GALAX, Va. — March 28 started as any other Saturday at Blue Ridge Country 98.1 FM, filled with classic country music. Long-time announcer J.D. Higgins hosts a show each week from 8 to 10 a.m. called J.D.’s Country Gold and Top Notch Grass. He features musicians that laid a foundation to both country and bluegrass with artists such as George Jones, Connie Smith, George Hamilton IV, Thyrd Tyme out, and Charlie Waller and the Country Gentlemen, as well as other well known artists such as himself.

A little after 9 a.m., Higgins began to become uncomfortable and asked the board operator and fellow announcer, Derrick Davis for an aspirin. Davis recognized the symptoms and gave Higgins the option of riding to the hospital with him or calling for the E.M.T. to take him.

As the symptoms worsened, Higgins decided to go with Davis to the hospital to be checked. He had indeed suffered a minor heart attack while on the air. He was transferred to Forsyth Medical Center for additional tests and treatment. The doctors at Forsyth established the necessity of bypass surgery and scheduled it for Tuesday.

WBRF Station Manager Deborah Stringer spoke with Higgins by phone and decided to let the loyal listeners and fans know about his situation on the air. Numerous calls and visits poured in, including country music legend Norma Jean (made popular by Porter Wagoner) and star of the Grand Ole Opry, the International Ambassador of Country Music, George Hamilton IV.

Hamilton was traveling near Winchester, Va., and heard the announcement made on the air, and he also received a call from the front man in Higgin’s band, Billy C. Smith. Hamilton and Higgins have had a close relationship performing and keeping the music traditions alive. Hamilton made a visit to Forsyth hospital to visit his old friend and later contacted the management at WBRF to ask if he could sit in for Higgins on his Saturday morning show.

Hamilton, a Winston-Salem native, wanted to feature Higgins and other popular regional musicians such as Del Reeves, Doc Watson and others as a tribute to J.D. Listeners flooded the phone lines for more than two hours while Hamilton and Davis told stories related to the regional musicians they spotlighted. Everyone wanted to send out prayers and well wishes to J.D. Higgins. Higgins will be making his recovering over the next few weeks and plans to return to the air and to his fans as soon as possible.

The management and staff at WBRF have extended well wishes and prayers for Higgins and his wife, Iva, as they rest and recover, as well as thanks to country music legend George Hamilton IV for his participation in the tribute to Higgins.

Cards and well wishes for Higgins should be sent to WBRF, P.O. Box 838, Galax VA 24333. E-mails can also be sent through the Web site www.blueridgecountry98.com. All cards and messages will be forward to him.