Kacky Walton
Classical Music HostI owe my radio career to the Ford Motor Company. My daddy had a Ford dealership in our hometown of Clarksdale, Mississippi, and he thought it would be cute if his 7-year old daughter did his radio commercials. The pay wasn't great, just a pack of Wrigley's gum, but I was hooked on radio from then on.
I majored in Theater at Ole Miss, and really enjoyed the stage, but I always came back to radio. Now I have the best of both worlds: Everyday I get to create and host a classical music show and talk to fascinating people from the art world, and I get my theater fix when I host previews of Playhouse on the Square's musicals on Friday Live Lunch. Who could ask for anything more?
When I'm not doing radio, I love hanging out with my sweet rescue dog, who got his name from The Kinks song, “Do You Remember Walter”, from the album “Village Green Preservation Society”. I have to thank my late husband for that one. Walter is, without a doubt, the most handsome boy on the planet, and completely deserves having his own theme song. I also love putting on loud music and having my own little throw-down dance party from time to time. Not sure is Walter is so keen on that. He gives me funny looks sometimes.
I started playing the piano at age 2, and began classical training at age 5. Having gone without a piano for a large chunk of time has made me pretty rusty, but now that I have it again, I'm working on getting the old chops back. Things that I can't do without: TV, a good movie, and yummy food and wine. Also any book by John Irving. And Tab.
I don't get paid in gum anymore, and I don't make big bucks either, but I do get to wake up in the morning excited about working for a radio station that matters. I get to work for public radio! How did a girl from Clarksdale get so lucky?
-
Kacky Walton spoke with award-winning hymn writer, composer, and organist Alan Hommerding, who will lead the workshop “Piano Bench to Organ Bench,” presented by the Memphis Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. -
Kacky Walton spoke with director Jeramie L. Simmons and choreographer Courtney Oliver about Playhouse on the Square’s production of the Tony and Grammy Award–winning musical "Jagged Little Pill." -
Kacky Walton spoke with Sean Murphy of Mighty Souls Brass Band about his new recording, “Ambient Light,” with a release concert and listening session at The Green Room at Crosstown Arts and the Memphis Listening Lab. -
Kacky Walton talked with flautist Bethann Easterly and pianist Jim Cornfoot of the Hammerwind Duo, who will present two performances featuring 20th- and 21st-century music that pairs Baroque elegance with modern aesthetics. -
Kacky Walton spoke with Director Anita “Jo” Lenhart and Assistant Director Elizabeth Perkins about Theatre Memphis’s upcoming production of "Always a Bridesmaid," running Friday, January 23 through Sunday, February 8. -
Kacky Walton spoke with Christy Barzizza, executive director of Creative Aging Mid-South, about two upcoming performances in the organization’s concert series. -
Kacky Walton spoke with Cindi Younker, director of the Buckman Performing and Fine Arts Center, about an upcoming performance by the Grammy-winning ensemble The Klezmatics, who make their Memphis debut on Thursday, January 22, at 7:00 pm. -
Kacky Walton spoke with local visual artist and arts educator Shameka Carter about her first solo exhibition, "Winter Embrace," on view at the Memphis Botanic Garden now through Saturday, January 31. -
Kacky Walton spoke with Jamie Boller, director, and Lymonte Thomas, assistant director, about the world premiere of “sex/work.” -
Kacky Walton spoke with Josh Campbell, Executive and Creative Director of Spillit Memphis, an organization that gives storytellers a platform to share unscripted stories in front of a live audience.
