original ‘Shades’ and Hughey Brothers (Conway Twitty’s Band). Over the years he has appeared with hundreds of music greats including Neil Sedeka, Roy Orbison, Ronnie Millsap, Gene Pitney,  Bobby Vinton, Percy Sledge, and Bonnie Bramlett.  Whether he is appearing on a national telecast or in a more intimate venue, men and women alike are attracted by his laid back charm. Marion recreated Willie Nelson’s greatest hits spanning four decades of musical rebellion and excellence leaving audiences of all ages delighted!
Over the years Marion has played with Percy Slegde, Ace Cannon, Roy Orbison, Neil Sedaka, Gene Pitney, Dell Shannon, Bruce Chanel, Bobby Vee, Bobby Vinton, Jimmy Clanton, Dicky Lee, Rufus Thomas, Gee Gee Shinn, John Smith, Gene Simmons, and Ronnie Millsap, to name a few.
Marion, now affectionately called Smooth Willie, searched the country for the best pickers available and formed The Smooth Willie Band.  They are currently appearing all over the globe*, performing with the respect one Road Warrior has for another.