Incredibly, he's even returned in the very same car, and despite bowing out of Tamworth in 1999, he still has a strong connection with the city.

Mr Corbett begun part-time announcing at 2TM in 1971, and was soon thrust into the full time role. The very next year the radio station launched the Tamworth Country Music Festival.

He was heavily involved in the promotion of the festival and awards, but he had been part of the country music scene in the city well before then.

He had been compèring for the Tamworth Country Music Association's January Jamboree in the years leading up to the festival, which he said in a way had acted as a precursor and showed Tamworth could host major events.

He also promoted gospel events and worked alongside Tamworth radio icon John Minson. He was even back-up announcer on his popular Hoedown program.

Despite spruiking what Tamworth had to offer back then, Mr Corbett said few people could have predicted how big the festival would become.

"In 1972, when promotion of the first awards and festival began, no-one could guarantee their success," he said.

"However, we all worked hard to give it our best shot and the rest, as they say, is history. I am confident it became far bigger than many expected or predicted.

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"The festival's enduring boost to Tamworth's economy through the creation of business and job opportunities and the development of such year-round attractions as the Golden Guitar and National Guitar Museum, should not be under estimated."

Mr Corbett's contribution to the festival and country music in general in Tamworth was acknowledged last week, when he was inducted into the Broadcasters Country Music Hall of Fame.

That was an honour, he said, but there is one thing he really wants to get his hands on - his old guitar.

A musician himself, Mr Corbett used to play guitar and help teach others, and on some occasions that even meant giving guitars away. But great intrigue surrounds one of the ones he let go of, as it wound up in the hands of none other than the great Slim Dusty.

Mr Corbett's guitar was with Dusty when he attended the opening of the guitar-shaped pool at Econo Lodge Savannah Park Motel. Dusty signed the instrument, but it hasn't yet found its way into any of Tamworth's country music museums or archives.

The local broadcast legend hasn't given up yet though, and is determined to find the incredible piece of memorabilia.

"The hunt goes on," he said.

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