Kennedy celebrates 45 years presenting country music

Award-winning country music broadcaster Mike Kennedy is celebrating 45 years of presenting country music on April 15, with 31 years of those on the Central Coast.

Now presenting on Today’s Country 94one every Sunday from 9am to noon, Kennedy began his career in 1980 broadcasting across several stations until settling on the Central Coast.

“It’s a passion, it’s just something I’ve always been passionate about,” he said.

But if he relied on his passion for an income he would have “starved” by now.

“I’ve got by over the years doing other jobs to earn an income,” he said.

Back in the early days rather than making money, it cost him money.

“I had to buy all my own music, pay for petrol to get to the station,” he said.

“I certainly don’t do it for money, the aim was never to become a megastar.”

While he enjoys his weekly radio program, Kennedy, who just turned 78, says that not a day goes by when he doesn’t pick up the guitar and sing.

The love for country music started when he was growing up in the “bush” when his family had fruit shops at Muswellbrook and Scone.

“I would get home and wind up the gramophone and play country music,” he said.

“I just loved it.”

He still performs regularly with the Stars with Fame concerts where he also MCs.

The next one at Singleton Bowling Club on May 17 will raise money for McGrath Foundation where Kennedy will also run an auction.

Kennedy studied speech and drama at the Australian College of Music in London, and dabbled in singing and acting as well as working as a sales manager before finding a passion in radio in 1980.

He has interviewed thousands of country singers over the years, hosting various country music shows, and while he has many favourites performers, he rates Buddy Williams as perhaps his favourite.

In 2016 he was inducted into the Broadcasters Hall of Fame in Tamworth, the famous annual country music festival that he has covered for more than 30 years.

At this year’s festival he was presented with a special award in recognition of his valuable commitment to the Australian Country Music Industry.

The award paid tribute to not only his Sunday country music program, but his ongoing support for Australian artists.

“I have done Tamworth specials over the radio for about 30 years,” he said.

“I feel very proud and honoured to accept this award.

“A big thank you to all my listeners over the years; you are all very special.”

Denice Barnes