How Grand Ole Opry Announcer Bill Cody Got His Name

Before Bill Cody became a legendary radio and Grand Ole Opry host, he was a teenage kid from Kentucky doing whatever it took to land his first on-air job. That meant changing his name to something more memorable.

Spoiler alert: The change worked.

Cody's death on Tuesday (June 9) wraps a 32-year career on Nashville's WSM-AM, where he hosted Coffee, Country & Cody. Nationally, fans know him as the voice of the Grand Ole Opry, where he effortlessly introduced singers and read live advertisements for radio and TV audiences.

• Bill Cody died at age 67.after a prolonged hospital stay.
• On May 31, his daughter Hannah alerted fans to his health crisis saying he was in the ICU in need of a heart and kidney transplant.
• Dozens of country stars have started to share memories and offer prayers for his friends and family.

Related: Remembering the Country Stars Who Died In 2026

Bill Cody Obituary

Grand Ole Opry publicity shared a proper obituary for Cody. Prior to working in Nashville, he held radio jobs in Lexington and Louisville, Ky., Orlando, Fla. and San Antonio, Texas.

For decades, he served as host as the Grand Ole Opry, his voice becoming a steady presence simply unheard of on broadcast airwaves today. Inductions into the Country Radio Hall of Fame and Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame, plus a star on the Music City Walk of Fame would follow.

A love for radio took root in the late 60s and early 70s when Cody was just a young boy accompanying his father (a Southern Baptist preacher) to drop off recorded sermons at a local station each Sunday.

In 1971, Cody spotted a job posting for night deejay at WVLK in Lexington and he got the job, with one request from the program director. He would need to change his name.

Bill Cody's Real Name

Bill Cody was born Trent Clutts but assumed the name Bill Cody when he was 17 years old. He chose it because one of his heroes was "Buffalo Bill" Cody, the 19th century actor and western enthusiast.

For 55 years he'd reshape the brand of that name and ultimately leave a legacy as important.

"Bill Cody was a wonderful man and a dear friend for over forty years," says Bill Anderson, the Opry's longest serving member." I hope they have meat 'n threes in heaven! Rest in peace, my friend, and we'll have lunch again one of these days!"

"Bill Cody was such a beautiful soul, his passing leaves us reflecting on how much we really loved him," add David and Howard Bellamy. "Prayers for his family."

This Saturday's Grand Ole Opry broadcast will be dedicated to Cody. He leaves behind wife Rebecca and their three children.