WJBI FM

[jboyd]

WJBI began operations on April 1, 1974 from studios on Hwy 61 South, Clarkdale,
Mississippi as an independent FM stereo station with a live country format This
was one of the first stand alone FM operations in Mississippi in a small town, and it was tough. Many outstanding personalities and account executives passed thru it's doors, and I am proud to be it's founder!<P ID="signature">______________
j boyd ingram</P>

 

[937QID]

> WJBI began operations on April 1, 1974 from studios on Hwy
> 61 South, Clarkdale,
> Mississippi as an independent FM stereo station with a live
> country format This
> was one of the first stand alone FM operations in
> Mississippi in a small town, and it was tough. Many
> outstanding personalities and account executives passed thru
> it's doors, and I am proud to be it's founder!
>
What frequency(s) did/does this station operated on?

 

[jboyd]

> > WJBI began operations on April 1, 1974 from studios on Hwy
>
> > 61 South, Clarkdale,
> > Mississippi as an independent FM stereo station with a
> live
> > country format This
> > was one of the first stand alone FM operations in
> > Mississippi in a small town, and it was tough. Many
> > outstanding personalities and account executives passed
> thru
> > it's doors, and I am proud to be it's founder!
> >
> What frequency(s) did/does this station operated on?
>
Initally on 101.7, later 101.5. Now a class c-3 with call WWUN FM.
The current call is from the old WWUN, Jackson, where I was chief engineer for many years. Thanks<P ID="signature">______________
j boyd ingram</P>

 

[mikl73]

> > > WJBI began operations on April 1, 1974 from studios on
> Hwy
> >
> > > 61 South, Clarkdale,
> > > Mississippi as an independent FM stereo station with a
> > live
> > > country format This
> > > was one of the first stand alone FM operations in
> > > Mississippi in a small town, and it was tough. Many
> > > outstanding personalities and account executives passed
> > thru
> > > it's doors, and I am proud to be it's founder!
> > >
> > What frequency(s) did/does this station operated on?
> >
> Initally on 101.7, later 101.5. Now a class c-3 with call
> WWUN FM.
> The current call is from the old WWUN, Jackson, where I was
> chief engineer for many years. Thanks
>

I was in a baby crib in 1974. I can barely remember WJBI as country. I more-so remember WBLE at 95.9<?> and 3kw. I remember when you put WTGY on and WKDJ also.

When you have time i'd be instrested in hearing more about radio in the 70s in the delta. We've covered that period in Memphis Radio a few times. As stated here just below many folks came from the delta. A few of my mentors are still doing great radio elsewhere.

I vaguely remember sweet16. But grew up on WROX, WJBI/WWUN (as top40 & R&B),KAAY,KKYK,WLS and if you had a good radio in a quiet area electrically 62JDX sometimes.

I can say I know how hard it is to make a buck or two in Clarksdale.

also while picking your brain...
I knew that at some point there was another station at Sardis I think but I never learned much about it.

 

[mikl73]

> WJBI began operations on April 1, 1974 from studios on Hwy
> 61 South, Clarkdale,
> Mississippi as an independent FM stereo station with a live
> country format This
> was one of the first stand alone FM operations in
> Mississippi in a small town, and it was tough. Many
> outstanding personalities and account executives passed thru
> it's doors, and I am proud to be it's founder!
>

Do you have any old Air Checks of JBI?
That is something that I'd really enjoy hearing.
My grandparents owned a business 1 building down (on the other side of the old police station building). So I spent many summer days in the shadow of that tower when I was young. I also many times have heard the story about the plane that hit the tower and crashed (my dad is a retired Asst. Fire Chief in Clarksdale)

You meantioned something that was unique clarksdale was one of the few small towns with out an AM/FM combo
WROX was stand alone till recent years

WAID was only FM

WJBI was only FM

WKDL was only AM (the 1600am.. years later after going dark it was re-licenced to West Helena and that station went dark a few years ago and permited WMQM 1600 to move to the Memphis suburb Lakeland at 50kw days)
I read the calls meant "we keep days lively" irnonically i think it was a daytimer but I cant confirm that.

WKDJ was Stand alone when you signed it on.

 

[beachguy3b]

GOOD LORD! J Boyd Ingram! I haven't seen you in over 30 years...Would love an email addy for you...David, WWUN, Jackson 1972-1974

 

[zzzz1973]

Realized recently that JBoyd and I worked together briefly at the old WBKN in Newton when I was a teenager. Moved the control room while I was on the air. First took one cart machine and set up at the new building. Then got the second and set it up. Then one turntable to the new building....Live radio got pretty creative that day. Tim B.

 

[jboydingram]

Wait a minute fellows, you are dating the old man...but what great memories of Newton and Jackson and other stations I engineered in 60-70's.I am not hiding, so my e address is [email protected] and it would be good to hear from some of you off line.Tnx J Boyd aka "The Chief"