GROWING UP WITH RADIO IN NASHVILLE
When I was growing up in Nashville we only had AM radio stations. The most popular stations were WSM, WLAC, WENO, WSIX, WKDA and WMAK. WSM was the home of the Grand Ole Opry. It was a 50,000 watt powerhouse and at night and it could be heard all over North America and nearby countries. WSM was also nicknamed the "The Air Castle of the South" This was a huge factor in spreading the popularity of country music. Especially with the military during WW2. I didn't become a fan of country music until about the age of 17. After getting off work I would listen to a late night talk show hosted by Ralph Emory. He would interview country music stars and play the latest country hits. I would lay on the front seat of my car and listen to the show late into the night. WENO was in Madison, a suburb of Nashville. It was our only other Country music station besides WSM and WSIX.. WLAC was also a 50,000 watt powerhouse which could be heard over vast areas at night. There were three white ...