Beloved Music Row Security Guard Suffers Health Issues

Longtime Warner Music Nashville and Warner Chappell security guard, William Patton, has fallen on hard times after suffering three strokes and a recent car accident with his wife Minnie. He has been in and out of the hospital over the past several months and is currently in rehab.

Patton held his post from the early ’90s up until the pandemic hit in 2020. Adored by songwriters, artists, employees, industry members and guests alike, he worked at Warner Music Group in Nashville for 30 years.

Patton’s daughter Teresa has set up a fund in order to help with some the couple’s medical bills. Those wishing to contribute to the fund can do so by clicking here.

In an email to the staff, WMN Chairman and CEO John Esposito encouraged those who are able to donate. He wrote, “He was, more or less, the face of Warner Music Group in Nashville for 30 years. He enjoyed saying loudly to new hires, ‘I think you need a substantial wage increase!’ any time an executive would pass by. And he always joked about bumping his kids from the Christmas list to make room for his friends at WMN and Chappell.

“William was endlessly generous with his time and his kindness,” Esposito writes. “I ask that each of you, even those who have not yet had the pleasure of meeting him, consider contributing. If you are unable, then I encourage you to share the link with friends and family.”