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: All Star Western Theater Arthur Smith's Corner Store Bailes Brothers Bill Ring Show Checkerboard Fun Fest Chuck Wagon Jamboree ...
It's a shame it's not on the air today!! Watch out for Beulah the Buzzer!
ReplyDeleteAt one time, i owned the show that was broadcast from a town in new mexico called warm springs. they told ralph edwards if he would do a remote from their town, they would re-name there town, truth or consequences, new mexico. he did and they did. I think Truth or Consequences could be brought back if enough people want to see it on TV.
Day-time is engaged in a higher form of entertainment...SOAP OPERAS!
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