The Lee Michael Demsey Show

On air

Saturday · 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

BluegrassCountry.org · internet · DC

Modern;Gospel;Traditional;Progressive

About the show

Lee Michael Demsey is an award-winning, veteran radio broadcaster and a central pillar of the Washington, D.C. area bluegrass music scene for over four decades. He began his radio career in 1975 at American University's WAMU (88.5 FM), initially working as a rock and roll DJ and late-night operations manager. By 1982, as the station expanded its traditional folk and bluegrass programming, Demsey successfully transitioned to hosting full-time. He became an influential champion of the genre, eventually moving his talents online when the station helped pioneer the global streaming network known today as Bluegrass Country. Beyond his signature voice on the airwaves, Demsey has left a massive footprint on the industry as a leading chart compiler. For decades, he has been the primary architect behind the National Bluegrass Survey published monthly in Bluegrass Unlimited magazine. By meticulously tracking radio airplay and compiling these authoritative charts, Demsey has provided invaluable exposure and accurate industry representation for both legendary icons and rising independent contemporary artists. His enduring dedication to broadening the accessibility of the music earned him the prestigious IBMA Distinguished Achievement Award from the International Bluegrass Music Association. Today, global audiences can still tune in to The Lee Michael Demsey Show, which streams every Saturday morning from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM Eastern Time on Bluegrass Country Radio. His weekly broadcasts offer an engaging mix of contemporary bluegrass, exclusive artist interviews, and deep-dive features on historic live recordings. On the final Saturday of each month, Demsey hosts the highly anticipated Bluegrass Unlimited Top 30 Countdown, where he reveals the biggest hits in the genre alongside conversations with the artists making waves on the national charts.