It’s a Blue(grass) Christmas with Del McCoury
AirPlay Direct will begin decking your playlist with the hottest stories and pickin’ programming from the bluegrass industry with the syndication of “Del McCoury’s Blue Side of Town.” GRAMMY-winning bluegrass artist Del McCoury moved his popular five-year old bluegrass radio show, formerly heard on SiriusXM satellite radio, into syndication delivered via AirPlay Direct.“My radio show is very special to me,” examines Del McCoury. “It gives me a chance to share many great memories with my fans as well as great music–both old songs that are dear to me and new artists who continue to carry the bluegrass torch. So to be able to team up with AirPlay Direct–who we have watched grow from an idea into the leading source of music for radio stations–and be able to reach fans in not only the US but other countries as well is very exciting.”
The program, available every Monday, will be cut into four segments and feature a revamped format that places more emphasis on decades of stories about the events, places and personalities that Del has to share with audiences from a lifetime of involvement at the forefront of the genre. Alongside the stories, the show will continue Del’s signature mixture of traditional, contemporary and edgy-progressive bluegrass from legends and newcomers reflecting Del’s role in presenting both long-time colleagues and up-and-coming artists to his audience at events like his own music festival, DelFest. Recently celebrating his 50th year in the industry, Del McCoury and his band have represented the genre with distinction recording 16 albums, earning Grammy awards, membership in the cast of the Grand Ole Opry and scoring a sensational nine Entertainer of the Year awards from the International Bluegrass Music Association.
“Del McCoury is clearly an icon on the bluegrass music scene not only for his own projects, but also in his persistent efforts to expand the genre’s impact around the globe,” says Michael Harnett, Director of Special Projects for AirPlay Direct. “We are proud that he would turn to APD for delivery of his content and look forward to working in tandem with his staff to spread the passion and personal stories of bluegrass. We are excited to feature Del McCoury’s radio show and to now make available great specialty radio programs as well as great music to our radio station members.”