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  • Oral History

David Cobb

August 18, 1983 OHC63 216 min.
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Biography


Radio announcer. Born 1912. Died December 1988. Career active late 1930s-early 1970s. Radio announcer for WSM Nashville. Announced pop and country programs, including the Grand Ole Opry. Best known for his phrase “Music City, U.S.A.”

Interview Summary

1983 August 18
(3 hours, 36 minutes)
WSM radio personality David Cobb discusses his career starting in the 1930s. Discussion includes his start in radio; working at WMC Memphis; moving to WSM Nashville; early WSM personnel; early WSM sponsors; the “Music City USA” phrase; early WSM programming; announcing the Grand Ole Opry; Opry performers; early non-country musical styles on WSM; early Opry sponsors; and the WSM programming list from 1943.