NuMusic247.com was started by Billy T Crooks, a radio veteran with more than 15 years in the business. Billy T was first on air at WDBM-FM in East Lansing, Michigan. "89FM, The IMPACT" is an alternative station operated by students at Michigan State University, where Billy T earned his Bachelors Degree in Marketing. While attending MSU and working at WDBM, Billy T earned an internship at WJXQ-FM (Q-106) in Lansing, Michigan. Q-106 was an Active Rock Station with a large listening base. The short, but eventful, internship at WJXQ ended up giving Billy T a position at Q106's sister station, WWDX-FM, "92.1 The Edge." After a few weekend overnight shifts (12am - 6am), Billy was given the night slot (7pm - 12am) and Promotions Director stripes at The Edge. After a few months of that time slot, Billy T was moved into the coveted afternoon-drive time, from 2pm - 7pm. This time was short lived as there were some staff changes taking place. Billy T ended up back on nights, but on the much larger "stick" at Q106, where he originally interned. While Billy was at Q106 he became Production Director. After 6 months of doing the night slot more changes were made. Billy ended up back in afternoon drive from 3pm - 7pm. Also a guitar player, Billy T started up a radio station band, called Reverend Billy T & The 106 Man March. The band landed a sponsorship by Miller Beer, which included several endorsements, and opened up for a long series of concerts in the area that featured nationally touring bands that were getting airplay at the radio station, including: Gov't Mule, The Screamin' Cheetah Wheelies, Jackyl, The Bulletboys, Corey Glover (Living Colour), Brother Cane, and more. In December of 1998, Billy T graduated from MSU. He ended up in St. Louis, Missouri and worked weekends for a short period of time at KPNT-FM, "105-7, The Point." After about 6 months in St. Louis, Billy moved to New York City. Billy played with a few bands and worked as a producer in Manhattan. After a little more than a year in New York City, Billy moved back to Michigan. He picked up a few weekend shifts at Q106 and then got a call from WMMQ-FM, "Classic Rock 94.9," the nation's first classic rock station. Billy worked the afternoon drive slot from 2pm - 7pm while also operating his own real estate appraisal company. After a little more than a year at WMMQ, Billy had to resign due to his own business that was building rapidly.
A few years off air and out of the business left Billy wanting to do more. Billy was never a fan of country music. One night on a late-night talk show, Kenny Chesney was performing "Living in Fast Forward." Billy thought it was a good song and the musicians in the band were impressive. The following day he gave country radio a good listen. He was optimistic and thought about how fun country music could be. It was fresh. The rock bands coming out at that time were all starting to sound the same and country music offered a new perspective of the art of music. Billy T contacted and old friend and Program Director at WITL-FM, Lansing, Michigan. Billy was offered a unique position that most people in the radio business have never heard of. He was offered a weekend time slot whenever he was available and was called whenever a regular jock was sick or needed vacation time. That schedule worked out well as Billy's appraisal business kept him quite busy.
After about 5 years at WITL and realizing real estate was not where his passion was, Billy decided to to sell his house and business, then pack up and move to Nashville. After a few months and many nights out downtown seeing some of the best musicians music has to offer, Billy T decided he was going to start a radio station. It was to be an online radio station that featured all these bands that play their heart out downtown, but never get that "deal" they've always dreamed about. With the emerging online radio market and decline in terrestrial radio, it seemed like a good option to have some fun with.
The radio station has seen a warm welcome and is always trying to increase the listener base. The first big event, other than signing on, was premiering the new recording from Nashville songwriter/singer, Rick Tiger.
