Savannah Radio History

[Braswell]

Part of this thread was posted just over a year ago. I've just now got around to finishing it.

Please feel free to add to, or correct, anything I've posted. Yes, I am a know-it-all, but I don't know it all.

 

[Braswell]

WTKS

WTOC

In the beginning, back in 1929, there was WTOC, 1260 on your dial, with 500 watts day and night. Later, they increased to 1,000 watts daytime, finally settling on 5,000 watts day, and 1,000 watts at night. The NARBA nation-wide frequency shift in 1941, moved them to 1290. Shortly thereafter, they built their 4 tower array in Garden City, and increased to 5,000 watts at night.

WTOC (Welcome To Our City), was owned the Knight family, and was always a CBS affiliate. WTOC added an FM in 1946, first at 97.3, later moving to 94.1. Following the end of significant network programming for radio (with the shift to television), WTOC became a rather stodgy MOR station. They were feature (both network and local) heavy, as well as having significant news programming. It wasn't until the mid 70's, that WTOC broke out of their stodginess, and became much more contemporary with their programming. For a while, they were "The Love Rock", and played primarily what we'd today call A/C. They used TM's "Sound Of Chicago" jingle package, which had been created for WMAQ.

Over on the FM, they'd dumped BPI's beautiful music format, in favor of BPI's country format, and became "Country Ninety-Four".

In 1979, The Knights sold WTOC radio and television to the American Family Group from Columbus, who in turn spun the radio stations off to Bluegrass Broadcasting, out of Lexington, Kentucky. Bluegrass built a huge studio-office complex adjacent to the AM transmitter site on Alfred Street, and renamed the AM WWSA (Working With SAvannah), and the FM to WCHY/Y-94 (We're Country Hits, Y'all).

WWSA became a straight ahead Pop-Adult station, with ABC-Information news and Paul Harvey. They had a three person local news department, and had Larry King on during overnights. Y-94 used Drake-Chenault's "Great American Country" format, and were automated except the 6-9AM period, M/F.

WCHY ran ABC-Entertainment news, and also broadcast Paul Harvey. WWSA used JAM's "WSM Package" jingle package, while WCHY used the standard Drake-Chenault GAC jingles. Later on, WCHY bought the JAM "Country KHJ" package. In the late 80's, WWSA was switched to an automated Drake-Chenault format, while WCHY featured the live programming.

 

[Braswell]

WHGM

WSGA

WSGA, "the rockin' 140"...top rated top-40 for about 10 years (from late 1968, through 1979), until dethroned by the FM's, including then co-owned WZAT, and finally giving up top-40 in 1982, and changing formats to the Music Of Your Life. I worked at WSGA during the MOYL days, but fondly remember its days of rockin' and rollin'. (Remember the top of the hour ID??? "Da da dum DA dum, W-S-G-A, Savannah, KABLOOM...ROCK - AND - ROLL")

By all accounts, WSGA, with 250 watts fulltime, began broadcasting service to Savannah in 1956, from studios located at 409 E. Liberty Street, with the transmitter/tower located just off President Street extension. Unfortuantely, this is not true. For years, the first 10 years of this facility's history has been erased and forgotten...until now.

The A.C. Neff Company made application to the FCC, to build a new station in Savannah, in the waning days of World War Two. Keep in mind, at the time, the Port City was being served by only two stations, WTOC and WSAV.

Neff was granted a contruction permit for a station to operate at 1400 on the AM dial, with 250 watts fulltime. The station, assigned the call letters WDAR, took to the air in mid-1946. Their studios were located at 34 E. Bryan Street, a second floor suite of offices, located over the Georgia State Bank building. WDAR/WSGA had no netowrk affiliation until early 1961, when it picked up the ABC affiliation previously held by WFRP/WSOK.

Less than two years later, Neff built WDAR-FM, at 96.5 on the dial. I'm not sure where the transmitter was located, by it wasn't on the AM tower, which was a short, 150 foot Windcharger, off President Street extension. As I recall, it had just over 13,000 watts ERP. To my knowledge, it duplicated the AM station, but likely split for certain special broadcasts.

By the time Neff sold the AM station to Donald Jones in 1956, WDAR-FM had surrendered its license. When Jones bought the station, the call letters were immediately changed to WSGA (Savannah, GeorgiA), and the station eventually moved to the Liberty Street studios.

Under Jones operation, WSGA had an adult pop/block format...MOR/pop early mornings, More pop in middays, top-40 between 3 & 6 PM, and after 8 at night. The station played "dinner music" weeknights from 6 'till 8, and signed off each night at midnight.

The all top-40 era of The Goodtimer, WSGA, bgan in October, 1968.

For more great stuff on WSGA, and Savannah radio, point your browser to Lyndy Brannen's great WSGA tribute site: http://www.goodtimer.net/

Today, the station is WHGM, and programs a religious format.

 

[Braswell]

WSAI

WCCP

Whatever happened to...WCCP?

No, not the WCCP (104.9 FM) in Clemson, South Carolina. I'm talking about Savannah's WCCP.

The station was one of three Class IV (now Class C) AM stations that debuted after World War II, in 1946. Supposedly, the call letters stood for Watching Chatham County Prosper, but the fact that the owner's (Carter C. Peterson)initials were C.C.P., one has to wonder about the true meaning.

WCCP covered Savannah with 250 watts on 1450, from a transmitter located way out on Gwinnett St, beyond West Broad. Prior to the demolition of the old DeSoto Hotel, the studios were on the mezzanine level of the hotel. I'm not sure that they started off there, but they were there prior to moving to the E. Bryan Steet studios.

