LOUIE BUCK

Instruments: Songwriter, Announcer
Date of Birth: May 10, 1910
Place of Birth: Bessemer, Alabama

Louie Buck joined the staff of WSM in 1938, and was the announcer of the Prince Albert portion of the Grand Ole Opry until 1946, when he was replaced by Grant Turner. An avid sportsman, Buck also did a show called "The Old Guide" (with John Jared) at the station. "Cousin Louie" as he was known on-air, was additionally a songwriter, whose credits included "Your Locket Is My Broken Heart" (Hank Snow) and "Loafin' on a Lazy River" (Red Foley).

Hank Williams' initial appearance at the Opry was on the 9:30-10:00 p.m. segment, sponsored by Warren Paint and hosted that night by Ernest Tubb. Although it has often been reported that Roy Acuff or Red Foley introduced Hank to the show, it was, in actual fact, 39-year old WSM staff announcer "Cousin" Louie Buck.