Mike Tussey: Be it know far and wide — October is National Country Music Month

Today on this 9th day of October – Country Music Month – millions will celebrate throughout the next 22 days in many different ways. The rich history of country music goes back 100 years ago to 1924 when Vernon Dalhart recorded “Wreck of the Old ‘97.”

Following close behind in 1927 many would say the actual moment when country music was born was when Jimmie Rodgers became successful nationally and became “The Father of Country Music.”

For the next two decades of the 30’s and 40’s country music made its way into cowboy films and the rest is history.

Depending on your generation of being a country music lover, your favorite vocalists vary for sure. Highlighting this month of love for country music is the annual Country Music Association Awards which are presented to the artists and broadcasters for their achievements within the industry.

The CMA Awards shows began October 20, 1967, with an untelevised ceremony in Nashville. Entertainer of the Year went to Eddy Arnold. One year later in 1968, I was there representing WTCR sitting in the 4th row and watching NBC announcer Ed Herlihy open up the live telecast from the Ryman Theater downtown Nashville.

Since then, the awards over the years have moved from the Ryman to the new Grand Ole Opry House, Madison Square Garden, and back to Music City – Nashville. The Ryman is known as the “Home of American Music” and the Grand Ole Opry as “The Mother Church of Country Music.”

However, since 2017, the ceremonies have moved to the 2nd Wednesday of November which leaves Country Music Month in October outside looking in.

Over the early decades of country music the style reflected that of square dances and cowboys.

By the 1950’s, an icon by the name of Hank Williams whose persona took country music to a new and exciting level of new style which America loved. Sadly, Hank passed away at the age of 29.

Through the 50’s seemingly legend after legend made their way into history. Icons such as Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, Ernest Tubb, Kitty Wells, Roy Drusky, Ray Price, Jim Reeves, Marty Robbins, Webb Pierce and Faron Young.

By the late 60’s there was a stunning change on the horizon of country music. It came to be known nationally as “THE NASHVILLE SOUND.” This new concept included lush orchestration with tremendous back up vocalists. It was all done while accenting the incredible talents of the 60’s such as: Glen Campbell, Johnny Cash, George Jones, Tammy Wynette, Jack Greene, Merle Haggard, Tom T Hall, Sonny James, Conway Twitty, Dolly Parton, Skeeter Davis, Mel Tillis, Buck Owens, Johnny Paycheck, Dave Dudley, Red Sovine and Jack Reno just to name a few.

At this time in 1967, I became Program Director of AM 1420 WTCR with 5,000 powerful watts of the all new Nashville Sound as “Mike Todd.” I can vividly remember the little station with a huge sound on Route 60 West of Ashland and one of our staff – Wayne Bowman who shares his 1968 memories as well: “Looking back, it’s hard to believe that it was 56 years ago when I became part of the all new WTCR playing the “Nashville Sound” as a part timer. I was just 18 then and my shift was from 6 pm to sunset and working Sundays. For that day, I WAS THE RADIO STATION.” After the preachers were finished by late afternoon I got to DJ some playing the great country music of our day. I had a ball even though it was a 15 hour day. I often wondered why they trusted an 18 year old kid with all that responsibility. Sundays it was just me and the station. It really got boring.

“I remember the other Sunday morning DJs from WKEE and WCMI would conference call during our long taped programs to keep our sanity. My time at WTCR was just about 15 months and the time passed quickly. Even though most of the staff has passed on now except our PD Mike Todd and Greg Elliot, it’s 50 years late maybe, but THANKS for attending my mom’s funeral and for being a lifelong friend while we all made memories for a lifetime.”

Country Music Month annually spawns some of the greatest memories of my life and career. Many of those memories reflect the late 60’s when the famed month coincided with – The National DJ Convention held at the same time in Music City. This meant that thousands of DJs across America made the trek not only to meet Country Music’s elite talent; but also to spend time with their colleagues as well.

When the sun sets in Music City and its Country Music Month celebration time that coincides with the National DJ Convention – IT’S PARTY TIME. The Hotels hosted suites from all the major labels of the industry. From RCA to Dot; the major recording labels hosted hospitality rooms featuring their top artists ready to mingle with the crowd. If you were a DJ, this is where you wanted to be.

In 1995, I was given an opportunity to return to AM 1420 WTCR to reprise my award winning morning show – “Mike in the Morning.” My return would spotlight the incredible country classic hits I played 30 years earlier. Quickly, I was off to Branson, Missouri to broadcast and promote my WTCR Morning Show. The Grand Plan was to meet and interview Super Stars such as – Glen Campbell, Mickey Gilley, Charlie Pride and Mel Tillis at their respective theaters.

I left Branson after nearly a week and while driving home, I realized what a tremendous honor it was to have spent nearly an hour with each of the four legends. Today, sadly each one of these icons of country music have passed on over the last several years.

Country Music has moved into the 21st century. The country music of today certainly does not replicate the country music of the last century. However, another generation today loves every minute they hear their favorite artists and songs. You know what? That’s great.

The 2024 CMA Awards Show was held on Thursday, May 16 in Texas with emcee and host Reba McEntire as it was televised on ABC. Lainey Wilson won the 2024 Entertainer of the Year Award, Chris Stapleton won 3 awards and Luke Combs won the Single of the Year Award.

Enjoy Country Music Month while remembering the many incredible legends that have paved the way of country music history.

Now, just for fun, dig out those old CDs you have and turn up the sound.

Mike Tussey has “retired” from a 60-plus-year career as a legendary play-by-play announcer for over 2000 football, baseball, and basketball games, including most recently for ESPN+. His career also includes a stint in law enforcement, teaching and coaching, and writing books, including the “Touchdown Saints.” He grew up in Eastern Kentucky and now lives in Florence with his wife, Jo. He has opened another “Door of Opportunity” and is now a regular columnist for the NKyTribune.

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