Ray Davis signs off

Ray DavisThis afternoon, September 30, will mark the final broadcast for Ray Davis, host on WAMU’s Bluegrass Country, and a 65 year veteran of the radio industry in and around Washington, DC.

Davis has voiced the station’s 3:00-6:00 p.m. time slot for many years and enjoys an enthusiastic and loyal audience of listeners. He joined WAMU in 1985, and will be missed for his wit and personality, not to mention his deep knowledge of the history of bluegrass music and the artists, songwriters and characters that bring it to life.

Ray’s following was once limited to the area around our nation’s capitol, but the advent of online streaming has won him fans around the world. Prior to coming to WAMU, he had worked in both Dover, Delaware and Baltimore, MD. He will remain in West Virginia during his retirement.

Station Program Director Chris Tesky, tells us that he will juggle the schedule a bit until a new host can be hired. Lee Michael Dempsey will temporarily move into Ray’s spot, Tesky will take Dempsey’s, and Erin Stamper will host Chris’ Thursday slot.

WAMU is currently looking to hire a new host, a full time job in their DC headquarters. Interested parties are requested to contact Tesky by email.

Ray Davis fans had better make plans now to catch his last show this afternoon, 3:00-6:00 p.m. at 105.5 FM in Washington, DC, 93.5 FM in Frederick and Hagerstown, MD, or online at bluegrasscountry.org.

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About the Author

John Lawless

John had served as primary author and editor for The Bluegrass Blog from its launch in 2006 until being folded into Bluegrass Today in September of 2011. He continues in that capacity here, managing a strong team of columnists and correspondents.