Happy 82^nd birthday, Wheeling Jamboree
The Wheeling Jamboree had its 82^nd birthday Jan. 7. Only the Grand Ole Opry in Nashvile has been staging county music concerts longer.

I remember listening to the Jamboree on Wheeling WWVA radio as a kid, and attending a Jamboree performance at the Fairmont Armory.

My favorite singer, Willie Nelson (I check his concert schedule and drive hundreds of miles to go to them) has performed in Wheeling.

So has Charley Pride, not far behind closed doors from the redheaded stranger.

And Randy Travis, Tanya Tucker, Reba McEntire, Lee Greenwood, Alan Jackson, Kathy Mattea, Charlie Daniels, Tammy Wynette and Brad Paisley.

At 11 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, 1933, WWVA Jamboree went on the air for the first time.

The show was moved to the Capitol Theatre in Wheeling April 1, 1933, when 3,266 people paid a quarter for admission.

After 82 years, the doors still are open every Saturday night to country music fans.


If you have memories of the Wheeling Jamboree, in the 1930s, 1940s, 1950s or later, email John Olesky at jo4wvu@neo.rr.com and I’ll include them in this Monongah High Alumni blog.