Broadcaster and Country Music Hall of Famer Ralph Emery–whose first job in radio was at WTPR in Paris–passed away today at the age of 88 in Nashville.
Emery’s family said in a statement that he ‘passed away peacefully’ surrounded by his family at Tristar Centennial Medical Center. “Ralph had a deep love for his family, his friends and his fans”.
He was born Walter Ralph Emery in McEwen.
He was host of the TNN primetime talk show “Nashville Now” and first earned fame as the late night disc jockey on WSM in Nashville.
He started his radio career right here at WTPR in Paris and he wrote about his Paris experiences in his books, most notably in his book, “Memories: The Autobiography of Ralph Emery”.
When Emery started at WTPR, the station was located on the second floor above Luckey’s Hardware on the corner of Market and Wood Streets in downtown Paris. WTPR-AM 710 went on the air with 250 watts in 1947. At that time, it was owned by the former Dixie Network.
Emery was known for his conversational style and he gave national exposure to many previously unknown country music singers who later became musical legends. In his books, he also wrote about his early Nashville days and the musicians he had known.
He was known as “the dean of country music broadcasters”. He oversaw several radio and television shows over the years and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2007. He was heralded as “the most famous TV and radio personality in country music.”
Emery is survived by his wife, Joy Emery, his three sons, five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Funeral services have not been announced.
Country Music Hall of Fame photo.