Chronicle: Country Radio Hall of Famer Bob Mitchell (a.k.a. Walter Detweiler) passed away April 16. Best known for his time as OM/PD/on-air talent at KCKC/San Bernardino, CA from 1966-1993, he also spent time with KHOZ/Harrison, AR. Mitchell was one of the first Country Radio Broadcasters (CRB) board members and served as Country Radio Seminar (CRS) Agenda Chair in 1976. He was named to the Country Radio Hall of Fame in the On-Air category in 2005. Detweiler is survived by four children – including Curb|Word Entertainment VP/Promotion Jeri Cooper – eight grand children and one great-grandchild. "Radio is all he ever wanted to do and loved it so much that, after studying to be a Mennonite preacher, he left to take his first radio job," says Cooper. "He wasn't allowed to listen to music as a child, but he snuck a small radio into his bedroom, put it under his pillow at night and listened to WIBG/Philadelphia and DJ Bobby Mitchell – who inspired his radio name. He loved his life, Jesus, cold beer, classic country music, the ocean, puns, laughing, key lime pie and so much more. If you would like to honor him, crack a cold one, put on Kris Kristofferson's 'Why Me Lord' and tell a good joke." In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Recording Academy's MusiCares Foundation here.

Singer/songwriter/producer Gary McSpadden passed away April 15 following a short battle with cancer. He was 77. McSpadden's musical roots were grounded in Southern gospel, and he spent time with The Oak Ridge Quartet, who changed their name to The Oak Ridge Boys during his tenure. He later sang with Jake Hess and the Imperials, during which time the group backed up Elvis Presley. McSpadden also performed and recorded with The Bill Gaither Trio and The Gaither Vocal Band in addition to releasing his own solo albums. He was also a Christian television producer/host and pastor. Due to coronavirus (COVID-19), the family will have a private graveside service tomorrow (4/21) with a celebration of life to follow at a later date. A memorial fund has been set up at McSpadden's home church, and donations may be made to the Gary McSpadden Memorial Fund (3950 Green Mountain Drive, Branson, MO 65616). Condolences may be offered to the family via McSpadden's son, Red Light's Shawn McSpadden, here.