WSM-AM TO ADD AMERICANA MUSIC

[TheBigA]

650 WSM-AM, the 50k flamethrower of the south, is adding Americana music to its format of classic country and bluegrass. For those unfamiliar with the genre, Americana is described as American roots music based on the traditions of country and folk. It's been called alternative country or alt-country. Artists include Buddy & Judy Miller, Guy Clark, John Prine, Chris Knight, and Jim Lauderdale. Some have been getting airplay on WSM for years. Some will be new.

I wonder how longtime listeners of WSM will react to this less familiar music on a station known for classic hits from the 60s and 70s.

 

[briancraig]

Haven't they been doing this for over a year already?

 

[knoxbob]

They should listen to WPAQ out of Mount Airy, NC. They have been doing a great job for ever.

 

[TheBigA]

Haven't they been doing this for over a year already?

Selectively, but they haven't made a public commitment.

 

[NashRadio]

Knox Bob: Mt. Airy, NC, home of ____ _______.

 

[catfishal]

Haven't they been doing this for over a year already?

Selectively, but they haven't made a public commitment.

WSM started actively promoting the Americana music over a year ago. They became a reporting station for the Americana chart in January. They have been playing more newer Bluegrass music as well. The new live show, Music City Roots is going to be mostly Americana music. I think they are enhancing the sound of the station. The songs and the artists they have been playing go well with the Classic Country and the new mainstream traditional artists they play.

 

[TheBigA]

Didn't know about the reporting thing. I just saw a story promoting Music City Roots, and it said the station was going to make a commitment to Americana. Looking at the ratings, they seem to have improved since this time last year, so perhaps it has helped. Just don't know how that music fits with the fans of Jim Reeves and the Oak Ridge Boys.

 

[Sgt Preston]

650 WSM-AM, the 50k flamethrower of the south, is adding Americana music to its format of classic country and bluegrass. For those unfamiliar with the genre, Americana is described as American roots music based on the traditions of country and folk............ETC,ETC,ETC..............

[size=10pt][size=10pt][size=10pt]
& dont forget SAM BUSH![/size][/size][/size]

 

[deltas69]

Knox Bob: Mt. Airy, NC, home of andy _griffith___ _______.

 

[Bat Fastard]

Maybe it'll help the G.M. sell more custom wedding jingles.

 

[jmtillery]

This should be an interesting mix adding Americana to the current classic country and bluegrass programming. I wish WSM the absolute best of success and hope they never forget their heritage country roots.