Oral history interview with Tom Perryman; 1990 June 22; interview conducted by John W. Rumble. 1990 June 22.

ArchivalResource

Perryman, Tom;. Oral history interview with Tom Perryman; 1990 June 22; interview conducted by John W. Rumble.

Oral history interview with Tom Perryman; 1990 June 22; interview conducted by John W. Rumble. 1990 June 22.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/58841294

Radio executive Tom Perryman talks about his career following the death of Jim Reeves, including comments on his business partnership with Reeves's widow, Mary. Discussion includes the Country Music Disc Jockey Association (CMJDA), including charter members; disc jockeys doubling as booking agents and promoters; the "personality" disc jockeys; the impact of Jim Reeves's death on his life and career; the purchase of WMTS Murfreesboro, Tennessee; experiences managing WMTS during the late 1960s and 1970s, including winning the Country Music Association's (CMA) Station of the Year award; comments on the Nashville radio market; the major trends of the music industry during the late 1960s-1970s; his criteria for a good country record; changes in the duration of popularity for country music artists; comments on WMTS as an organizational member of the CMA; the start of the Country Radio Seminar; the development of Fan Fair; reflections on the evolution of the country music industry from the 1950s forward, including the growing role of conglomerates; producing Jimmy C. Newman; producing a radio documentary, The Jim Reeves Story; his role as president of Jim Reeves Enterprises; and comments on the enduring popularity of Jim Reeves.

2 sound cassettes (1 hour, 40 minutes)

Country Music Foundation, Library & Media Center