Air Castle of the South: WSM and the Making of Music City (Music in American Life)

For me there was too much early history detail and the author almost lost me. However, I plowed through and upon reaching the ‘50s through the ‘70s eras it very much spoke to me as WSM was part of my life.My father told me while in the military just after WWII he was flying over CA one night and their radio operator was able to pick up The Grand Ole Opry on the aircraft’s radio.

I grew up in Nashville and many of the stories about WSM radio I had not hear or I learn additional information to what I knew. The history of WSM is great in how it was started and why and how it is still to this day a power house in broadcasting. It is a great read.

Author Craig Havighurst did extensive research on the history of WSM radio and the city of Nashville. It was interesting to see how the radio station helped build a city and a city helped to keep a radio station true to its roots. There are great stories from station employees and Opry legends. Anyone interested in the history of radio, history of country music or the history of the Grand Ole Opry will find, I believe, this book as an interesting and informative read.

The Legend, WSM AM 650 is without doubt the greatest radio station that ever existed anywhere. Heard in some 38 states in the evening, WSM has brought millions of hours of listening pleasure to millions of people since 1925. No other radio station even comes close to the programming and content of this great radio station. This book chronicles The Legend from it's infancy to it's prowness in today's radio world. Great reading and information for a true American icon and institution.

I worked at WSM in 1056-58. I worked on the Country Music DJ Festival, and it was the best time of my life. The book tells the story very much as I remember it. I especially loved the quotes from my former boss, Harrianne Condra. She was my idol.

This book is a fascinating, engaging read. It feels more like a great story than a history book, but is a really interesting insight into the beginnings of WSM, the early history of radio, country music, the Opry, the start of many a famous name in broadcasting, and Nashville itself. Thoroughly enjoyable, I would recommend this to every reader I know.

A chance purchase...a big fan of WSM for many years. The book highlighted many of the memorable moments I actually remember.Excellent coverage and an enjoyable read Highly recommended for the Nashville music fan or anyone who remembers these years of growth for the station.

Extremely well written and informative. Seems well researched. I lived in Nashville for part of the time covered and was already familiar with many of the people and occurrences discussed. The discussions were accurate, as I remember the events and personalities. I enjoyed reading the book very much.

If you listen to WSM650am as I do on Internet radio and iPhone which is broadcast live from Nashville every day this book tells the history of how the station got started. The names of legends that have been and gone and the struggles to keep the station on the air for 90 plus years. I loved it