Country radio has lost one of its most beloved voices. Bill Cody, longtime morning host on WSM-AM 650, passed away June 9.
What We Know: The Grand Ole Opry House will host visitation from 10am to 1:30pm Today. A funeral service follows at 2pm in the Opry House auditorium. Cody, born Trent Barry Clutts, spent decades as a defining presence on WSM and within the broader Country music community. Family, friends, colleagues, and fans are all welcome to attend.
What’s At Stake: WSM Radio will air live coverage of the service. Additionally, a video livestream will be available on WSM’s Facebook page for those unable to attend in person. The broadcast ensures that fans and colleagues across the country can participate in the farewell. Cody’s reach extended far beyond Nashville, and Monday’s coverage reflects that reality.
What Remains Unclear: The cause of Cody’s death has not been publicly disclosed. It is also unknown whether additional memorial events are planned beyond Monday’s services. Furthermore, no details have been shared about what form the special Opry programming will take throughout the day.
What It Means: Holding services at the Grand Ole Opry House is a meaningful tribute. Few venues carry more weight in Country music, and Cody helped shape what that stage represented for generations. His legacy as a broadcaster, storyteller, and ambassador for the format is undeniable. The Country radio community lost a giant, and Monday’s ceremony gives the industry a moment to grieve together.
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David Hill serves as a Music Radio Editor, Columnist and Features writer for Barrett Media. A radio lifer with more than 30 years behind the mic, in the control room, and in the program director’s chair, David’s career spans influential stops at brands such as WIYY 98 Rock, WBAL-AM, and 99X. He has worked across multiple formats and ownership groups, including iHeartMedia and Cumulus Media, developing talent, breaking music, and navigating every major industry shift from diary to PPM and terrestrial dominance to streaming disruption. When he’s not writing or analyzing the industry, Dave runs The Tune Farm, a marketing firm built to help artists and brands grow audience the same way great radio always has—by creating connection, not just impressions. He can be reached at David@BarrettMedia.com.
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