Joe Elmore Death & Obituary: A host of NPT’s Tennessee Crossroads at WNPT has died at 80

Joe Elmore Death & Obituary: Joe Elmore, the longtime host of Tennessee’s longest-running and highest-rated public television program, “Tennessee Crossroads,” has passed away. The show announced on Monday that Joe Elmore died early in the morning following a prolonged battle with ill health. He was 80 years old.

A Tribute from “Tennessee Crossroads”

In a heartfelt message to viewers, the “Tennessee Crossroads” team shared their sorrow: “Dear Crossroads viewers, there’s no easy way to say this.. our beloved friend and host for 37 years passed away this morning following a long illness. As Joe would’ve wanted, the show he helped create will continue, as will his spirit.”

Who Was Joe Elmore?

Joe Elmore, born in 1944 in Paragould, Arkansas, grew up in eastern Arkansas near the Mississippi Delta. He became a longtime resident of Nashville, Tennessee. Joe Elmore was the host of “Tennessee Crossroads” on WNPT for 37 years, a show that began in 1987. He studied Journalism at Arkansas State University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism and a Master of Arts degree in radio and cinema from the University of Memphis.

Joe Elmore’s Career and Contributions

Joe’s career in journalism was marked by his passion for storytelling and connecting with audiences. After earning his degrees, he served as the media relations director and assistant professor in the Department of Journalism at Arkansas State University. He then spent five years at WHBQ-TV in Memphis, working as a general assignment reporter, weekend anchor, and feature reporter. Joe co-hosted the station’s PM Magazine show for three years before moving to Nashville in 1985.

In Nashville, Joe worked on various shows for the Nashville Network and other independent television, radio, and film projects. Beyond “Tennessee Crossroads,” Joe co-hosted “Detroit Muscle” on NBC Sports and hosted Spike TV’s “Horsepower” from 1997 to 2013. His diverse interests included writing, playing, and recording music in his home studio, as well as traveling, scuba diving, photography, movies, and reading.

Legacy and Impact

Joe Elmore’s legacy extends far beyond his on-screen presence. “Tennessee Crossroads” airs on stations throughout Tennessee and the Southeast, consistently ranking as one of the highest-rated PBS-based shows in the nation. Joe’s warm personality and dedication to showcasing the unique stories of Tennessee endeared him to countless viewers.

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Conclusion

Joe Elmore’s passing is a profound loss for the “Tennessee Crossroads” community and all who knew him. His contributions to journalism and public television have left an indelible mark, and his spirit will continue to live on through the show he helped create. The Elmore family will release his obituary and funeral arrangements in due course.