I don't really know anything about Carter Peterson, although I briefly worked for him in the early 70's. All I can remember was that he was a short, plump fellow, who was called "Little Buddah" (behind his back) by the staff.

From the beginning, WCCP was affiliated with Mutual, and, for years, Peterson served on the Mutual affiliates board. Like most stations in the late 40's and early 50's, WCCP carried a lot of network programming, with local periods of various types of music, news and sports programming. In the mid-50's, WCCP was the first station in Savannah to seriously flirt with Top-40 music, offering a few hours very late in the afternoons, and at night. For many years (I don't know how long), Al Jennings was the station's program director and early morning announcer.

Although I'm not precisely sure what prompted the decision, in 1961, the station made a huge programming change. The corporate name was changed from Dixie Broadcasting to Space Broadcasting...the call-sign was changed to WBYG ("Big"), and the music was changed to (primarily) Top-40. Still, Al Jennings insisted on playing big-band and the like, for a couple of hours each morning.

I am told that the early WBYG was a hot, little station, but suffered from having to carry significant amounts of Mutual network programming, along with the early morning big-band period. Still, it was the station that young Savannah listened to. One of WBYG's "stars" was Mel Mixon, who, by the time I met him, was not in good health, and was essentially burned out. To the best I can remember, Mel was the night announcer at WSGA (which also played Top-40 after 8 PM), and was extremely popular with the kids. When WBYG made the switch to Top-40, Mel was "stolen" from WSGA, and became a big hit on WBYG, especially during remote broadcasts from some drive-in (can't remember the name) out on Skidaway Road.

In early 1972 (maybe late 1971), with WSGA ruling the Top-40 roost, with WSAV's music becoming significantly more contemporary, and with FM beginning to emerge, WBYG's popularity was in decline, and a change was needed.

Until late 1968, no Savannah area station offered country music on a full time basis. WEAS (AM 900) was programing some periods of country music, and Garden City's WNMT (a daytimer on 1520) debuted in 1968 with an all country format. Still, there was no fulltime country outlet. Perhaps country could resurect WBYG.

I worked briefly at WBYG in late 1972, and it was so-so, but nothing to write home about. By this time, the station had moved to the old WDAR studios at 34 E. Bryan Street, and all the equipment was showing significant signs of wear and tear. The newest piece of gear in the place, was the main control board...an 8 channel QRK. The cart machines were old Spotmasters, which had a solenoid that clunked so loudly when you hit start, that it sounded like you were hitting the mic with a hammer. The turntables were old 16 inch Gates, and the mic was an old Western Electric (how I'd love to have that today). I don't think the station did a whole lot of business, but I do remember that we ran a lot of spots for Karp Motors...Mr. Peterson's Dodge Polara was a trade-out.

In early 1973, WBYG's Bryan Street studios were destroyed by an early-morning fire. After a few days, the station got back on the air from a temporary set-up at the transmitter. Later, new studios were established at 110 E. Congress Street, but WBYG had a new owner. The Norrel Corporation, owned by former gubernatorial candidate Guy Milner, bought the station, and changed the call sign to WQQT. Milner also owned WGRI (1410) in Griffin. In my opinion, as WQQT, the station was a pretty good sounding country station.

After a few years, WQQT was sold to some folks who'd bought WXLM-FM (97.3). I don't know much about those years, as I wasn't anywhere near Savannah. I think the country music programming continued, although I do seem to recall a period that 1450 was WXLM(AM), duplicating the FM's "AOR" format.

Sometime later (very late 70's-early 80's???), WQQT was sold...more than once. At some point, the studios were moved to Upper Factors Walk, and the call sign changed to WWAM, then later to WSAI. At the end (late 80's), the format was black gospel. For years after that, the station remained licensed, although long silent. Finally, in the mid-90's, after NOT receiving a renewal application, the FCC finally cancelled the license.

In January 2004, I filed an application with the FCC, to put a new station at Brooklet (near Statesboro, my hometown) on 1450. While it's still in the process, and there are several competing applications, if my application is granted, perhaps it will be that the best of what was WCCP/WBYG/WQQT, can find new life, in a new place, but at the same spot on the dial.

Lyndy Brannen has some pictures and air-checks of WBYG, on his WSGA tribute site, http://www.goodtimer.net

 

[Braswell]

WSOK

WFRP

After building WMGA in his hometown of Moultrie in 1939, John F. Pidcock of Savannah, built WFRP in 1946. Pidcock was heavily involved in agriculture, and may have had interests in Savannah's cotton business. I do know that he had an advertising agency in Savannah, Pidcock & Company. Although I worked (indirectly) for him in Moultrie, I really don't know a whole lot about him. I do know that he was fairly wealthy, living part-time in Savannah, part-time on a big plantation near Thomasville, and summered in Highlands, North Carolina. To the best of my knowledge, Pidcock (who died in 1988), is buried at historic Boneventure Cemetary.

John's father was Frank R. Pidcock, hence the WFRP call-sign. When I tell you that WFRP was on 1230, most will know that today the station is WSOK.

WFRP, like WMGA, was an ABC affiliate, and programmed significant amounts of network programming, including Don McNeil's Breakfast Club. Considering the Pidcock's social status, I would imagine that WFRP was more "highbrow" in its programming, than say a WDAR or WCCP. With Arthur Lucas' involvement in WSAV, and Dr. Knight's ownership of WTOC, I expect that WFRP was on the same sort of social plateau as were these stations.

