Abstract:
In quality and strength of its musical traditions, few areas of the United States compare with the region of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The region's old-time, bluegrass, and gospel music finds expression in the extraordinary talents of individual musicians and supports from a systems of institutions that include families, schools, churches, conventions, festivals, record companies and radio stations. Since it began broadcasting in 1948, Mount Airy radio stations WPAQ-AM has remained a powerful force in promoting its region's traditions. WPAQ owes its importance to the vision and commitment of station owner Ralph Epperson, who has made the radio a family and personal enterprise and support of traditional music a vocation.