LifeNotes: Longtime WSM Producer, Music Director Kevin Anderson Dies

Kevin Anderson. Photo courtesy WSM

Longtime WSM Radio producer and music director Kevin Anderson died Monday, May 16 in Nashville. He was 56 and died of cardiac arrest.

Anderson moved to Nashville from Stoughton, Wisconsin, to attend Belmont University, but left to join country artist Jana Jae’s touring band. He then began backing Sonny James on guitar and background vocals.

Anderson left the road to begin working at Nashville’s WSM Radio, first as a producer for Bill Cody’s morning show, then as WSM-FM’s music director. He also worked part-time as an announcer for the Grand Ole Opry during his career.

“We are saddened by the loss of one of our great WSM voices, Kevin Anderson,” says WSM General Manager Chris Kulick. “For years, Kevin devoted his time and efforts to entertaining and informing country music fans both near and far. He will be greatly missed, and we express our deepest condolences to his family and all who knew him.”

He is survived by his mother, Eunice; his siblings, Bonnee (Pete) Nelson, Beth Suddeth, Robin (Sami) Khalaf, Keith (Tammy) Anderson, and Ken (Susan) Anderson; his nieces, Nicole Nelson and Samantha Jo Suddeth; and nephews, Ryan (Francie) Khalaf, Shane (Taylor) Khalaf, Tyler (Jess) Anderson, Justin (Corinne) Anderson, Luke Anderson, Jacob Anderson, Drew Nelson, and Brandon Suddeth. He was preceded in death by his father, Marvin; and brother, Steven.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 23, 2016 at West Koshkonong Lutheran Church in Stoughton, Wisconsin. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the West Koshkonong Lutheran Church Endowment Fund.