
As a prominent woman broadcaster in the country and bluegrass arena, Michelle Lee has made a name for herself over many years by bringing the music and stories of roots music to the airwaves. She’d already been recognized for her work with a 2019 IBMA “Broadcaster of the Year” win, which had only been given to a woman broadcaster four times in the history of that industry honor. In 2022, she was awarded the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music in America (SPBGMA) “DJ of the Year” award.
Back in 2020, during the pandemic shutdowns, Lee started the “Real Talk” show. It was a video series where she sat down with artists and songwriters to have “conversations that opened them up a little more.” It aimed to go well beyond just talking about the music. Her “Michelle Lee on Air” online streaming features programming such as her “Smoked Country Jam” and “Bluegrass Borderline.” It can be accessed 24/7 through the Live365 platform or from her website at Michelleleeonair.com. The live streaming and past episodes of “Real Talk Bluegrass with Michelle Lee” can be found on her website, Michelleleeonair.com.
Lee has experienced a lot of changes over the years in her industry.
“Like many other professions, broadcasting has been improving over the last few years
from the typical ‘man’s world’ style,” she said. “More and more today you hear and see women within the broadcasting role, whether it is in radio or on the side of the football field. It was rough
through the beginning years as a female due to some unwanted actions from higher
management, but being able to overcome all of that, it has been great becoming one of the
women trailblazers in the broadcasting world.”
When Lee was asked why she has been so successful in a field where it’s often difficult to maintain a career that spans decades, she tried to pin down what makes her different.
“I have always strived to bring my personality through my work,” she explained. “I have a more ‘boots on the ground’ approach and love learning about the music and artists. Having the knowledge of the music always helps me to create the best show for my fans.”
Other work experiences have aided her in developing an insider’s view of the biz.
“Working as a booking agent in past years has also allowed me to gain knowledge to assist artists on the back side of the music as well,” she said. “I always enjoy meeting all the bluegrass fans and artists at festivals. Being that type of broadcaster that is approachable and open to my fans and artists is something I love.” She added, “Like most people, I work every day trying to find ways to better myself at what I do.”
In 2023, Lee brought her wife, Marsha, into the bluegrass fold and mentored her entry into broadcasting; her program, “Marsha’s 2 Notes,” can also be heard via MichelleLeeonair.com. A longtime country fan, Marsha also became a fan of bluegrass after meeting Lee, and her program touches on both genres.
The duo established the “Real Talk – Michelle Lee and Marsha” Facebook page to further expand upon the work of both broadcasters.
Lee said the page was created to “provide a central point for fans and artists to share information, along with doing periodic giveaways for our fans. Our goal is to bring artists back into videos and have more ‘real talk’ type interviews in the future.”
Lee explained why this music is her passion.
“I love bluegrass music because it tells stories from the heart and soul,” she explained. “Bluegrass also highlights the incredible musicians’ abilities through instrumentals. It always amazes me how these wonderful bluegrass songwriters can take myths, history, love stories and write the songs that the artists then turn into the beautiful songs we tap our toes to every day.”
She elaborated more, saying, “Not only do I love bluegrass music, I love the bluegrass community just as much. The bluegrass community not only produces great music, but they also come together when someone is in need within the community. Bluegrass is an awesome family.”
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