Bill Cody, Renowned Country Radio Host, Dies at 67
Bill Cody, a legendary country radio personality known for his decades-long roles at the Grand Ole Opry and WSM, died Tuesday in Nashville at age 67, according to his official obituary. Cody had been in critical condition since late May, requiring heart and kidney transplants, his daughter confirmed in a social media post.
Legacy of a Country Music Icon
Cody, who hosted the WSM-AM morning show “Coffee, Country & Cody” for 32 years, was celebrated for his deep voice and passion for country music. His career began in 1994 at WSM-AM, with a brief stint at sister station WSM-FM in the late 1990s. He was inducted into the Country Music Disc Jockey Hall of Fame in 2008 and received a star on the Music City Walk of Fame in 2024, with a posthumous Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame induction scheduled for later this year.
Tributes from Country Stars
Celebrity peers paid tribute to Cody following his death. Garth Brooks called him “the biggest fan of country music,” while Dierks Bentley described him as “one of the pillars” of the genre. Carly Pearce remembered Cody as a friend and “one of the greatest of all time.” Patrick Moore, CEO of Opry Entertainment, praised Cody’s “profound gravitas” and “infectious enthusiasm for country music.”
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Cody’s radio career began at 17 when he answered a job ad for WVLK in Lexington, Kentucky, adopting the stage name “Bill Cody” after his childhood hero, “Buffalo Bill” Cody. His father, a Southern Baptist minister, introduced him to broadcasting by letting him record sermons and later visit a local station. Cody’s love for radio grew, leading to his iconic role at the Grand Ole Opry, where he hosted “Opry Country Classics” and weekend editions of the Opry.
Final Broadcasts and Celebrations
The Grand Ole Opry announced that Saturday’s live broadcast will honor Cody. WSM plans a “special marathon of unforgettable moments from ‘Coffee, Country & Cody,’” celebrating his legacy. His daughter, David, expressed gratitude for the “outpouring of love and prayers” during his final weeks.