Midnite Jamboree Association Aims To Revive Radio Show

Ernest Tubb’s Midnite Jamboree, which was established by the late Country Music Hall of Fame member in 1947 and is the second longest-running radio program, has been put on hiatus due to financial constraints.

The newly-formed Midnite Jamboree Association aims to help the Midnite Jamboree resume its shows by May 2015 and continue into the future, by raising funds to cover the show’s production costs.

The show, which is free to attendees, typically costs between $2,200 and $2,500 to produce each week, and has been supported financially by the Ernest Tubb Record Shop. However, the rising popularity of streaming services and digital downloads has resulted in dwindling profits for the store, resulting in the show going on hiatus.

The Jamboree has aired on 650 AM WSM since its inception, and broadcasts from the Texas Troubadour Theatre at Nashville’s Music Valley Drive.

The Midnite Jamboree stage was the proving grounds for many legendary artists, including Hank Williams, Elvis Presley, Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Marty Stuart, Mel Tillis, Jim Ed Brown, Steve Wariner and Garth Brooks.

“The Midnite Jamboree is a piece of country music history and I believe it should be preserved, just like any other national treasure,” Ernest Tubb’s nephew and songwriter, Glenn Douglas Tubb, said. “Some friends and I have started a Midnite Jamboree Association which we hope will help pay the weekly costs for keeping this show on the air.”

The Midnite Jamboree Association is offering memberships for a donation of $75. The membership will include an official membership card, a personally signed welcome letter from Glenn Douglas Tubb, and a copy of the Glenn Tubb song “The Midnite Jamboree.” Members also will receive a copy of a Christmas CD recorded by Glenn and his wife, Dottie.

Affiliate memberships also are available for $10. Affiliates will receive a link to their website or social media site, or a banner ad with their name on it on the official website, www.midnitejamboreeassociation.com.

To become a member or an affiliate of the Midnite Jamboree Association, checks or money orders can be sent to The Midnite Jamboree Association, P.O. Box 159326, Nashville, TN 37215.