R.I.P.: Iconic Nashville Broadcaster Teddy Bart

Teddy Bart

Teddy Bart, a radio and TV broadcaster known for shows that often defined the discussion of Nashville's political and business heavyweights, has died.

He was 78-years-of-age according to The Tennessean.

"Teddy Bart was an institution," said attorney John Jay Hooker, a frequent guest on his shows. "He was a very talented man."

Mr. Bart was the personality on several shows during his career, including long-running hits such as the "Waking Crew" on WSM-AM radio, the "Noon Show" and "Teddy Bart's Nashville" on WSM-TV, and "Teddy Bart's Round Table" with co-host Karlen Evins on a number of radio stations. He was also a news anchor for WKRN-TV.

"It was like Johnny Carson asking you to be on his show," said David Ewing, a lawyer and Nashville historian who was on "Round Table" several times. Local politicans and business leaders tuned into the show, and guests would often have messages waiting for them when they got back to work after an appearance, Ewing said.

The shows tackled local news and issues with lively yet civil debate.

"It was one those those shows where people didn't yell or shout at each other," Ewing said. "There's not a show on radio today like it."

Mr. Bart's legacy in Nashville loomed large in the broadcast community even after he retired, and he was inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame in May.