Bobby John Henry Interview With Devon O'day at 650 AM WSM
Who: Bobby John Henry, the "Baker of Music Row"
What: An interview with Devon O'Day on WSM and the radio debut of Bobby John Henry's song "Fishin' With Merle"
When: Fri., April 6 at 4:15 p.m. CT
The "Baker of Music Row" will make his Nashville radio debut Fri., April 6, with Devon O'Day on legendary WSM.
Bobby John Henry — an 81-year-old hit songwriter who rose to prominence alongside Merle Haggard and others during the Bakersfield Sound era — has become a premier culinary figure in Music City. Named one of "Nashville's most interesting people" by Nashville Scene, his wholesale bakery across the street from BMI world headquarters has served prominent restaurants around the city since 2000.
When Haggard fell ill in 2015, Henry decided to dust off his guitar and write a get-well song for his old California friend. "Praying for Merle" turned into "Fishin' With Merle" after Haggard's death.
Now, with the second anniversary of Haggard's passing approaching, Henry is releasing "Fishin' With Merle" to the general public. His first scheduled appearance is with Devon O'Day on WSM 650 AM on Fri., April 6 at 4:15 p.m. CT. Henry will discuss his relationship with Haggard and his own unlikely renaissance in the Nashville music scene.
Born in Enid, Okla., and raised in McCool Junction, Neb., Henry's voice carried him onto late-night Kansas City bills with jazz giants such as Count Basie and Duke Ellington as a teenager. A successful stint in Las Vegas led to a publishing deal in Los Angeles and a home in Bakersfield, Calif., where he befriended Haggard and wrote songs for Frankie Avalon, Diana Trask and Karen Blackwell, among others.
"He is one of most dynamic artists to come to Bakersfield in a long, long time," wrote Maggie Boyd several decades ago. "He is physically attractive (down-right gorgeous) single, the keeper of a beautiful personality and is blessed with more than his fair share of sex appeal. Top this with a quality voice that reminds you of a fine mellow rare wine, and you've got one Super entertainer ... BOBBY JOHN HENRY."
