Annette Grady

The Bluegrass Jamboree is a dream come true for me.  Not only can I share the music I love but I get to meet so many wonderful people along the way.

How it all began:

As the granddaughter of a well-known bluegrass DJ of Eastern North Carolina, I was familiar with bluegrass but I never thought it would have any real relevance in my life. As Granddaddy approached his elder years, he felt no one would carry on the tradition of his radio program because his children, and now his grandchildren seemed to have no interest in it.

In August ’07 I was dealing with a tragic situation and felt it would be best for me to keep busy. Working 5 days a week wasn’t enough so I asked if I could sit in at the radio station while Granddaddy was on the air.  Glady, he obliged. I had forgotten about his ability to coerce someone into talking on the air. He put me on the spot and had me doing commercials my first day in the studio. When he’d grab his book of sponsors and spin it around, I knew it was my turn. I’m not sure if he got more pleasure out of watching me squirm or knowing in his heart that the tradition would continue. All I know is I am blessed to have had the best hands-on training with someone I admired, looked up to and most of all, loved.

Gallery

My Favourite Quote

“Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood.”
― Helen Keller

For two years I had the pleasure of working side by side with Chester Thompson, my Grandfather. August ’09 brought about another drastic change. Granddaddy passed away but I knew a part of him would live on, at least for as long as I could continue to carry on the legacy of the radio show.

I worked in a couple of terrestrial radio stations and learned a lot. The most important thing I learned; if you have an idea, something God implanted in your heart, get ready for it to happen because it’s inevitable.. I dreamed of having a stream where this great music could play all the time. That’s all it was, a dream, because I didn’t know how. When the word came that I was no longer permitted to do my show on the radio I decided it had been a dream long enough and it was time to take action.

I thank God, first and foremost, for the knowledge and patience I’ve acquired. I thank Him for His grace! Without it, I can’t say we’d be here today.  He has also given me the best friends, old and new, who have encouraged me, lifted me up and helped in so many ways to get the station where it is today. It’s still a work in progress but isn’t everything?

If there’s nothing else to gain from this, gain hope! Nothing is final, regardless of how dark it may seem. You’re never alone even when you feel like you have no one. And when you use the gift God has given you, amazing things happen!!  So, go out and live your dream; share your love.. and as always, God bless!!!