WFRP was located at 219 E. Charlton Street, which may have also been where offices for Pidcock's other businesses were located. The transmitter was (and still is, as far as I know) located just off President Street Extension, just a stone's throw away from where the original WDAR (WSGA, and later WSGF, too) tower was located. It's a very short and skinny Windcharger...somewhere around 150', which was what a lot of the post WWII stations used, as steel was in short supply.

Pidcock, who held on to WMGA (along with Roy Zess, who was once the PD at WFRP) until 1986, decided to sell WFRP in 1960. In January, 1961, Joe Speidel, III took over operation of the 1230 frequency, with the call letters changing to WSOK. Speidel, who owned other stations across the south (WYNN/Florence, SC; WPAL/Charleston, SC; WOIC/Columbia, SC, and others), was an early proponent of black radio. So it was that, like his other stations, WSOK became Savannah's first FULLTIME, all-black programmed station.

Southern movie icon J. Don Ferguson, who'd worked for Pidcock at WFRP, became WSOK's manager in 1961, a position he held until Speidel sold the station in 1972. Following the 1972 sale, I believe Don went back to work for Pidcock, at the advertising agency.

In 1972, Speidel sold WSOK to BCC Broadcasting of Georgia, headed by Ben Tucker. Ben Tucker is most often thought of as the fabulous jazz musician that he is. I know very little about Tucker, and nothing about any previous broadcast history.

Tucker operated WSOK until 1986, when it was sold to the Love sisters from Biloxi (WLOX radio & television), who'd recently purchased WAEV-FM. <P ID="signature">______________
Jay Braswell - Moderator
Atlanta/North Florida/South Carolina/Georgia Boards</P>

 

[Braswell]

WJLG

WJIV

Eurith Dickenson Rivers, Jr., the son of former Georgia governor E.D. "Ed" Rivers, Sr., started building his broadcast empire in 1940, when he built WGOV in his (almost) hometown of Valdosta. Ed Rivers, originally from Arkansas, had relocated to nearby Lakeland in the late 20's.

"Dee" Rivers broadcast holdings were vast, and included WGOV; WMIE/Miami; KWAM/Memphis; WEAS/Decatur (yes, WEAS/Decatur) and WSWN/Belle Glade, Florida.

In mid-1950, a nearly six month battle was ended, when Rivers was granted a final permit for 900 kc's/1kw-D in Savannah. Everybody tried to stop him, including WSAV, Inc., Savannah Broadcasting Co. (WTOC), Dixie Broadcasting Co. (WCCP), A.C. Neff Co. (WDAR), and Georgia Broadcasting Co (WFRP). The argument? Rivers was a less than classy operator.

The plantiffs (Savannah Broadcasters Council) claimed that the difference between Rivers promised and actual programming on WEAS (Decatur), was significant. They claimed that fact was sufficient proof for the FCC to rescind Rivers' Savannah permit, as that difference would likely be repeated in Savannah. Essentially, they said that it was up to them to police Savannah area airwaves, and keep the riff-raff out. Although the arguments were good enough to stall the eventual outcome, Rivers finally got his permit. On October 6, 1950, station WJIV went on the air, and became the final standard broadcast station to be licensed to Savannah.

After Rivers' permit was granted, he sued the Plaintiffs in civil court and WON! He claimed that the delays caused by their unfounded allegations had cost him big bucks, not to mention the huge legal bill. The payoff was well over $200,000.00...big bucks in 1953.

WJIV was programmed for the negro audience from the start. Rivers had observed the success of stations like WDIA/Memphis, and programmed all black gospel/rhythm & blues, just as he was doing with WMIE in Miami. No other Savannah station had made any significant effort to serve the rather large black population. As such, WJIV was a hit from the get go.

Rivers built WEAS/Decatur in 1947. The call-sign stood from (E)mory University & (A)gnes (S)cott College, both located in Decatur. When he changed WEAS to WGUN (the big GUN) in 1963, the call-sign was moved to Savannah. This also marked a change in the format for AM 900, which also coincided with a power increase to 5kw-D.

Until Speidel bought WSOK in January, 1961, Rivers pretty much had the black audience sewed up. Of course, you now had other stations (WSGA and WBYG) programming periods of "southern" Top-40, which was heavy on black product. In mid-1963, WEAS changed to a combination hillbilly (country/western) and white gospel/preaching format, much as the newly renamed WGUN had been (WGUN was now all country). Again, Rivers was a pioneer, programming a format that was underserved in Savannah. It was at WEAS, that Chris Watkins (later WNMT) became a radio star, spinnin' them hillbilly hits.

In 1967, Rivers built the 93.1 FM facility (WEAS-FM), which went on with 100kw, side mounted on the AM tower, with a center of radiation at 310 feet HAAT. I don't know this for sure, but I think 'EAS-FM came on the air with a progressive/underground rock format. My earliest rememberance of the station was in 1969, when it was THE thing to listen to in Statesboro, especially amongst the "enlightened" high-schoolers and college students. I was not enlightended, but some of them rebels I hung out with were, so I was forced to suffer through some of the junk they played. When I listen to some of that "junk" today, some of it seems rather tame. As I recall, there weren't any live announcers...it was completely automated.

At some later point in time...maybe as early as 1974, the FM went all black, still using some automation. With WNMT (Garden City) coming on with a modern country format in 1968, WBYG's conversion to all country in '72, and then WTOC-FM's switch to country in 1974, WEAS-AM was feeling the squeeze. Sometime in '75, the decision was made to simulcast the AM & FM in the morning. Around lunchtime, the AM split off to continue its white gospel and paid religion, and then continued to feature country music in afternoon drive. It was the "Tex Lowther Bumper-to-Bumper Club on the mighty 90, W-E-A and S".

