Behind The Mic with Jim Fisher

Jim FisherWhen we think of “radio voices,” smooth, rich, polished tones come to mind – think Casey Kasem. Broadcaster Jim Fisher was a little surprised when, years ago, someone told him that his voice was well-suited for the radio. As he tells it, he was emceeing an event, and afterwards, was told that his voice would be perfect for the radio. Although Fisher was urged to pursue a radio show, he didn’t follow up on the idea for quite some time.

“Needless to say, it took me a long time to actually have the chance to do a broadcast,” he says. “Six years ago, I purchased a two hour DJ slot on WGCS at a benefit auction, and the rest is history.”

Although Fisher’s main job is as plant manager at Essenhaus Foods in Middlebury, Indiana, he now also co-hosts Down Home, a weekly bluegrass and folk music program on WGCS, a radio station based out of Goshen College in Indiana. The station is largely run by students and faculty at the college, although a number of community volunteers (such as Fisher) host shows throughout the week.

Fisher doesn’t dispense therapy along with the banjos and fiddles on his show, but he’s still a big believer in the healing power of music. “Music is something that can soothe our souls no matter how bad your day is going,” he says.

We recently had the chance to ask Fisher a few questions about his thoughts on bluegrass music. Here’s what he had to say.

How would you define bluegrass music as a genre?

“Bluegrass music can be defined by the instruments played and the vocal style. The instruments could include acoustic guitars, mandolins, banjos, bass guitar, dobro, fiddle and even drums. The vocal style is generally infused with four part harmony.”

What form of bluegrass do you most enjoy?

“Contemporary.”

What artists do you consider examples of the form you most enjoy?

“The Boxcars, Balsam Range, Chris Hillman, Byrd & Street.”

If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, which one would it be?

“Byrd & Street’s Words and Music.”

What album is currently in your car stereo?

“Balsam Range – Five.”

Artists who are interested in submitting their music to Fisher for airplay consideration can send a CD to him at:

18339 County Road 42
Goshen, IN 46526

If you host a bluegrass radio show and would like to participate in our chart as a weekly reporter, please fill out this form and we’ll get right back to you.

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About the Author

John Curtis Goad

John Goad is a graduate of the East Tennessee State University Bluegrass, Old Time & Country Music program, with a Masters degree in both History and Appalachian Studies from ETSU.