Interview with Walter Tunis, June 7, 2009

Interview Summary

Tunis begins the interview by briefly talking of his work as a music critic in Lexington, Kentucky. Subsequently, Tunis characterizes the Lexington music scene throughout the 1980s. Next, the interviewee considers the role of WRFL in promoting local music, as well as the evolution of radio technology in recent years. Then, the cultures of WRFL and NPR are discussed. The interviewee also details the increasing prevalence of bluegrass music in Lexington. Additionally, Tunis articulates the importance of WRFL in the local jazz scene. Tunis concludes the interview by examining the nature of WRFL as a radio station.

Interview Keyword

Newspapers WRFL Local music Music scene

Interview LC Subject

Broadcasting--Kentucky--History Lexington (Ky.). Radio Radio broadcasters--Interviews Music critics Jazz Bluegrass music University of Kentucky Radio--History

Interview Rights

All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

Interview Usage

Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.