Short said the show, airing at 6 p.m. on Sundays, will also include interviews with the performers about the inspiration for their songs and their experiences in the music industry.
Short said he has no worries about finding local talent for the program, “Music at Home.”
“I think I could live to be 100 and not run out of good music just right here,” he said.
Short, who wrote “I Left My Heart In Shanghi, Alabama” and “A Writer's Tool Kit,” was a journalism instructor for 17 years at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. His columns also appear regularly in the Daily Mountain Eagle.
In addition to his writing credentials, Short is a regular contributor to WBHM’s news programs. He also hosted a program on Samford University’s WVSU called “Saturday on the Front Porch,” in which he showcased Gospel, blues and folk musicians. And like the new show, he talked with performers about their craft.
“It was the most fun I’ve ever had,” he said.
Short said he pitched the idea of a “Saturday on the Front Porch” for Walker County to Brett Elmore, owner of Oldies 101.5, who asked Short to do a pilot of the show.
Short said recording the demo of the program “just set me on fire.” He said that, over the last few decades, radio stations have become more “canned” because of corporate ownership, and he is excited to see Elmore stress local programming.
“We were all over it because it showcases local talent, and, being a live and local radio station, of course you just want to add it,” said Elmore, who also owns 88.5 The Planet.
The first episode of “Music at Home” will feature songwriters Rick and Jilda Watson as well as guitarist and singer Michael Cannon. The second will profile Southern Rock performer Skip Cochran as well as Jasper-based Rockabilly and Alternative Country band The Spook House Saints.
Short said he couldn’t be happier with the caliber of artists featured on the show.
“Any other era, and you would be hearing these people on the radio,” he said.
Short also said he welcomes suggestions for artists to profile on “Music at Home.” Anyone with recommendations can contact him at dale.short@gmail.com.
Short’s website, www.carrolldaleshort.com, will include archives of “Music at Home” episodes and a calendar of local performances.