Do We Let AM Radio Die?

AM radio was our first love. Sure was mine. That tiny transistor radio under my pillow after the lights were turned out. That little radio took my imagination to Nashville for WSM and WLAC, to St Louis’ KMOX, Chicago’s WLS, KAAY Little Rock sometimes, WSB Atlanta and WWL New Orleans.

Southerners turned that dial, and we were transported to another world. You lucky West coast folks got KHJ or KFRC and KYA. NYCers got WABC and WMCA.

We children of the ’50s and ’60s lived for AM radio! Rush Limbaugh saved AM in the ’90s and early 2000s, but now it’s on death’s door. The electric carmakers say no AM radios, because it costs too much to stop the electrical interference.

Country radio was built on AM radio and, yes, new technology has pushed us all farther. But should we abandon a loyal partner? AM works when cell phone towers are impotent. We’ve seen that in a tornado aftermath.

Anyway, some of you might not have known about the EV (electric vehicle) folks not offering AM radio. I’m telling you because it’s still my friend, and I don’t think it’s a good thing to let it die. That’s for national security reasons, first of all. But it needs help!

AM was there, but FM was growing in 1983 when The Oak Ridge Boys released “American Made.” It was a big #1, now celebrating its 40th birthday. Remember, the song became a Budweiser commercial too? The Oaks just keep on rolling.

Kenny Chesney is back on the road this weekend. His team looks ready, and the Luke Combs team heads to Dallas for a huge stadium show at Jerry’s World, AT&T Stadium in Arlington, on Saturday night (3/25), the first of many for Luke in the next few months. Luke’s new album is out today (3/24). That’s a busy week!

Morgan Wallen’s newest album continues to sell strong, and remains #1 on the Billboard 200. “One Thing At A Time” has multiple hits already. “Last Night” and the title track are the breakout songs. Wallen is wrapping shows in Melbourne, Australia.

Garth Brooks has a number of special shows coming up. The newest is at his alma mater, Oklahoma State University, with two shows April 14th and 15th. One is for just students and the other for alumni and donors. It’s all for the launch of a new scholarship program. The goal is to reach $1 million.

Garth has a special show in Austin soon, April 27th. The 11th annual “Mack, Jack & McConaughey” show is sold out, of course. Funds raised at MJ&M will support CureDuchenne, Dell Children’s Medical Center, HeartGift, just keep livin Foundation and The Rise School of Austin. Mack is coaching legend Mack Brown, Jack is Jack Ingram, and you know the other guy.

Blake Shelton is on his goodbye ride in “The Voice” world. Still no one set to fill his seat. The show is getting 6.3 million viewers and is still strong. “American Idol” has 4.7 million. On Sunday night, the bulk of the audience is streaming and not watching network television. But more than 11 million people are watching these talent shows (both shows combined).

Real quick: There’s a new Dolly Parton hardcover book coming, “Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones.” It’s about the Dolly style with lots of pictures. Out October 17th at $50.00.