Tom Bryant

CJNU's Voice in the Night

If you've caught the opening of CJNU's "Music in the Night", you already know that I spent four years on the air in Winnipeg between 1960 and 1964. I hosted "The Night Owl Show" on CJOB, and later a new morning program called "Sounds Familiar" on CJOB-FM, after which I moved to CJQM where I served as operations manager.

I was 15 when I began my broadcast career at KFYR in Bismarck, North Dakota (right). I'm a native North Dakotan, but a Winnipegger at heart. My early ambition was to live and work in Winnipeg - I'd listened to Winnipeg radio stations as a youngster and became intrigued with the city. That wish was granted when I was hired by CJOB, and that's where I worked with Bill Stewart and Garry Robertson, now leaders of CJNU Nostalgia Radio.

After returning to the states I established deep roots at one of North America's most famous radio stations, WSM, in Nashville, Tennessee. Although not a dyed-in-the-wool country music fan, the Nashville scene grew on me and I spent over 30 years with the 50,000 watt "clear channel" giant, which just happens to be the home of the "Grand Ole Opry".

For about 10 years during my time in Nashville, one of my jobs was as the engineer/producer of Ralph Emery's syndicated radio show which aired on over 500 stations in the US and Canada. In that position I got to rub elbows with almost everyone who was anyone in country music. The photo below left shows me in 1972 in the WSM studio with Charlie Daniels and Ralph Emery.

After 42 years on the air, I retired in 1998, but it didn't take much arm twisting to get me back in broadcasting with CJNU. Via the magic of computer technology, my program material originates from my Nashville home. I'm a Yankee who actually knows how to pronounce Provencher, and Tache, and knows what "gaol" means in connection with the Headingley facility.

I may be many miles (um, make that kilometers) away, but I know and understand the people here and I'm delighted to be among those privileged to present the nostalgic music they love.

You can learn more about me and see more photos if you visit my personal website.