Sol Saffian, 68; Booking Agent for Musical Stars

Sol Saffian, 68, music booking agent whose clients included Willie Nelson and Tammy Wynette, died Thursday in Nashville, Tenn., of cancer.

Saffian began his career in the mailroom at General Artists Corp. in 1958. He soon moved on to Associated Booking Corp., signing such acts as Jackie Wilson and Neil Diamond, and then to Scotti Brothers, where he began working with country music artists.

In 1970, Saffian started American Talent International with Jeff Franklin and Ira Blacker, representing Rod Stewart, ZZ Top, Three Dog Night and Steppenwolf, among others. Saffian was one of the first agents to work for equal pay and access for African American artists, and he represented several Motown artists.

Saffian capped his career at the William Morris Agency and later Buddy Lee Attractions. He worked out of Nashville from 1990 until his retirement in 1996.