Emery, Walter Ralph, 1933-2022, American country music broadcaster, b. McEwen, Tn. Commonly recognized as the "Dick Clark" of country radio, Emery helped legitimatize and popularize the genre over his six-decade career. He began broadcasting for Nashville's WSM (home of the Grand Ole Opry) in 1957 during the late evening hours, and became known for his genial, relaxed presence, attracting many prominent country performers to drop in for an interview. Eventually he began a related TV show, moving to local early morning TV (1972-91), while also hosting the nationally syndicated "Pop Goes the Country" (1974-80) and then his successful cable show, "Nashville Now" (1983-93). Emery continued to broadcast into the 21st century, including the TV show "Ralph Emery Live," which was subsequently renamed "Ralph Emery's Memories" (2007-15). He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame (2007) and the National Radio Hall of Fame (2010).
See his memoirs, Memories (1991, with T. Carter) and
More Memories (1993, with T. Carter); The View
from Nashville (1998, with P.B. Cox), Fifty Years Down
A Country Road (2000, with P.B. Cox).
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