During a time when the news from bluegrass radio is full of sadness about shows being cancelled and legends passing on, it is a treat to announce a new program, Cold Mountain Bluegrass, broadcasting Saturday mornings on WTNW near Chattanooga, TN.
The show airs from 8:00-10:00 a.m. (CST) each Saturday, hosted by Kyle Holland. Last Saturday (January 5, 2013) was his first show, and Holland is excited about having the chance to promote bluegrass music in his part of the world. And the whole wide world as well, since WTNW cybercasts their signal online, and through the Tune In app for your smart phone.
He tells us that he will feature new and vintage bluegrass, with a Gospel segment in each show. Regional bands in the Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia and the Carolina area are especially encouraged to send him their music, as supporting “weekend warriors” will also be a focus of Cold Mountain Bluegrass.
His story of becoming fascinated with the music should be a familiar one.
“Like many kids growing up, I wanted to be a part of the band my father and granddad were a part of. Even before I was born, they played and sang in a southern Gospel group that was made up of my aunts, uncles and church members.
At the age of 8, I picked up the banjo and started to learn how to play. It wasn’t too long afterwards that my grand dad (Papaw) would also want to pull us off to the side and pick a little bluegrass. He would always say, ‘go grab the old 5-string and lets pick a few.’
My love for bluegrass music started with him and my father, always playing it at home, in the car, on Sundays or at Papaw’s house. Through the years, I got to join the band along with my cousins. Papaw played ‘the old flat top’ as he called it, and we preformed together at church homecomings, revivals, old timers days and Saturday night singings throughout Tennessee. We always tried to play at least one or two Gospel bluegrass tunes if time allowed.
It’s been several years since then and Papaw has since passed away, but he left behind a love of listening and playing bluegrass music that will forever be in my blood.
In 2013, I had a chance to start the Cold Mountain Bluegrass show and I dedicate the show to his memory. Thanks for the memories, Papaw!”
CDs can be submitted for airplay to WTNW, and mp3 files can be send by email. Kyle also subscribes to Airplay Direct, and welcomes artists and labels to send him direct links to their music.
