Remembering Joe Elmore: 1944-2024

TV producers and fans alike mourn the loss of the former PowerNation and Tennessee Crossroads host and beloved car aficionado.

Joe Elmore, one of the most iconic and recognizable faces of TNN and PowerNation TV, succumbed to a long-term illness at age 80. The Paragould, Arkansas native is survived by a son and daughter, and we extend our deepest condolences to them and his other family and friends.

After studying film and television at Memphis State University, Elmore launched his television career in Memphis as a weekend news anchor at WHBQ. His big break occurred when he landed the role as host of Tennessee Crossroads, a title he held for an incredible 37 years. He originally joined the show back in 1987, and it grew with him to become a wildly successful PBS broadcast. According to the show’s website, it centers around Elmore exploring “all of the unique personalities, crafts, food, destinations, and events that make Tennessee such a special place to live and visit.” WNPT broadcasts the show to a regular viewership throughout the southeastern United States and beyond.

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Elmore’s popularity as a passionate, well-informed television host grew beyond the American landscape and into his interest in cars. His popularity blossomed here, appearing as co-host of Hot Rod TV alongside Chuck Hanson in the 1990s. If you need a little refresher, these programs starred Elmore and Hanson building a variety of cars and trucks. Each episode shows a step-by-step process from start to finish, with some episodes in multiple parts. Originally aired on TNN, the show (and subsequently Elmore himself) quickly became iconic as one of the first hot-rodding programs of its kind. Here’s PowerNation’s full playlist on their YouTube channel if you want to check it out. PowerNation’s two YouTube channels made a variety of episodes available for free over the years. Beginning with the very first episode of Horse Power TV aired in 1999.

A Legacy to Remember

Elmore’s passion for the arts extended throughout his entire life and beyond. His contributions began from his early days as a musician, playing in several bands throughout high school and college. A uniquely visionary quality that he brought to his broadcasting career. Elmore often highlighted the curious and obscure aspects over what simply brought the most viewership. This level of authenticity and craftsmanship earned him the respect and admiration of his audience. Within the community, he’s well-known for his down-to-earth candor and genuine smile. He and his co-hosts carried Hot Rod TV into its modern Horsepower TV and MuscleCar days. Shows which, along with the rest of PowerNation TV, became synonymous with automotive network programs to this day.

Fans poured onto PowerNation’s social media and elsewhere to extend condolences and share their stories within minutes of hearing the news. Elmore’s deep love and admiration for the shows he hosted helped foster multiple generations’ worth of fellow enthusiasts. A lasting legacy that continues today and beyond, thanks to his ever-popular online presence and impact on automotive culture.

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