I don't know how long this lasted, but by mid-1976, the operation was all black, still simulcasting in morning drive, with the AM splitting for black gospel in the middays and afternoons.

Dee Rivers was married 3 times, and fathered 8 children. One of his daughters, Jan, was married to Hanson Carter, who built WNGA in Nashville, Georgia in 1960. Rivers' third wife was Marie Bie of Indian Rocks Beach, Florida. Marie's father, E.W. Bie, worked for Rivers...first at WMIE (sales), then later as manager of KWAM. Rivers and Marie married in 1952, and she gradually became involved in the business, eventually becoming president of the company. Rivers died in 1983, of complications from Lou Gehrig's disease.

Following Dee's death, Marie (better known as M.B. Rivers) ran the company until the late-80's. It was a complicated arrangement, with ownership of the stations being held by the E.D. Rivers, Jr. Trust. Marie was the trustee, so she held the power. Probating Dee's estate was a nightmare, as there were many children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren who stood to inherit. I'm told that she intended to keep the radio group intact, which was what Dee wanted, with the trust providing all the heirs with a pretty good living, for years to come. This was not to be, as there were numerous law suits filed...folks wanting "their" money, and wanting it NOW. Finally, she was forced to sell off the Dee Rivers Group of stations, which by now included several major-market class C's. All the stations but Valdosta and Atlanta were sold, and for major bucks (like $68m for WEDR/Miami).

As for the Valdosta and Atlanta stations (Dee's 1st and 2nd), Marie bought roughly half ownership in WGUN, WGOV and WAAC from the trust, using the proceeds she received from her share of the trust. The heirs were satisfied with what they received, and agreed to allow the trust to hold the remainder of the stock in these stations. As these transfers were for "negative control" (less than 50.1% ownership), the actual amounts paid are not public knowledge.

I'm not sure when Marie died, but it's been in the last few years. Her interests in the Valdosta and Atlanta stations, were left to her daughter Georgia Salva, and to Georgia's children. Georgia was the only child that refused to fight about the stations, and she is now in control of the trust.

In May of this year, W.G.O.V., Inc., bought WYZK in Valdosta, with the calls changed to WGOV-FM. WGOV(AM) has programmed an urban format for over 30 years.

 

[Braswell]

WNMT

WNMT

June 6, 1968 was a big day on the traffic circle in Garden City. That was the day of the debut of WNMT. The last AM station to go on the air in Chatham County (so far), WNMT was a 1kw daytimer on 1520.

From the beginning, WNMT was planned to be a country & western station. While I don't much about Watkins (nor his partner, Paul Woods), I do know that Chris was a country DJ on WEAS, reportedly very popular. I'm told that he emceed most of the country acts that played around Savannah, especially those that graced the old Bamboo Ranch, on Highway 17 South.

I always thought the original facility looked like a radio station should look, having somewhat of an art-deco look. For those that don't remember, the station sat facing Highway 80, almost smack dab in what is now the middle of road that runs from Highway 80 to Highway 21. An appropriate neon sign, with call letters and dial position, was prominently displayed.

The equipment was all RCA, including a BTA-1R transmitter and a BC-3 console. The station was also among the first affiliates of ABC's American Entertainment Network. This gave the station the Paul Harvey franchise, but also required the carriage of Don McNeil's Breakfast Club program from Chicago. which was not quite in tune with the station's country format.

I don't know how well the station did in the ratings, but I do know that Chris threatened to sue Arbitron. He insisted that he was not IN Savanah, he was in Garden City. Therefore, he did NOT want his station listed in the Savannah book. Finally, Arbitron agreed.

I can't remember precisely what year WNMT moved, but it was in the late 70's. The state condemed the land the station sat on, under the imminent domain laws, in order to reconstruct the traffic circle intersection. Woods and Watkins bought land on Highway 80, west of the Highway 307 intersection. A new tower and ground system was installed, and a new building was built.

Although it was a new building, I never thought it really looked like a radio station, and that's just something subjective. There was just something missing.
Apparently, they decided not to move the sign, as there never was one on the new building.

By the time I was back in Savannah (1981), Chris was on the for most of the day, apparently due to lack of business. I'm sure there were others, But Nifty City was a always a continuous advertiser on WNMT. Chris's health was not good. He was a heavy smoker, and he suffered from emphysema. Still, he hung in there.

At some point...around 1990, his health was too poor for him to continue working, and the station fell silent. I'm not aware that any effort was made to try to put the station back on the air, or to sell it. The flat roof on the building partially collapsed, and the interior of the building, along with all the equipment, was ruined. The tower was finally taken down, and I think the building was torn down.

I once asked Chris if "WNMT" had any particular meaning. Not missing a beat, he said "Women Need Men Too". After my laugh, he said "it really stands for We Need Money Too". Again, after my laugh, he said "truthfully, it stands for the four most important elements of radio...Weather News Music and Time".

According to Chris, Bluegrass Broadcasting (WWSA/WCHY) "stole my damn ABC network from me". In 1979, WWSA & WCHY picked up the ABC Information (WWSA) and ABC Entertainment (WCHY) Networks, with Paul Harvey featured on both stations. After that, WNMT used UPI Audio News.

