NASH-FM brought America’s Morning Show to NYC as a test run in June of 2013 before becoming the syndicated morning show it is today. While the show was broadcasted hundreds of miles away in Nashville, we in the metro area felt like Blair Garner, Chuck Wicks, Terri Clark, and Sunny Sweeney (and Flat Reba) were in the studios of 2 Penn Plaza in midtown, welcoming us city-folk with open arms as the area had been waiting practically two decades for the return of a country radio station.
As the anniversary of 9/11 approached, the AMS Facebook page asked for people to share their memories of that day, with several being chosen for air. I shared my story, never thinking I would be picked. Soon after, I received a response to my comment, asking for my email. A few days later, I found a quiet room at my old job, called the number I was given and shared my story with Blair. His warmth and caring personality was so genuine you could sense it even across a phone receiver. He listened to my story – all of our stories – and offered comfort that even tho he didn’t know us personally it was like he did. Maybe it’s because he used to be a DJ in NYC, giving him the same connection to Manhattan that we have and knowing the pain we all went through that day not only as Americans but as New Yorkers as well.
I wish nothing but the best to Blair on his journey with his family, having the chance to be the Dad that he has always wanted to be, and his nighttime gig. And most importantly, to thank him for all he has done for his radio audience, on the national stage and especially for us in NJ/NY. #CountryForLife