Joe Elmore to close fall semester or R-TV Professional-in-Residence alumni series

November 12, 2010 -- Joe Elmore, founder, president and CEO of RTM Productions in Nashville, Tenn., will conclude the 2010 fall semester of Arkansas State University’s Radio-Television Professional-in-Residence alumni series. Elmore will be on campus, Wednesday-Thursday, Nov. 17-18, and will speak to radio-television classes in addition to meeting with R-TV faculty.

Elmore currently works as on-air host and producer for two completely different programming entities. Since 1987, he has served as host and contributing producer for “Tennessee Crossroads”.  Based at WNPT in Nashville, it’s one of the highest rated shows of its kind in the country.  The program is carried by PBS stations in Tennessee and North Carolina. “Crossroads” is a travel/heritage/lifestyle show that celebrates the fascinating people and places found along the two-lane highways of Tennessee and beyond.  The program has earned several Emmy Awards and countless nominations.

He is also host and show producer of America’s premiere, longest-running, high performance car show, “Horsepower TV”.  The program is seen every weekend on the Spike TV network (formerly The Nashville Network).  Debuting in 1997, it quickly became the show for enthusiasts and hot-rodders throughout North America.  “Horsepower TV” mixes how-to projects with lifestyle segments, all relating to the American car culture.

When time allows, Joe also pursues his longtime passion – music, as a songwriter and performer.  He was immersed in the historic music of the “Memphis Sound” during its heyday and backed up some of the legends of Rock, R&B and Rockabilly.  Today, he continues to write music. 

Elmore grew up in Paragould, where he was a student-athlete in high school.  He earned his bachelor’s degree at Arkansas State in 1966 and a masters degree at the University of Memphis.  He worked in film production, public relations, and television news before heading to Nashville to diversify his career. 

Elmore’s credits include PM Magazine, Opry Backstage (The Nashville Network), The Gold Prospector (The Nashville Network), plus numerous television specials and commercials, in addition to a handful of songwriting credits.

He actively supports charities dedicated to helping children with autism and recently released a CD with proceeds earmarked for the National Autism Association.  Elmore participates in an annual car show benefiting the National Progeria Research Foundation, while also lending time to various other community projects.

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