For as long as I was in Savannah (about 2 years), every single hour, Chris played the same instrumental going into the top of the hour news. I'll never forget as long as I live. The song was called "Nashville Beer Garden", by Andy Badale, on Ranwood Records. Chris claimed that by playing it every hour, he'd made it a big hit. It peaked on the Billboard country chart at #93 )))

An application is pending, that would see the return of 1520 to Garden City. This time around, it'll have 50kw-D/2.3kw-N, utilizing a six tower array. I doubt it'll ever be built.

I'm not sure when Chris died, but I hope his funeral was well attended. To be sure, he was ecentric, but a real broadcaster, through and through. Rest In Peace, old friend.<P ID="signature">______________
Jay Braswell - Moderator
Atlanta/North Florida/South Carolina/Georgia Boards</P>

 

[Braswell]

WBMQ

WSAV

In 1939, WSAV radio hit the air. Originally 250 watts fulltime on 1340, they jumped to 5,000 watts day and night on 630, when the NARBA shift took effect. WSAV was the NBC station in the Port City, evolving into a WNBC sound-alike in the 60's and 70's...a very contemporary/Pop-Adult musical format. Harben Daniel was the head man at WSAV, but Arthur Lucas (Lucas Theatres) was a major investor.

From 1956 'till 1972, WSAV featured Burl Womack and "Breakfast With Burl", each weekday morning. Burl ruled the morning airwaves in Savannah, and WSAV was Savannah's leading adult radio station. In late 1947, WSAV-FM, at 100.3, took to the air. It essentially simulcasted WSAV-AM, and I'm not sure if it ever featured any separate programming. The WSAV-FM license was surrendered in the mid-50's, in favor of television.

In 1972, Burl left for WZAT, and was replaced by Ed Burchfield, who renamed the morning show "Breakfast With Burchfield". Joe Cox, who was weatherman Cap'n Sandy on Channel 3, did afternoon drive on Radio Sixty-Three. As best I can remember, WSAV always used whatever jingle package WNBC was using. I can remember the top of the hour I.D. in the eraly 70's..."W-S-A-V, Radio Sixty-Three, Savannah, Where You've Got A Friend".

In the late 70's, WSAV radio was sold to George Beasley, who renamed it WKBX (Sixty-Three K-B-X), and moved the studios from "historic East Victory Drive", to a newly constructed studio-office building adjacent to the transmitter on Oatland Island, near the intersection of Highway 80 and the Tybee Expressway.

Beasley also bought WSGF-FM from Don Jones, and combined it with WKBX. KBX essentially continued WSAV's Pop-Adult format, while 'SGF was programmed Top-40. Of course, WSGF later became classic rock WIXV (I-95), and 'KBX became WBMQ, evolving into a news-talk format.<P ID="signature">______________
Jay Braswell - Moderator
Atlanta/North Florida/South Carolina/Georgia Boards</P>

 

[russ973]

Re: WSOK

J. Don Ferguson's son (i think... maybe grandson) works for us as a salesperson. Amazing how things come full circle. Why didn't you mention E. Larry's long and storied history at the station?

> WFRP
>
> After building WMGA in his hometown of Moultrie in 1939,
> John F. Pidcock of Savannah, built WFRP in 1946. Pidcock was
> heavily involved in agriculture, and may have had interests
> in Savannah's cotton business. I do know that he had an
> advertising agency in Savannah, Pidcock & Company. Although
> I worked (indirectly) for him in Moultrie, I really don't
> know a whole lot about him. I do know that he was fairly
> wealthy, living part-time in Savannah, part-time on a big
> plantation near Thomasville, and summered in Highlands,
> North Carolina. To the best of my knowledge, Pidcock (who
> died in 1988), is buried at historic Boneventure Cemetary.
>
> John's father was Frank R. Pidcock, hence the WFRP
> call-sign. When I tell you that WFRP was on 1230, most will
> know that today the station is WSOK.
>
> WFRP, like WMGA, was an ABC affiliate, and programmed
> significant amounts of network programming, including Don
> McNeil's Breakfast Club. Considering the Pidcock's social
> status, I would imagine that WFRP was more "highbrow" in its
> programming, than say a WDAR or WCCP. With Arthur Lucas'
> involvement in WSAV, and Dr. Knight's ownership of WTOC, I
> expect that WFRP was on the same sort of social plateau as
> were these stations.
>
> WFRP was located at 219 E. Charlton Street, which may have
> also been where offices for Pidcock's other businesses were
> located. The transmitter was (and still is, as far as I
> know) located just off President Street Extension, just a
> stone's throw away from where the original WDAR (WSGA, and
> later WSGF, too) tower was located. It's a very short and
> skinny Windcharger...somewhere around 150', which was what a
> lot of the post WWII stations used, as steel was in short
> supply.
>
> Pidcock, who held on to WMGA (along with Roy Zess, who was
> once the PD at WFRP) until 1986, decided to sell WFRP in
> 1960. In January, 1961, Joe Speidel, III took over operation
> of the 1230 frequency, with the call letters changing to
> WSOK. Speidel, who owned other stations across the south
> (WYNN/Florence, SC; WPAL/Charleston, SC; WOIC/Columbia, SC,
> and others), was an early proponent of black radio. So it
> was that, like his other stations, WSOK became Savannah's
> first FULLTIME, all-black programmed station.
>
> Southern movie icon J. Don Ferguson, who'd worked for
> Pidcock at WFRP, became WSOK's manager in 1961, a position
> he held until Speidel sold the station in 1972. Following
> the 1972 sale, I believe Don went back to work for Pidcock,
> at the advertising agency.
>
> In 1972, Speidel sold WSOK to BCC Broadcasting of Georgia,
> headed by Ben Tucker. Ben Tucker is most often thought of as
> the fabulous jazz musician that he is. I know very little
> about Tucker, and nothing about any previous broadcast
> history.
>
> Tucker operated WSOK until 1986, when it was sold to the
> Love sisters from Biloxi (WLOX radio & television), who'd
> recently purchased WAEV-FM.
>
<P ID="signature">______________
Russ
APD/Middays
97-3 KISS FM (WAEV)
Savannah, GA</P>

 

[Braswell]

Re: WSOK

> Why didn't you mention E. Larry's long and storied history
> at the station?

