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December 10, 1927: The first WSM Barn Dance Broadcast


December 10, 1927: George Hay introduce the WSM Barn Dance at The Grand Ole Opry for the first time on this day.

The Grand Ole Opry began just five years after commercial radio was born in the United States. In 1925, WSM was  formed. National Life hired  George D. Hay as WSM's first program director. Hay, started his career on radio at WLS, Chicago. He created a barn dance show. Hay called himself "The Solemn Old Judge" and launched what would become the WSM Barn Dance, along with championship fiddler Uncle Jimmy Thompson.

Hay's popular weekly broadcasts were renamed the Grand Ole Opry in 1927. When WSM radio increased the power of its transmission to 50,000 watts in 1932, the Opry, which aired every Saturday night, could be heard by most of the United States and parts of Canada.

For more great radio western music see:

Comments

  1. During the 40s and 50s we ALWAYS listened to the Grand Ol' Opry. It was on NBC Saturdays and sponsored by Prince Albert Smoking Tobacco. I never have smoked, but I still enjoy play old recordings of the "Opry." I think my best days are now behind me.

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