Benny Smith
From the time he first cracked the microphone on in 1981 at WGRV radio in his hometown of Greeneville, Tennessee, Benny Smith knew he was doing what he loved to do, and what he wanted to do for the rest of his life. Raised in a home where music was an important part of life (his parents were in a southern gospel group, mother played for church, brothers constantly playing music on their record player), Smith learned early on that his love for music, when paired with the positive influence that a radio station can have on its community was a powerful thing, and the opportunity to bring these two things together would be his life mission.
Smith spent nearly thirty years at WUTK-FM, first as a student, and later as the GM for 20 years, turning the “The Rock” into a highly influential college radio station, winning several local and national awards, and helping future broadcasters start their career path. He also co-hosted the popular “Soppin’ The Gravy” bluegrass show on WQLA and WDVX, and “The Americana Cafe” on 100.3 The River WOKI as well as “The Americana Lunch Box” on WFIV in the early 2000’s. He has also a successful career in concert and live event production and promotions since the 1980’s in east Tennessee. Benny is happy to “be back home playing the music I love and
making sure that radio has a positive influence on our community every single day!” He hosts “The Clinch River Breakdown” Sundays from noon-4 p.m. and also serves as WDVX’s Director of Marketing and Community Relations. If your business or organization would like to support WDVX, and have your message go out on the station’s airwaves, stream, and/or social media, contact Benny at bsmith@wdvx.com.
