Episode 101. Berk Bryant – “The Country Gentleman” Bluegrass Radio DJ
Berk Bryant is fueled by a desire to bring bluegrass and traditional country music to the world to enjoy.
Berk was born in Virginia and grew up listening to bluegrass music while helping on his grandparents’ farm. After attending Polytechnic Institute, he served in the Army, spending time in Korea, Vietnam, and Fort Knox, Ky. During his years in the Army, he managed to work on various radio stations, earning him the title “Mr. DJ USA” from WSM in Nashville. In 1989, he launched his “Sunday Bluegrass” show on public radio, a volunteer-run program on WFPK.
Berk has met just about everyone in the folk and bluegrass music genres over most of the 20th century, including Elvis. He has been emceeing and hosting festivals for 65 years, including Forest Fest and Louisville’s Bluegrass Music Festival. And along the way, he has honed his skills as a magician, married a good woman, and raised a family.