Washington City Paper: Contents for Mar. 1

Honky Tonk Man
As a local DJ, Eddie Stubbs worshiped the greats of traditional country music from afar. But just when his life threatened to become a country song, he moved to Nashville, got a job at the Opry, and woke up inside his playlist.

Cover Story

It's the Christmas Eve edition of The Eddie Stubbs Show on WAMU.

Perhaps you're doing some baking, maybe your family is gathering for Christmas dinner a little ahead of time, or maybe you're putting the last decorations on your tree, or you're even out doing some last-minute shopping. Whatever the case, we're delighted to have you with us.

Even though Christmas is nigh, Stubbs is busy embarking on another journey into the past. As the veteran DJ does every Sunday afternoon on 88.5 FM, he spins records from the golden age of country music, impossibly obscure honky-tonk tunes, bluegrass songs, and hits of a half-century ago. Today's show features the annual rite of all-Christmas country songs.

Let's go back to the holiday season of 1965 with a tune by the Wonderin' Boy, Webb Pierce....

It all rolls out in the sort of sober, ultramasculine baritone that hawked Lucky Strike cigarettes during World War II. Above it all but right next to you, it's a voice of the utmost seriousness, without a hint of hayseed corniness.

Under Stubbs' guidance, traditional coun-

try—once mocked as hillbilly noise—sounds as epic as opera, as deep as Delta blues. Chock-full of fiery fiddles and crying steel guitars, this is sad, hard-bitten stuff, and the playlist alone tells much of the story : "Blue Christmas Lights," "I'm Tired of Playing Santa Claus to You," "Christmas Is Lonely," "Gift of the Blues," "I'm Trimming My Christmas Tree With Teardrops."... Continued

Issue of Mar. 1 - 7, 1996

News and Features

Honky Tonk Man
As a local DJ, Eddie Stubbs worshiped the greats of traditional country music from afar. But just when his life threatened to become a country song, he moved to Nashville, got a job at the Opry, and woke up inside his playlist.
Cover Story By Eddie Dean
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