Well, it definitely wasn't because I meant to "slight" anyone. I worked in the market for less than 3 years, and that was on two separate occasions. While I did very occasionally tune into 'SOK, it was for very brief periods of time. Honestly, I'm not familiar with E. Larry.

That said, this is a perfect opportunity for you to tell his story. <P ID="signature">______________
Jay Braswell - Moderator
Atlanta/North Florida/South Carolina/Georgia Boards</P>

 

[radioboy]

> Part of this thread was posted just over a year ago. I've
> just now got around to finishing it.
>
> Please feel free to add to, or correct, anything I've
> posted. Yes, I am a know-it-all, but I don't know it all.
>
Jay,

You've just GOT to write that book! Interesting information you've put together here. Thanks for sharing.<P ID="signature">______________
Proudly remembering the days of the hometown "country giant" radio stations now at
http://www.live365.com/stations/alanmccall</P>

 

[Braswell]

> You've just GOT to write that book! Interesting information
> you've put together here. Thanks for sharing.

I don't have time to write a book...I spend too much time posting on Radio-Info! <P ID="signature">______________
Jay Braswell - Moderator
Atlanta/North Florida/South Carolina/Georgia Boards</P>

 

[JerryStevens]

Re: WSOK

> That said, this is a perfect opportunity for you to tell his
> story.

E. Larry McDuffie

E. Larry McDuffie’s parents moved to Savannah, GA from Wedgefield, S.C. when he was just one year old. He grew up in Savannah. E. Larry attended the local school system, graduating from Tompkins High School and receiving a B.S. degree in Elementary Education from Savannah State University, and his Master’s from Armstrong State University. He did further study at Georgia State University in Atlanta, GA.

E. Larry music background goes back to his pre-teen years when he started playing the piano at an early age. He started playing without any instructions and was soon playing for his home church. Other churches in the community began to take notice and hired E. Larry to play for their choirs. He spent many years playing for the Rosebud Gospel Singers. They became very popular and traveled throughout the Southeast.

In 1964 E. Larry founded the Savannah Community Choir with over one hundred (100 ) local voices. This choir went on to record more than a dozen national albums, traveled throughout the United States sharing the Gospel Stage with some of the world’s greatest such as: Rev. James Cleveland, Shirley Caesar, Albertina Walker, Dorothy Norwood, Georgia Mass Choir, Mississippi Mass Choir, Kirk Franklin, The Mighty Clouds Of Joy and others. The choir is now under exclusive contract to Malaco Recording Company with a new project expected out in the near future.

E. Larry taught school for 28 years and three times he was named Teacher of the Year. He was recruited into doing radio by the legendary Ben Tucker. Ben was the former owner of WSOK and his morning drive man, who did gospel, left to go to another station. Ben knowing of E. Larry in background in Gospel Music asked him to help out until he could find someone. Well, twenty-four years later, he’s still here. E. Larry hosted the morning show from 4-8:A.M. and then he left to go to the classroom. He did this for more than twenty years. He is now retired from teaching, and is now serving as Program Director for WSOK.

E. Larry is a member of a number of organization and serving or having served on the Board- of Education as teacher representative, American Red Cross, Savannah-Chatham Citizen Advoacy and others. He was the first chairman of the Board for the Georgia Mass Choir.

E. Larry loves to read and compose music.


Elijah Larry McDuffie
AKA E. Larry McDuffie

Second child of the late Deacon Booker T. and Mrs. Delia McDuffie

Born in Wedgefield, SC
Family moved to Savannah, GA when E. Larry was just one year old. Grew up in Savannah, Georgia

Education
Attended the Savannah-Chatham County School System
Graduated from Woodville High School
Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Savannah State University
Attended Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA
Armstrong Atlantic State University

Occupations
1970-1976-Mossy Oaks Elementary School (Beaufort SC)
1976-1998-Haven Academy (Savannah, GA)
1997-Present-WSOK-“Joy In The Morning” Morning Drive
1998-Present-WSOK-Program/Music Director

Gilbert Haven Academy
Supervising Teacher
Data Collector
Chairman of several committees
Administrative Assistant to Principal
Developed School’s Exemplary Projects
Instituted Business/Education Partnership with WSOK
Chairman of the Self-Study Committee
Parent Advocacy Teacher
Interim Principal (December –April) 1985

Religious/Civic Affiliations
Founder/Director of the Savannah Community Choir
Founder/Director of Savannah Mass Choir
Founder/Director of WSOK Youth & Young Adult Choir
Established the local chapter of the Gospel Music Workshop of America
Serves as Chapter Representative of the Gospel Music Workshop of America
National Board Member of the Gospel Music Workshop of America
First Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Georgia Mass Choir
NAACP
PUSH
Public Radio Board
1996 Grand Marshal for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Observance Day Association
Board of Directors (Citizen Advoacy)

