Bluegrass Crossroads Show signs off

After 18 years on the air on WMSR Thunder Radio (1320 AM and 107.9 FM in Coffee County, TN), The Bluegrass Crossroads Show is signing off after this week’s program.

Not for lack of listener interest, or support from station management. It’s just that the rotating crew of on-air hosts have too many outside commitments, not the least of which Becky Buller’s touring schedule.

The show got its start in 1988 as the Saturday Morning Bluegrass Show, with Max Northcutt and Tom Brantley hosting. Soon Jeff Haley took Tom’s spot and Dennis Flatt and Kraig Smith started sharing hosting duties with Becky Buller. Becky says that the crew had a family atmosphere and all enjoyed working together, and before long she was managing the show, and married to Haley!

“When Jeff and I started dating, he invited me to come down to the station to be interviewed. I thought the whole thing was so much fun, I got in there and just kinda took it over: created a Facebook page, signed us up to chart, started booking more interviews… Bless the fellers for hanging in there with me!

That was 9 years ago already; I can’t believe it’s been that long! Our co-hosts, Dennis Flatt and Kraig Smith, set Jeff and I up by introducing us at a BBQ/bluegrass pickin’; we got engaged at the station. When Romy came along, I’d drag her down to the station while I put the show together, that was until I figured out how to do it from home.

It’s been such a part of our lives for a long time that it’s very hard to let go. We’re all so busy these days, though, and really needed a break. Hopefully, this is only a hiatus from radio.

Thanks to all the labels and bands for providing us top-notch music to spin and thanks to all the folks who tuned in faithfully from around the Manchester, Tenn., area, the country and the world every week for the last 18 years.”

Their final program aired last night, but there are two special rebroadcasts set for this weekend.