Joe Elmore Cause of Death

Joe Elmore, the beloved host who guided viewers through the nooks and crannies of Tennessee on public television’s “Tennessee Crossroads” for an impressive 37 years, has passed away at the age of 80 after a prolonged illness. His passing was confirmed by “Tennessee Crossroads” and Nashville Public Television, which produced the show.

Ed Jones, his longtime executive producer, expressed deep sorrow over Elmore’s death, stating, “We have lost a legend and a dear friend. We’ll miss his phenomenal skills, his kind-heartedness, and his wonderful sense of humour. Tennessee Crossroads was his baby.” In a heartfelt Facebook post, the show’s producers promised to continue the beloved program that has chronicled life across Tennessee for decades.

Elmore’s television career began in Memphis, where he served as a weekend reporter and anchor at WHBQ. He later co-hosted the station’s “PM Magazine” show, producing stories that gained national broadcast. His journey into television was rooted in his earlier life as a musician.

A native of Paragould, Arkansas—a town of about 30,000 in the northeastern part of the state—Elmore started performing in pop and “garage rock” bands during the 1960s. Primarily a bass guitarist, he played in several high school and college bands, including “The Blazers” and “The Tarantulas.”