Black Radio -The Untold Story Pt 2

"Rhythm and Blues" programs hosted by Black disc jockeys attracted more white listeners after World War II, and the exposure of white kids to Black urban music began to change American society. Black radio fueled the popularity of rock-and-roll and was instrumental in lower cultural barriers between Blacks and whites in the 1950s. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, the presence and influence of African American on-air personalities dominated Black radio. During this time, many Black disc jockeys became caught up in the backlash that followed the civil rights advances and cultural changes. Some also lost their jobs to the "payola" scandal that implicated announcers for receiving cash payments from recording companies in exchange for playing certain records on the air. Also, by the late 1950s, white rock -and-roll "DJs" such as Dewey Phillips and Wolfman Jack were imitating Black styles to gain ratings. Following the scandal, station managers increasingly resorted to standardized formats and play lists that restricted the freedom and influence of disc jockeys. Yet, Black radio continued to emphasize individual personalities throughout the 1960s, as DJs such as Al Benson in Chicago and Georgie Woods in Philadelphia echoed the emerging militancy of Black youth and acted as peacemakers during inner-city riots. If you want to hear the rest of the story, tune into WDKK RADIO as we honor the pioneers of Black Radio.