Recordings
“Stand Up For Jesus”
“One Day at A Time”
“Glad That You Could Be Here”
“Sweet Spirit”
“Alive Forever”
“Come To Me/Satisfaction Guaranteed”
“Goodbye September”
“God Will Hear and Answer Prayer”
“He Care for Me”
“Praise Him”
“I’m Determined”
“It’s Alright Now”

Appearances
United Way Kick-Off
Governor Joe Frank Harris’ Inaugural Ball
Savannah Symphony Orchestra
Telfair Arts Academy
Savannah Arts Association
Georgia Association of Educators Convention(1982)
A Night in Old Savannah
Cancer Telethon
Savannah State University Telethon
Christian Broadcasting Network
NBC Today’s Show
BBC(London, England)
MAJOR CITIES USA

Church Affiliation
St. John Baptist Church, Rev. Matthew Southall Brown, Pastor
Director the following church choirs

*
Sanctuary Choir
*
Young Adult Choir
*
Sons of Zion<P ID="signature">______________
Jerry

"You should always believe what you read in the newspapers, for that makes them more interesting." - Rose McCaulay

</P>

 

[JerryStevens]

Re: WNMT

> I'm not sure when Chris died, but I hope his funeral was
> well attended. To be sure, he was ecentric, but a real
> broadcaster, through and through. Rest In Peace, old friend.

I remember two experiences with Chris. The first was when I was a brand new AE for Beasley's WKBX and WSGF. I rean into Chris on a sales call in Garden City. Chris chastised me in front of the client because, he said, it was wrong for the station to identify itself as it did on the air as "'KBX". "You can only use call letters that start with K west of the Mississippi!, he said."

In later years, I was the sales manager and an AE (John Whatley) and I used to listen to WNMT to amuse ourselves. I remember hearing Chris describe his experiences at the barber that day. I pulled out of the station parking lot on Oatland Island and was all the way downtown and Chris was still talking about his haircut. Even then, his story ran a little short as he vamped going into the top-of-the-hour news. I remember him counting down to the network news... "five, four, three, two, one... here we go!"<P ID="signature">______________
Jerry

"You should always believe what you read in the newspapers, for that makes them more interesting." - Rose McCaulay

</P>

 

[Braswell]

Re: WSOK

GREAT post, definitely from one who knows. Thansk


> E. Larry McDuffie
>
> E. Larry McDuffie’s parents moved to Savannah, GA from
> Wedgefield, S.C. when he was just one year old. He grew up
> in Savannah. E. Larry attended the local school system,
> graduating from Tompkins High School and receiving a B.S.
> degree in Elementary Education from Savannah State
> University, and his Master’s from Armstrong State
> University. He did further study at Georgia State University
> in Atlanta, GA.
>
> E. Larry music background goes back to his pre-teen years
> when he started playing the piano at an early age. He
> started playing without any instructions and was soon
> playing for his home church. Other churches in the community
> began to take notice and hired E. Larry to play for their
> choirs. He spent many years playing for the Rosebud Gospel
> Singers. They became very popular and traveled throughout
> the Southeast.
>
> In 1964 E. Larry founded the Savannah Community Choir with
> over one hundred (100 ) local voices. This choir went on to
> record more than a dozen national albums, traveled
> throughout the United States sharing the Gospel Stage with
> some of the world’s greatest such as: Rev. James Cleveland,
> Shirley Caesar, Albertina Walker, Dorothy Norwood, Georgia
> Mass Choir, Mississippi Mass Choir, Kirk Franklin, The
> Mighty Clouds Of Joy and others. The choir is now under
> exclusive contract to Malaco Recording Company with a new
> project expected out in the near future.
>
> E. Larry taught school for 28 years and three times he was
> named Teacher of the Year. He was recruited into doing
> radio by the legendary Ben Tucker. Ben was the former owner
> of WSOK and his morning drive man, who did gospel, left to
> go to another station. Ben knowing of E. Larry in background
> in Gospel Music asked him to help out until he could find
> someone. Well, twenty-four years later, he’s still here. E.
> Larry hosted the morning show from 4-8:A.M. and then he left
> to go to the classroom. He did this for more than twenty
> years. He is now retired from teaching, and is now serving
> as Program Director for WSOK.
>
> E. Larry is a member of a number of organization and serving
> or having served on the Board- of Education as teacher
> representative, American Red Cross, Savannah-Chatham Citizen
> Advoacy and others. He was the first chairman of the Board
> for the Georgia Mass Choir.
>
> E. Larry loves to read and compose music.
>
>
> Elijah Larry McDuffie
> AKA E. Larry McDuffie
>
> Second child of the late Deacon Booker T. and Mrs. Delia
> McDuffie
>
> Born in Wedgefield, SC
> Family moved to Savannah, GA when E. Larry was just one year
> old. Grew up in Savannah, Georgia
>
> Education
> Attended the Savannah-Chatham County School System
> Graduated from Woodville High School
> Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from
> Savannah State University
> Attended Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA
> Armstrong Atlantic State University
>
> Occupations
> 1970-1976-Mossy Oaks Elementary School (Beaufort SC)
> 1976-1998-Haven Academy (Savannah, GA)
> 1997-Present-WSOK-“Joy In The Morning” Morning Drive
> 1998-Present-WSOK-Program/Music Director
>
> Gilbert Haven Academy
> Supervising Teacher
> Data Collector
> Chairman of several committees
> Administrative Assistant to Principal
> Developed School’s Exemplary Projects
> Instituted Business/Education Partnership with WSOK
> Chairman of the Self-Study Committee
> Parent Advocacy Teacher
> Interim Principal (December –April) 1985
>
> Religious/Civic Affiliations
> Founder/Director of the Savannah Community Choir
> Founder/Director of Savannah Mass Choir
> Founder/Director of WSOK Youth & Young Adult Choir
> Established the local chapter of the Gospel Music Workshop
> of America
> Serves as Chapter Representative of the Gospel Music
> Workshop of America
> National Board Member of the Gospel Music Workshop of
> America
> First Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Georgia Mass
> Choir
> NAACP
> PUSH
> Public Radio Board
> 1996 Grand Marshal for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
> Observance Day Association
> Board of Directors (Citizen Advoacy)
>
> Recordings
> “Stand Up For Jesus”
> “One Day at A Time”
> “Glad That You Could Be Here”
> “Sweet Spirit”
> “Alive Forever”
> “Come To Me/Satisfaction Guaranteed”
> “Goodbye September”
> “God Will Hear and Answer Prayer”
> “He Care for Me”
> “Praise Him”
> “I’m Determined”
> “It’s Alright Now”
>
> Appearances
> United Way Kick-Off
> Governor Joe Frank Harris’ Inaugural Ball
> Savannah Symphony Orchestra
> Telfair Arts Academy
> Savannah Arts Association
> Georgia Association of Educators Convention(1982)
> A Night in Old Savannah
> Cancer Telethon
> Savannah State University Telethon
> Christian Broadcasting Network
> NBC Today’s Show
> BBC(London, England)
> MAJOR CITIES USA
>
> Church Affiliation
> St. John Baptist Church, Rev. Matthew Southall Brown, Pastor
>
> Director the following church choirs
>
> *
> Sanctuary Choir
> *
> Young Adult Choir
> *
> Sons of Zion
> <P ID="signature">______________
Jay Braswell - Moderator
Atlanta/North Florida/South Carolina/Georgia Boards</P>

