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Day in the Life of Eddie Stubbs - John Dunn
FOX 17 News – By: John Dunn
It’s the oldest radio show still on the air, and it’s where country music stars shine brightest.
When the Grand Ole Opry takes the state, you can always find Eddie Stubbs behind the microphone.
He’s an announcer who is living his dream.
"Good evening how y'all doing," says Eddie Stubbs.
Eddie Stubbs might consider the Grand Ole Opry his second home.
Walking backstage he seems to speak to everyone.
“How are you doing," asks Eddie.
But it’s behind the announcer’s microphone where Stubbs really makes his voice heard.
"Good evening lades and gentlemen, could I have your attention please," says Stubbs.
On Friday night, it’s Eddie’s job to greet the Opry audience.
"Anyone with us tonight from North of the border up in Canada, raise your hand," says Stubbs.
The Grand Ole Opry is first and foremost a radio show, and Eddie Stubbs is one of its DJ’s.
"Live from the Grand Ole Opry home in Nashville, Tennessee, WSM proudly presents the Friday night Opry," says Stubbs.
But instead of records and CD’s this show is all live.
"Would you please make welcome Grand Ole Opry start Jim Ed Brown," says Stubbs.
Backstage Eddie meets a who’s who of country music, people like Connie Smith.
Down the hall, there’s Marty Roe from Diamond Rio.
"It's one big happy family, that's right. And it's your 10 year anniversary here...Congratulations! Doesn't it seem like just yesterday," says Stubbs.
And then there are the Opry Legends.
"How are you doing Mr. Dickens," says Stubbs.
Between performances Eddie takes to the stage. It’s no surprise he’s also a fan.
"Tremendous job as always," says Stubbs.
And as Little Jimmy Dickens explains from center stage, the feeling is mutual.
"And that ladies and gentlemen is the voice to what we refer to as the walking encyclopedia of country music," says Dickens.
Eddie Stubbs will be the first to admit this is his dream job.
"Always have a dream, and always follow your dreams, and dreams do come true," says Stubbs.
He speaks from experience when he meets an aspiring young singer backstage.
"Look forward to seeing you on that stage one day," says Stubbs.
Eddie’s time on stage is near an end tonight, but his day isn’t over.
"We welcome you in to WSM by request," says Stubbs.
Across the street at the Opryland Hotel he hosts his weeknight radio show.
"For the next two hours you're going to be making up the playlist for us on the show," says Stubbs.
Eddie says most of his favorite country songs come from the 40’s, 50’s, and 60’s.
On his show, he still plays records.
"Kathleen has got a song tonight down in Little Rock, Arkansas," says Stubbs.
Stubbs says he always enjoys when a young person calls to request a song. Perhaps they remind him of himself.
"It always intrigued me to read liner notes, and I wanted to know who played on those records, to make the complete package good. I'd like to know who produced it. I'd like to know who the steel guitar player was," says Stubbs.
And whether on the Opry stage, or in the studio, Stubbs surrounds himself with the music he loves.
"I'm Eddie Stubbs, good night, and God bless you," says Stubbs.
Eddie Stubbs can be heard weeknight’s on WSM 650 AM, and of course you can catch him at the Opry each Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday night.
Day in the Life of Eddie Stubbs - John Dunn
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