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Keith Bilbrey

In 1982, Bilbrey began announcing on the Grand Ole Opry, joining a long tradition of legendary Opry announcers, including George D. Hay, Grant Turner, Ralph Emery, and Hairl Hensley.

Ralph Emery

His eye and ear for talent was inclusive in breaking color barriers and started the careers of younger African-American singers such as Joyce Cobb; she was included as a part of his studio band in the early 1970s.

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Years later, though, there would be some reconciliation and even convergence of the opposing lifestyles in the "Outlaw" movement, popularized by the likes of Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings.

see also