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Celebration Recognizes Kingsley’s Career, Raises Funds

Country Radio Hall of Famer honored at the Grand Ole Opry

(L-R) Steve Buchanan, President, Opry Entertainment Group and Board President, Opry Trust Fund; Bob Kingsley; Nan Kingsley; Pete Fisher, Vice-President and General Manger, Grand Ole Opry Photo credit: Chris Hollo for the Grand Ole Opry

WestwoodOne syndicated host and Country Radio Hall of Famer Bob Kingsley was honored for 40 years in national radio syndication earlier this week. The event also paid tribute to the Grand Ole Opry’s 89th birthday and raised $50,000 to support the Opry Trust Fund.

The event included performances, appearances and taped messages.

 Nearly 50 artists participated with appearances, performances by Rhett Akins and Thomas Rhett, Alabama, Lynn Anderson, Garth Brooks, Eli Young Band, Jewel, Kathy Mattea, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, Red Stegall, Jeffrey Steele, Tanya Tucker, Steve Wariner, Wynonna, Trisha Yearwood and more. Others sent taped video messages.

“For nearly 50 years the Opry Trust Fund has assisted members of the country music community in need, and I can’t think of a better way to honor Bob’s contributions to the country community than to continue that legacy of helping others in his name,” said Pete Fisher, Grand Ole Opry vice president and general manager.

2014 marks 40 years since Kingsley first became involved in counting down America’s biggest country music hits. He was named “American Country Countdown”’s producer in 1974, and took over as host four years later. His run as host set the stage for modern syndication, and with the formation of KCCS Productions. He and his wife/ business partner Nan established a business approach where they distributed and retained ownership of the content created for the show.

He entered new territory in 2006 with the launch of “Bob Kingsley’s Country Top 40,” a show KCCS solely owned and distributed, partnering with Dial Global (now WestwoodOne) for national ad sales. It can be heard on more than 350 stations.

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