The Birth of WSM Radio and the Grand Ole Opry: Tennessee and Music City USA w/ Craig Havighurst (Pt. 2)

Started by the National Life and Accident Insurance Company in 1925, WSM became one of the most influential and exceptional radio stations in the history of broadcasting and country music. WSM gave Nashville the moniker “Music City USA” as well as a rich tradition of music, news, and broad-based entertainment. With the rise of country music broadcasting and recording between the 1920s and ‘50s, WSM, Nashville, and country music became inseparable, stemming from WSM’s launch of the Grand Ole Opry, popular daily shows like Noontime Neighbors, and early morning artist-driven shows such as Hank Williams on Mother’s Best Flour. 

Join us as we sit down with Craig Havighurst and talk all things Nashville, radio, and country music in American culture.