The Cromwell Group has evolved R&B Oldies “102.1 The Ville” W271AB Nashville/WPRT-HD2 Pegram TN to a mix of gold and current Adult R&B.
With the change “The Ville” will be adding Reach Media’s Rickey Smiley Morning Show from 5-9am.
The 102.1 The Ville brand had debuted in May 2017. With the music shift, the station moves closer to targeting Cumulus Media’s “92Q” WQQK Goodlettsville. WQQK had a 5.4 share in the Holiday 2022 Nielsen Audio ratings, while WPRT-HD2 had just a 0.9 share. The move leaves Heidelberg Broadcasting’s 1470 WVOL featuring R&B Oldies in the market.
Cromwell Media announced that beginning Tuesday, February 21, the highly popular Rickey Smiley Morning Show will debut on Urban AC 102.1 The Ville, airing weekday mornings from 5AM-9AM. A special weekend “Rickey Smiley Jump-Off Show” will also air on Saturdays from 6AM-8AM.
102.1 The Ville was created by Shannon Sanders, an award-winning Nashville music producer, after he met Cromwell Media owner Bud Walters while they were classmates in Leadership Music, an exclusive nine-month program that immerses its participants in the inner workings of the music industry. Together they crafted a unique experience that has resonated with Nashville music lovers since it launched in 2017. Rickey Smiley’s arrival marks the first time that 102.1 The Ville has featured any on-air hosts.
“I am honored to join The Ville and wake up listeners in Nashville on 102.1,” Rickey Smiley said. “Our show will feature trending topics, God, signature comedic sketches, listener engagement and information on various topics from the growth of our HBCUs, self-improvement, business tips and daily advice. Music City: get ready!”
Cromwell Media’s VP/Market Manager Dennis Gwiazdon said, “The addition of the Rickey Smiley Morning Show amplifies 102.1 The Ville as a full entertainment station. Rickey’s humor and perspective on life will add an element of fun to kickstart every morning before the Ville launches into its music groove throughout the rest of the day.”
“The Rickey Smiley Show will be a tremendous addition to 102.1 The Ville as it continues to evolve in its mission to deliver the best of Soul and R&B music to the greater Nashville area,” added co-founder Shannon Sanders.
