A man known for bringing county music to WNY has died.
Ramblin’ Lou Schriver passed away Sunday. He was 86-years-old.
Schriver began his radio career in 1947 in Niagara Falls. In 1970, he bought WMMJ, changing the name to WXRL and format to classic country. The station has been going strong every since and blazed a path for country music in WNY.
Schriver worked with and sponsored hundreds of country music shows dating back to the 1950s, including well known names like Hank Williams Sr., Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Roy Clark, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Dolly Parton, just to name a few.
He’s survived by his wife of 54 years, Joanie, who he met in 1961 while looking for a guitar player for his band “Twin Pine Mountaineers,” as well as their four children and five grandchildren. His family makes up the “Ramblin’ Lou Family Band,” which celebrated their 51st consecutive year at the Erie County Fair in 2015.
Schriver was a member of the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame, Buffalo Broadcaster’s Hall of Fame, New York State Country Music Hall of Fame, Country Music Association and he and his wife were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame’s Walkway of Stars.
Friends will be able to pay their respects on Wednesday, January 20th and Thursday, January 21st from 2-4p.m. and 7-9p.m. at the Fretthold Funeral Home at 1241 Oliver Street in North Tonawanda.
A church service will be held Friday at 10:30 a.m. at Salem United Church of Christ at the corner of Main and Morgan Street in Tonawanda.
Memorial donations may be made at Salem United Church of Christ.
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