We use cookies in the following ways: (1) for system administration, (2) to assess the performance of the website, (3) to personalize your experience, content and ads, (4) to provide social media features, and (5) to analyze our traffic. You consent to our cookies if you continue to use our website. Please consult instructions for your web browser to disable or block cookies, or to receive a warning before a cookie is stored on your computer or mobile device. Read our Privacy Policy.

Back to Oral History
  • Oral History

Jack Stapp

August 8, 1972 OH373 95 min.
Share

Biography


Radio and music publishing executive. Born December 8, 1912. Died December 20, 1980. Full name: Jack Smiley Stapp. Career most active late 1930s-1970s. Program director for radio station WSM in Nashville, 1939-1958. Program director for WKDA Nashville, 1958-1964. Co-founder of music publishing giant Tree Music. Served as president of Tree 1967-1974 and chairman of the board, 1974-1980. Member, Country Music Hall of Fame®.

Interview Summary

1972 August 8
(1 hour, 35 minutes)
Radio and music publishing executive Jack Stapp gives an overview of his career. Discussion includes his start in radio; joining CBS radio and his experiences as the evening network manager; his move to assistant production manager for CBS; his recruitment by WSM Nashville; assuming the position of program director at WSM; forming the WSM staff orchestra; the start of the Sunday Down South radio program; WSM’s network programs; his work in the military during World War II; the start of Tree Publishing Company; his resignation from WSM; producing the Jim Reeves Show; joining WDKA Nashville; the growth of Tree; important writers for Tree, including Roger Miller and Curly Putnam; changes in country music; changes in the atmosphere of the Nashville music industry from the late 1940s to the early 1970s; comments on the importance of the Grand Ole Opry to country artists; obtaining television coverage of the Country Music Association’s CMA Awards Show; and general comments on the industry.