MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS) – A familiar name to generations of Middle Tennesseans, Billy Yearwood, a respected local musician and longtime member of the Carl Tipton Show on WGNS Radio, has passed away at the age of 95.

Yearwood was known not only for his exceptional talent on the lap steel guitar but also for his warm spirit, dedication to traditional music, and his deep ties to the Murfreesboro community. His contributions to the region’s musical landscape spanned decades and left a lasting impact on countless listeners and fellow musicians.

Born in the late 1920s, Yearwood showed an early interest in music. According to family lore, his mother prayed that her son would one day grow up to play the mandolin. He began formal music lessons in Nashville as a young child, traveling by bus to pursue his passion—an early indicator of the lifelong commitment that would define his career.

In the late 1940s, Yearwood became a key part of the Carl Tipton Show, a popular bluegrass and country program that aired on WGNS Radio. A 1947 photograph captures a young Billy Yearwood playing lap steel on the air alongside Carl Tipton and others—a time when live local radio was a Saturday morning staple for families across Rutherford County and beyond. This was taken the same year the station went on the air. A young John Hood can also be seen in the photo.

Even in his later years, Yearwood remained active in the local music scene, participating in jam sessions and live performances. Many remember his appearances at the Readyville Mill along with current WGNS Friday Roundtable host John Blankenship and Avent Lane. Those who heard him perform often described his playing as soulful and heartfelt—his lap steel guitar evoking emotion with every note.

Billy Yearwood’s passing marks the end of an era for Murfreesboro’s musical history. He was more than a performer—he was a link to the city’s cultural past, a cherished friend to many, and a symbol of a time when local radio brought communities together through music.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced. Friends, family, and fans alike remember him fondly and celebrate the life of a man whose music touched so many.

LINK TO THE AUGUST 1ST, 2012 TRUMAN SHOW | Musical guests John Blankenship, Ken Frizell, Sarah Frizell, Gary Redmon and Billy Yearwood.

This is "Six Gun Slim," featuring the talents of Billy Yearwood!