Deep In Tradition 2026-03-31
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This episode of Deep in Tradition, hosted by Rich Kirby on WMMT 88.7 FM, is a heartfelt celebration of old-time mountain music and a passionate appeal for listener support during the station's annual Spring On-Air Fun Drive. The show blends traditional Appalachian tunes with personal stories, historical reflections, and a recurring theme of financial struggle—both in the songs themselves and in the station's ongoing need for community funding. Kirby emphasizes WMMT's non-commercial mission, its roots in 1985, and its reliance on listener contributions to remain independent and authentic. He shares stories of legendary local musicians like Doc Boggs, Phil Sexton, and Scott Boatwright, while also highlighting the station’s deep ties to the cultural fabric of eastern Kentucky. The episode closes with a powerful message of solidarity, urging listeners to support the station not just as a radio station, but as a living, breathing community institution.
WMMT is a listener-supported, non-commercial radio station that relies entirely on donations to stay on the air.
The station’s identity is rooted in preserving and sharing authentic Appalachian music and stories from the region.
Every contribution—big, small, or in the middle—helps sustain the station’s independence and mission.
WMMT has a rich history dating back to 1985, with its first broadcast being a tongue-twister recitation by coal miner Nimrod Workman.
The station celebrates local artists and cultural heritage, often featuring musicians you won’t hear anywhere else.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Opening the Door to Old-Time Music
“This radio station exists so that this music can get heard, and that only works if you all chip in and do what you can to support the station.”
The Heart of the Spring Fun Drive
“We don't have commercials. We can't have commercials according to our license. And we wouldn't do it anyway because if we had commercials, we couldn't be the radio station that we want to be.”
Legacy of the Mountain Musicians
“Phil really, really, really got it. He was also a great singer. And like I say, he died in a very untimely manner. And we still miss him.”
Songs of Struggle and Survival
The episode explores the recurring theme of financial hardship through songs like 'Payday at Coal Creek,' 'The Cows,' and Hazel Dickens’ 'Busted,' drawing connections between historical labor struggles and modern-day economic challenges.
The Way We Were: A Historical Reflection
Kirby reads excerpts from the Mountain Eagle newspaper archives, spanning from 1907 to 2016, offering a nostalgic and insightful look at life in Letcher County and eastern Kentucky over more than a century.
“We don't have commercials. We can't have commercials according to our license. And we wouldn't do it anyway because if we had commercials, we couldn't be the radio station that we want to be.”
“Phil really, really, really got it. He was also a great singer. And like I say, he died in a very untimely manner. And we still miss him.”
“This radio station exists so that this music can get heard, and that only works if you all chip in and do what you can to support the station.”
Host
Guest
WMMT
organization
Letcher County
place
Rich Kirby
person
Whitesburg
place
Doc Boggs
person
Phil Sexton
person
Nimrod Workman
person
Mountain Eagle
organization
Scott Boatwright
person
Hazel Dickens
person
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