Radio in Tennessee began in the early 1920s, with WNOX in Knoxville in 1921, and WSM in Nashville in 1925. The latter launched the iconic Grand Ole Opry. Tennessee became a powerhouse in country and R&B, with stations like WLAC in Nashville and WIVK in Knoxville shaping national trends through high-powered, clear-channel broadcasting.
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Radio in Tennessee features a diverse mix of genres in music and entertainment. Most known for the rise of country, radio in Tennessee has roots in country, rock, bluegrass, gospel, blues, jazz and folk. The rise of news and talk radio led to partnership with syndicated shows from Tennessee around the country, and a strong high school, prep and amateur sports market exploded with major college sports and professional sports with the Titans, Predators, Grizzlies, Nashville SC, Arena Football and MiLB.
- List of Radio Stations (FCC Licensed in Tennessee) – Wikipedia
- Listen to 157 Stations in Tennessee on Radio.Net
Pioneering Stations and Music
- WNOX (Knoxville, 1921): Recognized as Tennessee’s first radio station.
- WSM-AM (Nashville, 1925): Founded by National Life and Accident Insurance Company, it became instrumental in country music by launching the Grand Ole Opry.
- WLAC (Nashville): Known for its high-powered clear-channel broadcasting, which influenced musical tastes across the nation.
- WDIA (Memphis, 1947): Became the first radio station in America to program exclusively for Black audiences, significantly influencing blues and R&B
Genre Development and Impact
- Bluegrass & Country: WROL in Knoxville (1931) served as a hub for bluegrass, featuring artists like Flatt and Scruggs, and launched the career of “Tennessee” Ernie Ford.
- Public Radio: WUOT in Knoxville (1949/1971) was a pioneer in public radio, joined later by WSMC in Collegedale and WPLN in Nashville.
- Local Culture: WDVX (1997) in East Tennessee launched in a camping trailer to celebrate mountain music and culture
Memorable Moments and Legacy
- Radio Personalities: Early radio saw performers like Dolly Parton, who was introduced on the Cas Walker show via WBIR in Knoxville.
- Live Broadcasts: WGNS in Murfreesboro (1940s-60s) famously broadcast big band music, including artists like Johnny Long, to the national Liberty Radio Network.
- Technological Evolution: WSM paved the way for television in Tennessee, launching WSMV-TV (Channel 4) in 1950
