Oral history interview with Tom Perryman; 1990 June 19; interview conducted by John W. Rumble. 1990 June 19.

ArchivalResource

Perryman, Tom;. Oral history interview with Tom Perryman; 1990 June 19; interview conducted by John W. Rumble.

Oral history interview with Tom Perryman; 1990 June 19; interview conducted by John W. Rumble. 1990 June 19.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/58841292

Radio executive Tom Perryman gives an overview of his career focusing on the 1940s and 1950s. Discussion includes his childhood; his radio training; his first radio job at KEBE, Jacksonville, Texas; experiences with his first country music disc jockey show; description of early radio station operation; his move to a larger station and multiple roles as manager, announcer, and engineer; the start of his association with Jim Reeves; comments on the popularity of the Louisiana Hayride artists and experiences booking them in east Texas, including booking Elvis Presley; recording demo sessions for numerous artists and songwriters, including Johnny Horton and Jim Reeves; memories of Elvis's early career; the role of the Grand Ole Opry in maintaining the popularity of country music; his move to WSM Nashville; changes in the music industry with the popularity of Elvis; the start of Jim Reeves's career; memories of his work with Reeves; and comments on the music business.

2 sound cassettes (1 hour, 20 minutes)

Country Music Foundation, Library & Media Center