East Tennessee Radio Icon Gunner Hangs Up His Headphones

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, June 20, 2024

Gunner

Wednesday marked the end of an era as Gunner, the cowboy persona from East Tennessee, retired from his long-standing role as a radio host. His final broadcast was Wednesday night from Cumulus Media's WIVK-FM/Knoxville, where over the years, he's had the privilege of meeting or interviewing numerous luminaries of the country music scene. Gunner and his phrase "it's your cowboy pal Gunner," along with his unique voice, had become a fixture in the region.

Gunner's journey in radio began modestly at AM 1470 in Maryville, later moving to 94.3 in Knoxville and The Hit Kicker 100.3, ultimately culminating in a 25-year tenure at WIVK.

His six-decade career has included encounters with country stars like Jason Aldean and Emily Ann Roberts, and the WIVK studio walls are adorned with memorabilia from interviews with now-famous artists such as Blake Shelton, Kelsea Ballerini, and a young Taylor Swift.

Beyond the microphone, Gunner has been heavily involved in charity functions, particularly with veterans. His notable efforts include a 2004 trip to Iraq where he broadcast a special radio show that connected deployed troops with their families back home. During his last broadcast, Gunner's final message was a poignant reminder to "pray for our troops."