James Dee Anderson, Sr., known as “Deacon” Anderson, was a singer, songwriter, and steel guitarist whose life and career were rooted in Southeast Texas. Born and raised in Highlands, Texas, he later moved to the Groves–Port Arthur area after marrying his wife, Rita Hinds Anderson. A deeply religious man, he earned the nickname “Deacon,” which remained with him throughout his life and career.

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Anderson was active in the Texas Gulf Coast music scene for decades. He operated a recording studio in Port Neches, Texas, and worked for Swicegood Music, where he tuned and delivered pianos—an extension of his lifelong, hands-on connection to music. As a performer and steel guitarist, he played with numerous regional musicians and bands, contributing significantly to western swing and country music in the area.

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While serving as a sergeant in the U.S. Army during World War II, Anderson co-wrote the song “Ragg-Mopp” with western swing bandleader Johnnie Lee Wills. First recorded in 1949, the song became a national novelty hit and was later recorded by more than thirty-five artists, achieving chart success multiple times. Anderson also wrote additional western swing and country songs, including “Red Hot Flame” and “I Hate to See You Cry.”

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In recognition of his contributions to music, Anderson was inducted into multiple halls of fame, including the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame, the Port Arthur Hall of Fame, and the Music Hall of Fame in Vidor, Texas. He was also an endowed member of the Masonic Lodge in Port Arthur.

James Dee Anderson, Sr. passed away in 2011 and is remembered not only as a gifted musician and songwriter, but as a generous, faith-centered man whose warmth, humor, and love of music left a lasting impression on his family and on the cultural history of Southeast Texas.

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Deacon Anderson’s legacy extended beyond his own accomplishments and deeply shaped the next generation of his family. His lifelong dedication to music—through songwriting, performance, studio work, and piano craftsmanship—created an environment where music was not just an interest, but a way of life. That foundation directly influenced his son, James Dee Anderson, Jr., who grew up immersed in this musical world and carried those lessons forward into his own professional career. Deacon’s emphasis on musicianship, discipline, and integrity helped instill the skills and confidence that enabled his son to perform on regional and national stages, including touring work with Rick Springfield in the early 1980s. In this way, Deacon Anderson’s impact lived on not only through his recordings and songs, but through the musical path he helped make possible for the next generation.