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  • Oral History

Ralph Emery

May 28, 1991 OHC92 80 min.
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Biography


Radio and television personality. Born March 10, 1933. Career most active late 1950s-1990s. One of the best-known broadcasters in country music history. Began his long service with WSM Nashville in 1957. His broadcasting credits include the Ralph Emery Show (1972-1991), Pop Goes the Country (1974-1990), and Nashville Now (1983-1993). Member, Country Music Hall of Fame®.

Interview Summary

1991 May 28
(1 hour, 20 minutes)
Radio and television personality Ralph Emery talks about the career of Patsy Cline. Discussion includes memories of Cline during her early career; the release of “I Fall to Pieces”; her association with Four Star; his experiences interviewing Cline; the music community’s reaction to her fatal plan crash; her memorial service at the Grand Ole Opry; his role as a DJ in breaking her hits; the influence of Cline on the performance of other female singers; and the image she helped to generate for women in country music. Interview includes a tape playback of a prior Emery interview with Loretta Lynn discussing her memories of Patsy Cline.