Today we’d like to introduce you to Marty Smith.
Hi Marty, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started my radio career in 1990. I walked off the streets and asked for a job. They asked if I had any radio experience and I told the Program Director I didn’t so he shut the door in my face. I went in and filled out an application. On my way home I started praying, “Lord if this is what you want, make it happen. If it’s not, I quit”. Five days later they called me back and asked me to come in for an interview. When I went back for the interview the Program Director told me he didn’t want me and that this was just a formality interview. I said, “Tell you what, I’ll work free for a month”. The owner of the station was in that meeting and he asked me, “Why would you do that”? I said, “You need help, I need experience”. They hired me and I’ve been doing radio ever since. I’ve worked various formats including country, soft rock, gospel and christian country music. I’ve worked in Kansas City, MO, Denver, CO, Cheyenne, WY, Sonora, CA and Russellville, KY just to name a few markets. I love working in radio. It’s been my passion for over 35 years now.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s not always been easy but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. There were times I wanted to quit. I’m sure a lot of DJ’s got to that point but they stayed with it. One time when I was working in Kansas City, MO, I was going to an event in Nashville. I was wondering if I really belonged in radio. I wasn’t making any money and the bills were piling up. I asked God if I should stay in radio or quit and find another career. I just needed some confirmation. Well I was Emceeing a show and at the end of the show this lady came up to me and said, “You don’t know me and you’re gonna think I’m crazy but I have to tell you something. The Lord told me to tell you, ‘Don’t quit and I will take you to the top’. I was shocked! That was the confirmation I needed to stay in radio. So I’ve stayed all these years. To be honest, it’s been the best career anyone could ask for. There have been good times and bad times, but radio has taken me places I never would have been able to go to. I’ve met people I never would have met had it not been for radio. It has opened doors for me that I never would have dreamed of including hosting a TV show called, “The Nashville Corner”. I love being in radio. It’s my calling. I can’t imagine me not being on the air.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
When I started my radio career in 1990, we were at the forefront of a new genre of music called, “Christian Country”. When I got into internet radio in 2008, I found myself at the forefront of internet radio. It was quite a learning process but I learned a lot. I decided to start my own internet radio station (Heaven’s Country – www.heavenscountry.com) in 2011. Most people in the Christian Country music genre associate me with my radio station, “Heaven’s Country”. I had a conversation with someone the other day and they told me I was the Grandfather of Christian Country music. I hadn’t heard that one before so it caught me by surprise. With my experience in mainstream country, I learned from some of the best Program Directors in the country. They were tough on me but I learned a lot from them. I’ve taken what they taught me and have used it on my station. The one thing that sets Heaven’s Country apart from others is the professional sound. I programmed my station to sound like a mainstream country station with a Gospel message. We use station ID’s, liners and commercials. For my morning show I write goofy commercials and goofy bits. My listeners really like that. It makes them laugh and gets them ready for the day. I think that unpredictability in the morning show is what keeps them tuned in. They never know what’s coming. I love it!
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
One thing most people don’t know is that my Grandmother was in radio in the 40’s and 50’s. She was the commercial manager for six radio stations in Alaska and was very successful. Her name is in the Radio Hall of Fame. I didn’t know she was in radio until a few short years ago when my sister told me. I guess you could say radio is in my blood.
Pricing:
- Advertising packages start at just $50 a month. We’ll get the word out to thousands of people.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.heavenscountry.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martay65/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeavensCountry
- Twitter: https://x.com/HeavensCountry
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@HeavensCountryRadio
