Notable Knoxvillians share support for Benny Smith as he awaits his fate at WUTK

Messages of support for WUTK have been shared in high frequency over the past 24 hours as the Knoxville music scene awaits the fate of the college radio station's longtime general manager, Benny Smith, who has been placed on administrative leave.

Additionally, DJs behind some of the station's specialty programs told Knox News those who are not students are no longer allowed to access the station's studio on the University of Tennessee at Knoxville campus − and that their shows will be replaced by generic programming.

The WUTK Facebook page is no longer active, and the university is not answering Knox News' questions about who's running "The Rock," the cherished nickname for the station broadcast on 90.3 FM.

The other rock on campus, the spirit rock at the corner of Volunteer Boulevard and Pat Head Summitt Street, was painted July 11 with the message: “We <3 Benny VFL.”

On social media, even more support is being shown by some notable Knoxvillians, from musicians to a state representative.

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Rep. Gloria Johnson reflects on Benny Smith's work at WUTK

In the early morning hours of July 12, Tennessee state Rep. Gloria Johnson shared her support for Smith on Facebook, resharing a post from when she was a WUTK guest in 2019.

Derek Senter, co-host of WUTK's "The Funhouse" on Friday nights, told Knox News that Johnson and legendary local rock band Superdrag will be on the July 12 episode of their show, which will be more like an impromptu community forum. The episode is moving to public access TV at knoxcm.org amid the station's changes.

Johnson is running for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate.

Sterl the Pearl drops a message for Benny Smith

Sterling Henton, also known as DJ Sterl the Pearl, shared his support on Facebook for Benny Smith. The post included photos of Henton standing in front of the freshly painted spirit rock.

Henton played 1987-1990 for the Tennessee football team as a quarterback before becoming UT's go-to DJ.

Adeem the Artist writes lengthy post on Benny Smith's role in Knoxville

Acclaimed Knoxville singer-songwriter Adeem the Artist, whose real name is Adeem Bingham, wrote a long Facebook post July 11 in reaction to Smith's absence.

Bingham said the Knoxville community needs people like Smith, as well as community institution like WUTK. By removing "one of the scarce remaining pillars of the Knoxville music scene," Bingham said, the city of Knoxville is "losing itself."

Adeem the Artist's recent work includes the albums "Cast Iron Pansexual," "White Trash Revelry" and "Anniversary." They have risen quickly in the country music scene, tackling topics not often talked about in the genre and opening for some of country's biggest stars.

Knoxville concert promoter recalls Benny Smith's mentorship

Tyler Larrabee, a concert promoter and band manager, spoke with Knox News about how Smith mentored him as he was launching New Ground Music Festival in 2019. Smith later allowed Larrabee to join the radio station and learn alongside students, even though he was not enrolled at UT. 

“He kept it student-led, and he kept the students feeling like it was their station and they were part of something more and they had the power to make the music scene something that they wanted to be a part of,” Larrabee said. “It’s an inspiration.”

Growth and development editor Ryan Wilusz contributed to this report.

Contact Keenan Thomas by email at keenan.thomas@knoxnews.com; Ryan Wilusz by email at ryan.wilusz@knoxnews.com.