NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tandy Rice, a prominent businessman known for his work on and off Music Row passed away Monday. He was 76.
Rice reportedly died from respiratory failure at Centennial Hospital.
The talent agency he founded, Top Billing International, helped the careers of several country greats, including Dolly Parton, Porter Wagoner, Jim Ed Brown and Tom T. Hall.
Rice grew up in Franklin and graduated from The Citadel before becoming a Music Row success. He hosted WLAC's "Good Morning Nashville" and even co-hosted Morningline on NewsChannel 5 Plus.
NewsChannel 5 reporter Nick Beres co-hosted Morningline with Rice more than a decade ago and described him as a wonderful, interesting person who will be missed.
"He loved people and was a true believer in the values of courtesy, class and grace," Beres said. "I had lost touch with him in recent years. But every once in a while, I'd receive a little card in the mail here at work. It would be a kind note from Tandy to say 'hi' or to comment on a story I had covered. He loved people and he loved good food."
In 2014, he was honored as the very first inductee into the Nashville Association of Talent Directors Hall of Fame.
Funeral arrangements have not been announced.
