Red Shipley

• Red ShipleyFredericksburg.com -
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Red Shipley
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Red Shipley
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Red was one of Orange County's best-known citizens with more than 50 years in the radio broadcasting industry.
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From those early childhood years, Red never wanted to be anything but a country-music disk jockey.

The Shipley family moved to Orange County following World War II.Red attended Orange County schools, and began the career he always wanted by broadcasting Orange County High School football games on local radio station WJMA before he graduated in 1956.

Within three years of graduation, Red had moved to WPRW in Manassas, where he quickly became one of Northern Virginia's most popular morning-ride DJs.

The career ladder then took Red to Warrenton and Big K Country.Big K became one of the top-five-rated country radio stations during Red's tenure.Red's time at Big K brought much national recognition and an appearance on the popular Hee Haw television show.

From Big K, Red went to WPIK in Alexandria, where he was both the morning-ride DJ and program manager.Red ended his first radio career following his time at WPIK, but during that time he developed his first bluegrass show, which eventually led him to his 25-year career as host of "Stained Glass Bluegrass".

In 1982, Red was called on to host the show on WAMU on a temporary basis.

Red moved back to Orange and radio broadcasting in 1995.He returned to regular DJ duties with WJMA.With a special arrangement with WAMU in Alexandria, Red continued to broadcast "Stained Glass Bluegrass" from Orange.

Red suffered a major stroke two years ago that left him paralyzed on his right side.Unable to continue as morning DJ at WJMA, Red continued as host of "Stained Glass Bluegrass."

Red remained the host of "Stained Glass Bluegrass" for more than 25 years, which was his goal following the stroke.His last show as host was broadcast three weeks prior to his passing on Sunday, Sept. 16.

"Stained Glass Bluegrass" was a very special labor of love for Red and it brought him much satisfaction and acclaim.

The International Bluegrass Music Association presented Red his highest honor, Broadcaster of the Year in 2006.The East Coast Bluegrass Association presented him with a special recognition award for his 25 years of hosting "Stained Glass Bluegrass" in August of this year in a ceremony Red was able to attend.

Red Shipley
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Red Shipley, host of Stained Glass Bluegrass

A resident of Orange County, Virginia, Red has broadcast the gospel sounds of Stained Glass Bluegrass to loyal bluegrass fans every Sunday since 1984.

Many have asked if listening to Stained Glass Bluegrass each Sunday is a stand-in for church since the program features gospel music with themes about heaven and hell, death and salvation."There's a large number of people who listen before they go to church," says Shipley."But there's a large number who haven't seen the inside of a church in a long time and maybe feel they probably should."But, Shipley adds, listeners need not be familiar with Christianity to enjoy the program.Those from other traditions find it meaningful as well.

Show: Stained Glass Bluegrass

Contact: Red Shipley
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At Gary's recommendation in the spring of 2002, Bob became the WAMU host and engineer for Stained Glass Bluegrass with Red Shipley, which originates at WJMA in Orange, Virginia.

"There's a large number of people who listen before they go to church," says Shipley."But there's a large number who haven't seen the inside of a church in a long time, and maybe feel they probably should."But, Shipley adds, listeners need not be familiar with Christianity to enjoy the program.Those from other traditions find it meaningful as well.

Red's Website: SGBGinfo.com

Host: Red Shipley

Red Shipley

Red Shipley, Host, Stained Glass Bluegrass