Bob Kingsley Presents Series At The Bluebird Cafe Will Honor Radio Legends
(Nashville, Tennessee – July 21, 2025) – To commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Country Radio Hall of Fame (CRHOF), a series of special programs will launch during the week of the annual induction ceremony, including a new 24/7 streaming channel (available to experience here) and a three-night songwriter series at Nashville’s iconic Bluebird Cafe presented by The Bob Kingsley Estate.
Kicking off today, July 21, the “Legends of Country Radio” streaming channel is now available on WSM Radio’s digital platforms, in celebration of their 100 years of excellence in radio. The channel will serve as a lasting tribute to the legendary voices and timeless songs that have defined country music. Legends Of Country Radio will showcase a curated blend of classic country hits, rare archived audio, decades of stories from Hall of Famers, and timeless syndicated programs. Included in the initial lauch are replays of Bob Kingsley’s Country Top 40, Bob Kingsley Specials, Coffee Country & Cody hosted by WSM’s Bill Cody, and more. Also featured is New Music Nashville produced and hosted by Bob Guerra, along with interviews from The Bob Guerra Archives. Guerra donated his archive of produced shows and interviews to Country Radio Broadcasters in 2024.
The launch coincides with the Country Radio Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and will be spotlighted during the event’s cocktail reception and dinner, hosted by Bill Cody. Access more of WSM Radio’s content here.
Eric Marcum, General Manager – WSM Radio shared, “With Legends of Country Radio, we’re creating an eternal home for these larger-than-life personalities, who didn’t just entertain, they made history. It’s more than nostalgia; it’s about preserving the spirit of country radio for generations to come.”
Following the launch, The Bluebird Cafe will host a special Bob Kingsley Presents series from July 22–24 at 9:00 PM CT, honoring influential figures in country radio:
- Tuesday, July 22 – An Evening Honoring Lon Helton
- Featuring Matraca Berg, Steve Bogard & Friends
- Wednesday, July 23 – An Evening Honoring Nan & Bob Kingsley
- Featuring Steven Dale Jones, Will Robinson, Bobby Tomberlin, and D. Vincent Williams
- Thursday, July 24 – An Evening Honoring RJ Curtis
- Featuring The Warren Brothers, Rhett Akins, and Lori McKenna
“The Bluebird Cafe is known as a songwriters’ venue, where songs and songwriters are celebrated. Throughout his broadcast career, in like fashion, Bob Kingsley showcased, not only the recording artists in the genre, but also the creators whose songs have put artists on the charts and on the air,” shared Erika Nichols, COO/GM of The Bluebird Cafe. “Recognizing Lon and RJ, along with Bob and Nan Kingsley, reflects not only the importance of radio to Country Music but acknowledges those current broadcast figures who have followed in Bob and Nan’s footsteps, elevating the songwriter. We are honored to present this series at The Bluebird Cafe.”
These events celebrate the remarkable contributions of each honoree to the fabric of country radio and the broader music industry, while offering intimate songwriter performances that reflect their impact.
The Country Radio Hall of Fame Induction and Dinner will be held on Monday, July 21, 2025, at the Virgin Hotel Nashville. The CRHOF not only honors the 2025 inductees but will also pay tribute to the voices and visionaries who have shaped country radio for half a century. This celebration will recognize Big D & Bubba, Mary McCoy, and Rowdy Yates in the On-Air Personality category, and Ginny “Rogers” Brophey, Clay Hunnicutt, and Gregg Swedberg in the Radio category. These honorees exemplify the dedication and influence the Hall has recognized over its storied five-decade history.
In addition, Jon Loba, President of Frontline Recordings for BMG Americas, will be recognized during the evening as the recipient of the 2025 CRB President’s Award. The CRB President’s Award is presented to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and played a vital role in shaping the success of the Country Radio Seminar (CRS) and its mission to advance the country radio format.
For more information on the Country Radio Hall of Fame and the 50th Anniversary celebrations, visit www.countryradioseminar.com.
For those in the Country radio world interested in donating archives of programming and interviews to Country Radio Broadcasters for preservation and exposure via the Legends Of Country Radio channel, contact RJ Curtis at rj@crb.org.
