R.I.P.: WSM Grand Ole Opry Voice Hairl Hensley

Hairl Hensley

The country music radio world is mourning the death of Grand Ole Opry announcer and former WSM radio host Hairl Hensley.

"Our entire staff is saddened to hear the news of the passing of our longtime coworker and friend, Mr. Hairl Hensley," said a Facebook post from WSM 650 AM, the historic country music radio station that broadcasts out of Nashville.

He was considered the dean of Grand Ole Opry announcers and worked at WKDA, WLAC and WSM. He was inducted into the Country Music DJ Hall of Fame in 1995, according to Country Radio Broadcasters.

According to The Tennsessean,  Hensley was a native of East Tennessee and originally hoped to pursue a career as a country musician but began working as a broadcaster while still in high school, according to The Tennessean archives.

He moved to Nashville in the 1960s and was hired at WSM in 1972.  He was one of the longest serving Opry announcers, doing it for 35 years.

Just got word that Hairl Hensley, for so many years a beloved Grand Ol Opry announcer has passed away.
Rest in peace my friend, you left a lot of good memories behind you.

— Charlie Daniels (@CharlieDaniels) December 31, 2017

Country legend Charlie Daniels was among those remembering Hensley, tweeting "Rest in peace my friend, you left a lot of good memories behind you."