Al Weekley (“Big Al”) was born in Ravenswood, West Virginia, right next to the Ohio River. Big Al first realized he wanted to be a part of the radio industry in 1987 when the Bluegrass band he was playing with was invited to play a live show at Ohio University’s radio station, WOUB FM. After the show, he was watching a disc jockey spin records and mentioned to the manager standing nearby that being a DJ “looks like fun.” The two talked for a while about the profession and the manager, interested in his passion for the craft, arranged for Al to come down to to the studio the next week to check things out. The rest as they say…is history. Big Al got his start in radio and worked at WOUB FM for four years.
Shortly after beginning his first career in radio at Ohio University, Al had the opportunity to also have his show “The Big Al Bluegrass Show” aired on his hometown radio station, WMOV 1360 AM. Weekley would go on to host “The Big Al Bluegrass Show” for fifteen years. “The Big Al Bluegrass Show” has also been broadcast on West Virginia’s WOTR 96.3 FM since 2012.
Over the years, Big Al Weekley gained experience through a variety of positions in radio, including the role of music director at WMOV. In 1999, Big Al landed a job at Lexington, Nebraska’s 50,000 watt radio station KRVN 880 AM. Located in the heart of the American agriculture scene, KRVN broadcasts over 16 states. Big Al Weekley began working with Music Charts Magazine® two years ago, interviewing legendary musicians from various genres of music with an emphasis on Country and Bluegrass music. He has spoken with names such as Joanne Cash/Yates (the sister of Johnny Cash), Lynn Anderson, Razzy Bailey, Styx, Mac Wiseman, Bobby Osborne, The Kentucky Headhunters, Herald Bradley, Tiffany, Jack Blanchard & Misty Morgan, Rhonda Vincent and more.
Also a musician and songwriter, Big Al Weekley has recorded throughout his career with Dave Dudley, Leroy Van Dyke, as well as a variety of Bluegrass stars, and recently had a song recorded by Bluegrass legend Larry Sparks.
Big Al has been the master of ceremonies for many Country and Bluegrass festivals, something he truly enjoys doing. He has been very involved with various charities, community and non-profit organizations to help raise money for those in need.
Big Al is the first recipient of the Old Time Country and Bluegrass Music Preservation Award which was given to him by the Miles of Memories Country MusicFest in September 2013. Big Al Weekley was also inducted into the Nebraska Country Music Hall of Fame in 2013 and has been nominated as one of the IBMA Top 5 Bluegrass broadcasters twice in 2003 and 2014.
Fifteen years after starting work at KRVN, Big Al Weekley made a big move. He left KRVN radio’s 50,000 watt torch in the western skies to move to Virginia, packing his belongings into his Ford F-150 pickup truck and moving van, soon arriving in the great State of Virginia to carry out his mission. Wherever he broadcasts, one thing will remain, “Big Al” Weekley stays true to preserving the history of Bluegrass, Gospel and Country music and enjoys sharing the love of music to all that listen.
The Bluegrass Jamboree 
