Cantrell Returns To Bluegrass Radio

Radio personality, Kyle Cantrell, joined Sirius Satellite Radio in 2002 as an on-air host. In 2005 he became the Program Director for XM Satellite Radio’s Bluegrass Junction. In 2008 Sirius and XM merged, and Kyle added programming duties for various other channels as well. He received numerous awards during his time with Sirius XM, including IBMA’s Broadcaster of the Year five times, SPBGMA DJ of the Year nine times, and he was inducted to the Country Radio Hall of Fame in 2019.

Kyle began his radio career over 43 years ago as an on-air announcer on WMTS in Murfreesboro, Tennessee before joining the staff at Nashville’s WSM, where he stayed for 20 years, including 10 as the station’s program director.

Recently, Sirius XM decided to pair down its staff, reportedly do to budget cuts, and sadly, for the

Bluegrass audience, Kyle’s position there was eliminated –thus removing him and his voice from the airwaves for the first time in decades. It was a great loss to the bluegrass community –however, Kyle was not finished with his knowledgeable contributions to bluegrass music.

Recently introducing a brand new, online bluegrass radio station called Banjo Radio – Kyle plans to deliver Bluegrass programming via live streaming, through the various available streaming platforms, including Apple Radio, Spotify, etc., and eventually a downloadable App.

“We’re building a community like no other,” Kyle said. “I’m excited about the future of bluegrass music, and I’m really hoping people will join me on my mission to share the music I love, and its artists, with Bluegrass fans worldwide!”

“My goal is to keep this free for everyone,” Kyle said. “I’ve personally invested thousands of dollars in equipment and services to get this off the ground and there will be large ongoing expenses. While we plan to enlist corporate sponsors, I’m really hoping this will be primarily a grassroots effort – ‘radio for the people and by the people.’”

Of course fans and listeners can get on board as financial supports as well. “In addition to suggested amounts, patrons will be given the option to contribute any amount they choose one-time, monthly, or annually. As an incentive for support, those who contribute $30 or more will be sent an official, limited edition, BanjoRadio t-shirt at no additional cost.”

“For more information, visit www.BanjoRadio.com and follow on Facebook @OfficialBanjoRadio.