Annette Grady / Owner, DJ, Social Media, Public Relations

The Bluegrass Jamboree is a dream come true for me. It’s not just about sharing the music I love, but also about meeting so many amazing people along the way.

How it all started: As the granddaughter of a renowned bluegrass DJ in Eastern North Carolina, I grew up familiar with bluegrass, but I never thought it would be a big part of my life. As Granddaddy got older, he worried no one would continue his radio program since neither his children nor grandchildren seemed interested.

In August 2007, I was going through a tough time and decided to stay busy. Working five days a week wasn’t enough, so I asked if I could hang out at the radio station while Granddaddy was on air. He gladly agreed. I had forgotten how persuasive he could be—he had me doing commercials on my first day there! When he’d spin his book of sponsors my way, I knew it was my turn. I’m not sure if he enjoyed watching me squirm or felt relieved knowing the tradition would carry on. Either way, I’m so grateful for the hands-on training from someone I admired and loved deeply.

For two years, I worked alongside Chester Thompson, my Grandfather. Then, in August 2009, everything changed when Granddaddy passed away. But I knew his legacy would live on as long as I kept the radio show alive.

I worked at a couple of terrestrial radio stations and learned a lot. The biggest lesson? If you have an idea that God placed in your heart, get ready—it’s bound to happen. I dreamed of a station where this amazing music could always play. It seemed impossible because I didn’t know how. But when I was told I could no longer do my show on the radio, I realized it was time to turn that dream into reality.