FROM THE TOP WITH MARTY SMITH FROM THE TOP WITH MARTY SMITH FROM THE TOP WITH MARTY SMITH

Tell us about your journey to radio?

I knew that God wanted me in radio I didn't know a thing about radio broadcasting, but I knew that's what I was called to do So, I started going to different radio stations asking if they were hiring I was told no so many times I almost gave up, but I kept knocking on doors. Finally, a man by the name of Gary Babb gave me a chance He was the owner of AM 1090 KEXS. It was the first station I ever worked for It was a Southern Gospel music station, but we soon changed our format to Christian Country. We played artists like Paula McCulla, Ken Holloway, Bruce Haynes, Lisa Daggs, Mid South, White River, The Days and more. I worked there for three years and then moved to Denver, CO in 1993 to work at AM 560 KLZ and 800 AM KLTT, a Christian Country radio station I spent a couple of years there and then went to work at KWBI 91 1 FM in Denver, CO I also worked part-time at the Jones Satellite Radio Network in Denver After a few years I went to work at KBIQ 102 7 FM in Colorado Springs, CO I was the morning drive co-host with Bobbie Lemieux, and we were the number three morning show in town. Having a Christian radio station with the number three morning show was unheard of at the time. After a few years there I wound up moving to California and worked at Star 92 7 FM and The Cabin 93.5 FM. In 1992, I started my syndicated radio show, "Cross Country" (now called 'Today's Cross Country'). I still host that show today. A lot of people think I'm fairly new to this industry, but I was one of the first Disc Jockeys to play Christian Country music I've been on the air for over thirty-two years now

In 2008, I was introduced to Internet radio. I built my online radio station, Heaven's Country (www.heavenscountry.com) and went LIVE on April 1, 2011 We play Christian Country, Positive Country and Bluegrass We're also on iHeart Radio which gives us a bigger platform to share Christian Country with the world. In June of 2022, Heaven's Country teamed up with AM 1070 WEKT Heavenly Country in Elkton, KY to broadcast our radio feed overnights so we're now on the AM Dial I currently host the syndicated television show, "The Nashville Corner", which airs on Family Friendly Entertainment (FFE) under the umbrella of Nashville 37201 TV. It's owned by Bev McCann and Jim Sheldon, I'm a member of Absolutely Gospel and Absolutely Country, owned by Bev McCann, the International Country Gospel Music Association, Texoma Gospel Music Association and the Country Music Association I'm also Vice President of The American Christian Country Music Association It's an organization designed to help artists, promoters, songwriters, and radio disc jockeys learn how to invest and grow their ministries I also have the privilege of mentoring other disc jockeys and help them build their online radio stations My morning show, "Mar-Tay In The Morning" airs weekdays at 7 AM Central Monday through Friday and is simulcast on Heaven's Country, King Country Radio, Country Gold Radio, Branson Gospel Radio, God's Country Radio, WGHC TV and the WOTG Radio and Television network You can also watch me on You Tube (@HeavensCountryRadio), Facebook, Twitter, Twitch, and Instagram.

What is your musical influence journey and where did Christian Country come into it for you?

My parents listened to country music when I was growing up I loved listening to Charlie Rich, Charlie Pride, Margo Smith, Barbara Fairchild, and the Statler Brothers. In the 80's my biggest musical influence was Ronnie Milsap, Randy Travis, and the group Alabama. I loved their sound and their message I still remember hearing, "My Home's In Alabama” and the words, 'Drinking was forbidden in my Christian Country Home". It was the first time I ever heard the term, "Christian Country". Little did I know at the time that I would play a big part in helping get this genre of music off the ground As for Ronnie Milsap, Alabama, and Randy Travis, I still play a lot of their songs on Heaven's Country They just had a way of communicating with you through their songs and the messages in those songs still touch me today. I try to bring that feeling to the airwaves

Tell us about yourself, hobbies, fun things?

I'm very passionate about what I do with radio It's what God called me to do I'm still amazed after all these years that people still want to listen to me There are billions of choices out there, but I still get people that love tuning in I love to have fun and share this music with the world I love getting up in the morning and hosting my morning show and seeing the comments from my viewers I get emails from people all over the world thanking me for playing Christian Country Music Most of my time is spent in the Heaven's Country studio and making sure things run smoothly. However, when I can get away, I love to go kayaking. There's nothing like being on the water.