The Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Bristol, VA is getting ready to launch their new radio station, WBCM. They’ve built a beautiful, modern studio, and hired a real pro in Tony Lawson to operate it. What they don’t have is a deep music library – and they are asking for help!
The concept behind the station is the same as for the museum – to celebrate the importance of Bristol’s contribution to the development of what we today call country music, including its old time and bluegrass components. From the famous Bristol Sessions in the summer of 1927, often described as the “Big Bang of Country Music,” which introduced future stars Jimmie Rodgers and The Carter Family to the world, through to today, the region containing both Bristol, Tennessee and Virginia, plus surrounding counties on either side, have contributed artists and institutions to the cause.
In fact, WCYB radio in Bristol and their Farm & Fun Time program, broadcast bluegrass far and wide during the 1950s, helping to introduce Flatt & Scruggs, The Stanley Brothers, and many others throughout multiple states.
Now WBCM wants to pick up that mantle, broadcasting primarily online, but needs to build up its music collection. They are inviting independent artists and labels to send them both current and prior recordings. They can be sent to:
WBCM
PO Box 1927
Bristol, VA, 24203
The station is also running a Kickstarter campaign, trying to raise $100,000 over the next few weeks. This video was created by WBCM Program Coordinator Kris Truelsen to spur some interest.
Find more details about WBCM on the Birthplace of Country Music web site, and the fundraising campaign on Kickstarter.
