The term âold soulâ has been used more often than not to describe James Riley. His momâs Elvis albums and movies like American Graffiti and Buddy Holly Story helped shape his musical tastes as a kid growing up in the 70âs that continue to this day. Heâs been a fixture in the radio promotions scene since moving to Nashville in 1993 and began the Rockabilly N Blues Radio Hour in early 2014 to continue expanding his musical passion.
The show is a unique blend of modern and vintage rockabilly, blues, Ameripolitan, Americana, surf, early country and rock & roll. Itâs now heard on over 120 stations worldwide each week and contains exclusive interviews with artists such as Dion, John Fogerty, Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top), Duane Eddy, Brenda Lee, The Beach Boys, Billy Burnette, Dale Watson, Dick Dale, Reverend Horton Heat, JD McPherson, Dave Alvin & Phil Alvin (The Blasters) and many, many more. In 2016, Riley was nominated for DJ Of The Year at the Ameripolitan Music Awards and again in 2017 when he won the award.
He can often be seen doing MC duties at various festival and concert events as well as with a microphone in front of new and heritage artists telling their stories to help keep this great music alive!