If you regularly tune in to WSM radio, you probably have heard of Eddie Stubbs. Stubbs has been a part of WSM and has also been the third longest-tenured host of the Grand Ole Opry. But on Tuesday, July 21, Eddie Stubbs announced that he would be retiring from the Opry and from the network. So before Stubbs’ last and final sign off on July 31, let us look at his 25-year career with WSM.
From a Fiddle Player to Being the Third-longest Host in the Grand Ole Opry
During his first visit to Nashville, Eddie Stubbs traveled with the queen of country Kitty Wells and her husband Johnnie Wright. Fortunately for Stubbs, everything immediately fell in its place. Just a week after arriving in the music city, Stubbs got an offer to work part-time for WSM. This was followed by his audition for the announcer role on the Grand Ole Opry.
Eddie Stubbs may not hold a record of number one hit songs, but he has surely made his voice heard well in Opry. Dan Rogers, the vice president and the executive producer of the Grand Ole Opry, recognized the contributions and the legendary moments Stubbs has contributed over the years.
Stubbs has been this generation’s voice for country music. His conversations with country music legends Merle Haggard, Ray Price, Connie Smith, Marty Stuart, and others have given fans some access to know more about their favorite country artists’ personal lives and recent endeavors. Now that he’s leaving the show, it will surely be a huge hole to fill for the next Grand Ole Opry announcer.
A Career to Remember
Needless to say, Eddie Stubbs has become a pillar and symbol for the Grand Ole Opry. In as much as we want him to stay longer, it would probably be the best time to give him our warm send-offs. For Stubbs, his career is one of the best blessings he ever received in the past 25 years. He said that all the experiences and friendships he gained through Opry are more than enough reasons for him to be grateful forever.
In addition to the impact he has brought to the music scene, and the relationships he built with various legendary artists, Stubbs has also gained much recognition for himself. In 2002, he won the Large Market Broadcast Personality of the year. Ten years after, Stubbs received the highest honor in becoming one of the youngest, living members of the Country Radio Hall of Fame.