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Annette Grady: Helping Carolinians through Bluegrass Radio.

Writer's picture: Jason YoungJason Young


Reaching thousands daily with her morning radio show, Mornings with Annette, The Bluegrass Jamboree DJ and CEO Annette Grady is using live stream to help those affected by Hurricane Helene.


“There are a lot of people inside the state and outside the state who don’t understand the severity of what happened with Helene,” Annette says, wanting to raise awareness. “If it means that I’m bringing it to somebody’s attention where they can start to do some research and they see it for themselves, it's gonna get [them] some help that they didn’t have previously.”


Born with radio talent, Annette's grandfather was the late North Carolina DJ Chester Thompson. She remembers how strange it was for her and her brother growing up.


“To us, radio was just part of our life. Everyone we went to school with thought it was a big deal to know someone in radio,” explains Annette.


The Bluegrass Jamboree CEO got her start helping her grandfather with his weekend show, The Chester Thompson Old Time Jamboree.


“My granddaddy was on the air at the local radio station on Saturdays and Sundays. So, I said [to him], Hey! Do you mind if I go with you?’ He was thrilled. I was the only granddaughter of four grandchildren to express interest in radio.”


The North Carolina DJ, who still prefers to be heard but not seen, recalled, “One thing about [my grandfather] … he’d put you to work. By work, I don’t mean he gave me little chores to do; he put me on the air! I was a shy kid, and this helped break me out of my shell.”


Annette revealed how her grandfather's untimely passing launched her into full-time radio.

“I worked with my granddaddy off and on for about three years until he was involved in an automobile accident.


“My grandmother said, ‘Who’s going on the radio tomorrow to tell them the show is not going to be on anymore?’ I said, ‘The show is not over because I’m going to do it.’ I thought to myself, ‘What are you saying?’ I didn’t know what I was doing and didn’t have an official background or schooling, but [he] had taught me a lot.”


Annette remembered the kindness and support of Kari Delacruz, a station hand who taught her the technical aspects of terrestrial radio. “She was a Godsend. She would sit with me and make sure I understood all the controls on the soundboard. I learned how to slowly go from one thing into another and it would be professional. She took her time with me.”


Wanting more control of her career, Annette started her internet radio show, The Bluegrass Jamboree, in 2013. The show features a mix of bluegrass, gospel and traditional country.

“God has been after me to do this for the last couple of years,” Annette recollects saying to her former station manager before leaving. “It was time for me to stand up and trust in the Lord.”


Seasoned DJ Paul Gunderson joined her to help build the station. “He already had a station out in Oklahoma,” Annette said, “so he already had his stuff together.”


She says today that The Bluegrass Jamboree has eighty-thousand listeners a month.

“It’s been a slow, gradual process. It’s taken us ten years to achieve the 2024 Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America award.


“If we never get it again, I am content that we won it once,” shares Annette.


She believes the key to success is simple. “You don’t have to have schooling; you don’t have to be trained. If you know how to talk and keep somebody’s attention, you can become a broadcaster.”

She shares faith with her audience and features an hour of gospel music every morning before playing bluegrass.


“When I give God that first set every weekday, I am giving him praise.” Annette looks for the good in all things. “This [radio station] is my blessing!”


For now, she prioritizes helping those affected by Hurricane Helene. Feeling confident about her message, she says citizens are getting involved.


Among those stepping up are YouTubers Shaun Lloyd and Andy Lee. “They have raised eighty thousand dollars. They’re buying supplies, and they are going in there with ATVs, and they are able to get to areas where cars and trucks can’t go.


Anyone interested in helping can call me directly at the radio station,” she explains.

As for the future, Annette wants to continue helping others in need. “I want The Bluegrass Jamboree to be true and always be family friendly.”


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