Building Nashville

From WSM Radio, this is Building Nashville. These are the stories of the people, places, and events that helped make a Music City. Hosted by Chuck Mead and produced from the studios of 650 AM WSM.

Last refreshed: August 18th, 2025 at 12:45 PM ⓘ

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Episodes

The Opry Finds A Home

After stints at several Nashville venues, including three decades at Ryman Auditorium; the Grand Ole Opry finds a permanent home at the Opry House in 1974. In this episode, we chronicle the last days the show lives at The Ryman, the first night at the Opry House, and the 2010 disaster that nearly destroyed it all.

Sep 13, 2019•37 min•Season 1Ep. 8

The Opry Needs A Home

In the late 1920's the Grand Ole Opry radio show on WSM had become appointment listening for much of North America. In this episode, follow the Opry as it outgrows the WSM studios in downtown Nashville and goes trekking across town, looking for a home. Building Nashville is made possible by Delta Dental of Tennessee.

Sep 05, 2019•39 min•Season 1Ep. 7

E.W. "Bud" Wendell

In this episode, Chuck Mead takes you to the stage of the Grand Ole Opry for a very special Tuesday show. Then, you will meet a man who spent many years behind the famous red curtain; "Bud" Wendell. Bud arrived in the Music City in the 1960's and spent the next four decades helping to shape the Nashville we know today. Told in his own words, you'll discover his involvement with WSM, The Grand Ole Opry, Opryland, The Nashville Network, and Country Music Television; just to name a few. Building Na...

Jul 18, 2019•36 min•Season 1Ep. 6

The Air Castle: Part 2

As WSM becomes one of the most dominate stations in the US, station staff and engineers strive to develop programming and technology to reach an even bigger audience. When the country is plunged into WWII; WSM provides the news Americans want and the escapism they need. Building Nashville is made possible by Delta Dental of Tennessee. Learn more about Building Nashville at wsmonline.com Follow WSM on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram: @wsmradio

Jul 11, 2019•33 min•Season 1Ep. 5

The Air Castle: Part 1

When National Life and Accident Insurance Company decided to create a radio station to increase insurance sales, they created a legend. In this episode, learn how WSM broke new ground in broadcasting, from the famous Air Castle tower to connecting North America like no station had done before. Building Nashville is made possible by Delta Dental of Tennessee. Learn more about Building Nashville at wsmonline.com Follow WSM on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram: @wsmradio

Jul 04, 2019•25 min•Season 1Ep. 4

Minnie Is Just So Proud To Be Here

Minnie Pearl becomes and Opry star and Sarh Ophelia Colley becomes Sarah Cannon. While Minnie Pearl blazes a trail to comedy stardom, Sarah Cannon gains may friends and inspires more. Building Nashville is made possible by Delta Dental of Tennessee. Learn more about Building Nashville at wsmonline.com Follow WSM on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram: @wsmradio

Jun 20, 2019•44 min•Season 1Ep. 3

Sarah Meets Minnie

Today, Chuck Mead introduces you to Sarah Ophelia Colley. She is growing up in an upper-middle class family in Centerville, Tennessee. She dreams of a career entertaining from the stage. However, thanks to the Great Depression and chance encounters, that career begins to take a different shape than she imagined. Building Nashville is made possible by Delta Dental of Tennessee. Learn more about Building Nashville at wsmonline.com Follow WSM on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram: @wsmradio...

Jun 13, 2019•39 min•Season 1Ep. 2

Making A Music City

In this Season 1 preview: Building Nashville Host, Chuck Mead, takes you on a virtual walk up Lower Broadway in downtown Nashville. Along the way, he previews this season's stories. Building Nashville is made possible by Delta Dental. Find out more by finding WSM on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: @WSMRadio

Jun 06, 2019•14 min•Season 1Ep. 1

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