 

[Braswell]

Re: WNMT

Yep...that sounds exactly like something he'd do

> I remember two experiences with Chris. The first was when I
> was a brand new AE for Beasley's WKBX and WSGF. I rean into
> Chris on a sales call in Garden City. Chris chastised me in
> front of the client because, he said, it was wrong for the
> station to identify itself as it did on the air as "'KBX".
> "You can only use call letters that start with K west of the
> Mississippi!, he said."
>
> In later years, I was the sales manager and an AE (John
> Whatley) and I used to listen to WNMT to amuse ourselves. I
> remember hearing Chris describe his experiences at the
> barber that day. I pulled out of the station parking lot on
> Oatland Island and was all the way downtown and Chris was
> still talking about his haircut. Even then, his story ran a
> little short as he vamped going into the top-of-the-hour
> news. I remember him counting down to the network news...
> "five, four, three, two, one... here we go!"
> <P ID="signature">______________
Jay Braswell - Moderator
Atlanta/North Florida/South Carolina/Georgia Boards</P>

 

[BSteve]

Re: WSOK

> Well, I finally got around to reading about all the savannah stations.

Very interesting! I never worked Savannah, but listened a few times.

I remember an R&R convention in Atlanta many years ago and some guy from a rock station in Savannah was there telling how to become a successful rock broadcaster. Was it Jerry Rogers, or is my memory going?
I knew Burl Womac slightly through his daughter and son-in-law. Always thought he was a genuine good "old time" radio personality, and person.
>

 

[Braswell]

Re: WSOK

> I remember an R&R convention in Atlanta many years ago and
> some guy from a rock station in Savannah was there telling
> how to become a successful rock broadcaster. Was it Jerry
> Rogers, or is my memory going?

Could've been JR. He was definitely well known, when WSGA was in its heyday.


> I knew Burl Womac slightly through his daughter and
> son-in-law. Always thought he was a genuine good "old time"
> radio personality, and person.

I worked briefly with Burl way back when, and had the opportunity to "visit" and get to know a little about him. In my mind, he's a gentleman of the first order. Still, I'm sure that no one could've been at the top of the heap as long as he was, without being able to deal firmly with folks. That said, he was royally screwed in his last contract arrangement with WZAT/WSGA. I'm not sure who owned it, but he was persuaded to "do" a new contract, which was supposedly a much better deal. Either he didn't use counsel, or he was ill advised. In the end, "they" were able to kick him out.

I know that times change, and needs change. To be sure, Burl was old school, but he pretty much led the pack for close to 30 years. That kind of performance should be honored and respected.

I'd love to hear him eat a Krispy Kreme doughnut and pour & sip a cup of that "Good To The Last Drop" Maxwell House coffee on the air, just one more time. <P ID="signature">______________
Jay Braswell - Moderator
Atlanta/North Florida/South Carolina/Georgia Boards</P>

 

[BullDawg]

It was Tom's Drive In

WCCP

Whatever happened to...WCCP?

I am told that the early WBYG was a hot, little station, but suffered from having to carry significant amounts of Mutual network programming, along with the early morning big-band period. Still, it was the station that young Savannah listened to. One of WBYG's "stars" was Mel Mixon, who, by the time I met him, was not in good health, and was essentially burned out. To the best I can remember, Mel was the night announcer at WSGA (which also played Top-40 after 8 PM), and was extremely popular with the kids. When WBYG made the switch to Top-40, Mel was "stolen" from WSGA, and became a big hit on WBYG, especially during remote broadcasts from some drive-in (can't remember the name) out on Skidaway Road.

That drive-in on Skidaway Road was Tom's Drive In