From WSM Radio:
Our entire staff is saddened to hear the news of the passing of our longtime coworker and friend, Mr. Hairl Hensley.
Considered the Dean of the Grand Ole Opry announcers, Hairl's voice was heard over the WSM airways for many years. He became a member of the Country Music DJ Hall of Fame in 1995.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this time.
Rest in Peace, dear friend.
(He was very involved with not only the Opry and WSM but also with the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree, The Porter Wagoner Show, and so many others. In the late 1950's he was doing overnights on WKDA in Nashville, after which he was the program director at WLAC in Nashville. Hairl left WSM in February 2004, where he was host of the daily bluegrass show "The Orange Possum Special." He continued for several more years as an Opry announcer before retiring).
I was just thinking, and I believe that the only former Grand Ole Opry announcers who are still living are Chuck Morgan, who is still employed by the Texas Rangers, Kyle Cantrell, who can be heard on Sirius Satellite radio's bluegrass channel, and Keith Bilbrey. A rather small list.
ReplyDeleteByron,
ReplyDeleteWas there a lady that did it briefly in the early 90's? Seems I can hear Hank Snow talking to her during his portion. Maybe she only filled in but it was over a period of a few weeks if I'm thinking correct.
Although not considered an announcer, anyone know how Carol Lee is doing?
Jim
Knightsville, IN
Jim, are you maybe thinking of Nan Kelley from GAC. I know during some of the televised shows that she did do some of the introductions. Before her there was Roxanne Russell on TNN, although I think she stayed off stage.
ReplyDeleteWilma Lee Cooper, as you can remember, did the Standard Candy commercials for a while during that segment of the show. As to Carol Lee, from what I hear, she is out and about in Nashville and seems to be doing well.
Byron,
DeleteThanks for the response. I remember Nan Kelly, actually not that good of memories of those GAC days. If I recall, she was always on talking to someone I wasn't interested in while the person I wanted to see and hear was on stage!
I do not think that is who I'm remembering actually announcing on WSM. Maybe as I listen to some of my old tapes I'll come a cross a reference.
Jim
Knightsville, IN
Did Ralph Emery ever host the Opry? Or just DJ at WSM?
ReplyDeleteAs you know David, Ralph was best known for his over night radio show, "Opry Star Spotlight." However, he did do a little Opry announcing during his time at WSM. (thanks for reminding me about Ralph. He had slipped my mind.)
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ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about Mr. Hensley. What a great announcer and such an important part of the legacy of Opry and WSM. He always came across as being as big a fan of the music and the artists as those of us he was speaking with over the airwaves. Listening to him was like sitting down with a good friend and them saying “let me play you some of my favorite music”. He had such a great voice that made you pay attention yet put you at ease at the same time, and he was also a great storyteller and conveyor of country music history. Just a truly unique talent. One of the people who made the Opry and WSM so special.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year everyone!
ReplyDeleteByron I always wondered, was there bad blood per say between him and the folks at the opry and or wsm? Or did he just want to retire? He was there for so long, and survived the attempt at a format change.
Now, the only real announcer left is Eddie Stubbs! Bill and Mike are fine, but nothing special! They don't have that trusting ring in their voices. Only good ole Eddie left to us now, and I hope he stays at least as long as Mr. Turner.
I will forever remember Hairl Hensley doing the Standard Candy portion of the Opry. Referring to a Goo Goo, "Goodness gracious their good".
ReplyDeleteDon't forget Harold Weakly helping out. Mr. Acuff called them the Goo Goo twins!
DeleteJim
Knightsville, IN
Hairl Hensley was a great announcer with a warm, personable voice; we heard/saw him many times on our trips to Nashville and the Opry.
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