The Big Al & Sandy Radio Show is making moves this week as they announce their exciting transition to Radio Bristol, WBCM 100.1 FM, TN/VA.
Al and Sandy Weekley have been presenting their Saturday morning live bluegrass show on WDIC 92.1 in Clinchco, VA, for the past three years. The show is also syndicated to numerous online streaming programs like The Bluegrass Jamboree, Bluegrass Planet Radio, Bell Buckle Radio, and Acoustic Revue. In addition, Big Al also hosts a live show on Friday mornings, “Haulin’ Grass,” on The Bluegrass Jamboree. March marks the one-year anniversary of The Big Al & Sandy Radio Show going International with Country Music News International Radio, where their program can be heard in other countries such as Germany, the UK, France and beyond.
“Radio Bristol is thrilled to add The Big Al and Sandy Show to our weekly lineup! Al’s love and dedication to both broadcasting and bluegrass music shines through over the airwaves and will be a perfect fit with our unique regional programming.” Kris Truelson, Program Director Radio Bristol
WDIC-FM will be closing its doors forever later this month and has sold its tower. As sad as it is to see something you love retire, the opportunity presented by Radio Bristol was something of a dream come true for Weekley. It is clear on his program as it is in conversation with him about music, how much respect he has for the history of bluegrass and country music, as well as its future. Big Al is looking forward to making Radio Bristol the new home for The Big Al & Sandy Radio Show.
“I really couldn’t believe that I had this opportunity at just the right time. Ever since Radio Bristol opened their doors in 2015, I have always wished that someday I might be a part of radio at The Birthplace Of Country Music, a place that Sandy and I visit often. To be involved with a group that aims to truly cultivate an impeccable musical memoir for all of us, while also supporting the contemporary music and bands that we listen to today, is remarkable. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that? I look forward to making them proud of their decision.” Big Al Weekley
Long before his stint at WDIC, Al got his start in radio at WOUB FM in Ohio. That show was also broadcast on his hometown station, WMOV 1360 AM. Over the years, Big Al Weekley gained experience through a variety of positions in radio, including the role of music director at WMOV. In 1999, Big Al started at Lexington, Nebraska’s 50,000-watt radio station, KRVN 880 AM. Located in the heart of the American agriculture scene, KRVN broadcasts to more than sixteen states. Big Al later embarked on his legendary Country and Bluegrass music artist interview journey, talking with incredible personalities such as Bill Monroe, Joanne Cash/Yates (the sister of Johnny Cash), Lynn Anderson, Wynonna, Razzy Bailey, Mac Wiseman, Bobby Osborne, Peter Rowan, The Kentucky Headhunters, Herald Bradley, Jack Blanchard & Misty Morgan, Rhonda Vincent, Billy Ray Cyrus, Claire Lynch, Larry Sparks and many more.
Big Al Weekley has been recognized many times over for his broadcasting efforts, receiving the Old Time Country and Bluegrass Music Preservation Award, being inducted into the Nebraska Country Music Hall of Fame, as well as an IBMA Broadcaster of the Year Finalist three times, in 2003, 2014 and 2021.
A musician and songwriter at heart, and married to highly respected singer-songwriter, Sandy Shortridge, Big Al has played bass, recorded and attended or served as the emcee for music festivals from coast to coast. As a career long-haul trucker, he has even stepped in as a tour bus driver from time to time, something he knows a little bit about, wink-wink. There aren’t too many behind the mic that have as many stories from experience or have seen quite as much of the reality of this music as he has. Sharing the mic with his wife, Sandy, and including their charming and clever banter, adds so much to the weekly shows.
Tune in weekly starting March 9th, on Saturday afternoons from 1-3 pm on your dial radio dial at 100.1 FM, or stream anytime online and from your free phone app.