We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Cindy Baucom a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Cindy, appreciate you joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

From the time I was very young, I felt very much at home around musicians and singers and loved all forms of the arts. I absolutely adored the atmosphere of a theater, festival or performance venue of any kind. I also listened to the radio – A LOT! Through a variety of on-air personalities and musical genres, my imagination grew. Having a passion for music, I found myself wanting to share it with others…what better way than to be behind the microphone at a radio station? During a career fair at school when I was in the 7th grade, we were instructed to choose a job description at one of the career booths. Without hesitation, I was drawn to the Broadcasting station to learn more about radio. It was only a few more years before my dream job became a reality, when I was a senior in high school. I started working part-time at the local radio station when I was seventeen years old. With plans to pursue a broadcasting curriculum in college after high school graduation, I was given an offer to join the radio staff full-time. I accepted the full-time job and took my colleges classes in the evening.

Cindy, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I grew up in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. My father played many different stringed instruments and sang. I got my passion for music from him. My mother worked in hospital administration for more than fifty years. I got my work ethic from her. Both my parents encouraged participation in talent shows at school and I always enjoyed being around other performers. My career path led me to broadcasting during my senior year of high school. Over the first 20 years of working at local and regional radio stations, I developed my style of presenting music on-the-air and interviewing artists. It wasn’t long until emcee work at music festivals became an extension of my radio work. In 2003, I had the opportunity to put my efforts into a much larger format through national radio syndication. For a little over 20 years now, I have produced and hosted “Knee-Deep In Bluegrass” with distribution to more than a hundred network affiliates. I also work with sponsor partners of the show to create targeted marketing plans for their products and services. I was elected to serve on the Board of Directors of the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) for two, three-year terms, including one year as vice chair. I have been honored over the years to be recognized as a three- time IBMA Broadcaster of the Year, IBMA Distinguished Achievement Award winner and induction to the Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

As a female entering the field of broadcasting in the early 1980’s, I was definitely in the minority. I found myself having to continually ‘fight’ for my place among the guys. There were program directors along the way that tried relentlessly to discourage my will to pursue my broadcasting career. I felt like I had to work twice as hard in many situations to get the same attention as my male colleagues. Becoming a mother is by far the most rewarding experience of my life. While it presented its challenges to me as a full-time, career driven broadcaster, I was determined to equally balance family and career. Many times my production schedules or remote broadcasts came at times not exactly convenient to motherhood. So I often found ways to integrate time with my three children by having them with me at events with the help of family and friends. I am a firm believer that you never do anything ‘big’ without the help of a lot of people along the way; that was certainly my experience. I am grateful to everyone who ever provided guidance, knowledge, encouragement, opportunity and assistance in so many ways. Over the past four decades, I did find a very healthy balance of family life and professional career, but I also learned that getting what your want out of life, means not giving up when that seems like the easy option. I kept pursuing my passion, one step at a time. With a strong will and help from others, I still get up every morning excited for the day and what my life holds personally and professionally. I am always proactively seeking a career challenge on the next level!

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

After losing my husband, Terry, to Lewy Body Dementia in 2023, a big part of my mission has turned to preserving his professional musical legacy of more than fifty years. I established a scholarship fund in his memory to help aspiring musicians on their journey. I have also written a children’s book about him and his dog to help bring awareness to the disease and to the importance of animal shelter adoption. Once the book is published and available, I plan for proceeds to be divided between the Lewy Body Foundation and Animal Shelters.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.kneedeepinbluegrass.com
• Instagram: @kneedeepinbluegrass
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bluegrassradio