Wheelin' on Beale: How WDIA-Memphis Became the Nation's First All-Black Radio Station and Created the Sound that Changed AmericaFrom Library Journal: In the late 1940s, Memphis radio station WDIA became the first to target its programming to a largely ignored black audience. "Cannonball" Cantor, one of the few white announcers on WDIA, tells how this decision resulted not only in business success, but mirrored America's nascent awareness of African American culture and social issues. While featuring shows with the now-quaint titles of "Tan Town Jamboree" and "Sepia Swing Club," WDIA influenced a generation of young white Southerners who would soon meld the blues they heard on the radio with country music to form rock 'n' roll. African American on-the-air personalities and community involvement led to a more positive self image for listeners and paved the way for the civil rights struggle of the 1960s. This firsthand look at one of the early victories in America's war against racism is recommended. |
Contents
Breaking the color barrier | 41 |
The switch to allblack programming | 56 |
The appeal of blackappeal | 154 |
Copyright | |
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A. C. Williams advertisers airwaves all-black programming all-black radio station Amateur Night appeared B. B. King Beale Street became began Bert Ferguson black announcer black audience black community black programming black radio blues Bobby Blue Bland broadcast Brother Wade control-board operator Cotton Makers Dave David James Dewey Phillips DIA's disc jockey Don Kern early Elvis entertainment famous fifties Ford Nelson Frank Armstrong Frank Armstrong collection Gatemouth George McDaniel Goodwill Revue gospel groups gospel music Hulbert interview Jamboree Kip Lornell knew listeners live Memphis Commercial Appeal Memphis World Mid-South Mississippi Moohah morning Nat D Nat Williams Nat's Natolyn Negro Pittsburgh Courier played popular Presley program director promotional racial recalls record remembers Rufus Thomas says today segregated Sonny Boy South Spirit of Memphis sponsors stars started switch talent Teen-Town Singers Tennessee Theo Wade Town Tri-State Defender WDIA WDIA's WHBQ Willa