And still it will rise!!!....Radio taking on a new medium...the Internet!!!

I have asked many preachers and pastors how did you know you were called? They all agreed on this one point...."You know beyond a doubt that there is a calling on your life!". As vague as that may sound...I am a firm believer of knowing of a "call on your life".  Others have told me that there is a call on my life to preach the gospel...but I tell them that the way my relationship is set up with the God I serve...He can tell me personally...until then....well, you know!
     But back to a "call"....I actually asked the Lord..after seeing and feeling grieved at the condition of of my community, both locally and at large..what could I do to bring back the spirit of togetherness that we experienced when AM1480WCIN  was  the go to station for news, sports and entertainment pertinent to our interests. It came to me..plain as day to "gather the folks together that once did it..and do it again." I got confirmation when I visited a former employee at the radio station that is now positioned on the 1480 spot on the dial...how ironic! She said I ought to put a gathering together and it became my mission.
     Here's how I know it was a "calling"...I couldn't sleep at night...it was nothing odd for me to wake up at 4am with the name of another former employee on my lips and I had to immediately write it down and put things in place to make sure the "Family" was able to get together and collectively give me what I needed to move forward with the next steps..and they did!!

     On Saturday, January 16, 2016...over 60 old friends gathered for the "Former Employees of WCIN Family Reunion" at the Community Action Agency on Reading Rd. We hugged, reminisced, laughed, cried together the majority of the evening.  Thanks to Robert Humphries for providing the same music we played as background music for the night. Food was provided by D & G Homestyle Cooking and a special candy bar set up by the W Experience. One of the many highlights of the evening was the arrival of John Thomas, former owner of WCIN, which was met with a standing ovation...a recognition for his taking on the challenge of keeping the icon alive. Thanks to Michael Mitchell for capturing the night digitally...
     I told the crowd about the "call" that was put on me to keep the spirit of WCIN alive...and I received the blessing of the family to carry on....
     This story has had many twists and turns as I take on the Next Steps in this journey! 
I have conferred with many people regarding the latest method of communication, especially when it comes to how radio is done today...it is not the wave of the future...it is the way radio is done now. There are internet radio stations coming to the cyberworld by the hundreds. They are, for the most part, affordable to operate because they don't require the overhead of the brick and mortar radio stations.
     Part of this trek had me on a path that required me being housed in a location that was financially restricting...but doable with committed sponsorship. A person who was greatly influential in helping me gather funds for the location was called home to be with the Lord just before we were able to secure the financing....Rest In Peace...Robert B.Lane...my mentor...
     This news, which I received on a Monday...devastated me and quite honestly discouraged me and I was in a true funk all the day...not knowing if this was an end to my quest.
      Well...the very next day..at a weekly breakfast gathering I have with some progressive brothers known as Just a Few Good Men of Cincinnati..(most of whom have pledged financial support for the internet radio effort)..there was a gentleman in attendance who brought calm to the storm in my mind..he is part of a group that makes internet radio for anyone...a reality.
     At this point in time....there will be an internet radio station that will revive, relive and rejuvenate the Spirit of WCIN...it will be a station that focuses on information that positively impacts the community. Information that will be culturally uplifting and bring hope once again...with a path to solutions.
    I am gearing up for the launching of the rebirth of an icon....but I can use your help...I have a gofundme account that I'm asking those that believe in the cause..to contribute..
.....the Website is currently under construction...but coming soon!
gofund.me/rmwrnhhd

A Rebirth of WCIN?...it's a new day!

It's been a number of years since WCIN went dark. Gone are the days of the huge tubes in the transmitter room, the logging of the measurements every six hours, the reel to reel tape machine, the carts, the multi-channeled boards and in many cases..gone are the brick and mortar buildings that housed the radio stations. The realm of entertainment has expanded to hand held devices that can link one into this thing called the internet....yes, the World Wide Web.  There is no longer the restriction of wattage on an AM or FM band...just tap into the internet and the world is your audience. We now have Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Soundcloud, Snapchat and many other platforms that links us all together.
.....As the "Chosen One" to keep the memory of WCIN alive, it has been put in my spirit to utilize all the platforms that are available today to rebirth the "Spirit of WCIN". It's a charge I have been given and its a goal that I plan on achieving.
     Technology has made it possible to bring the same...and sometimes better...quality of entertainment and information to a much larger audience..THE WORLD! It is a much more refined and less expensive way to do the business of fulfilling the needs of a community. It has made it possible to maximize the talents of individuals who aren't necessarily in the same state or even the same country.
...CAN YOU IMAGINE WHAT IMPACT WCIN WOULD HAVE IF IT HAD ALL THE TOOLS THAT ARE SO READILY AVAILABLE TODAY??

I still have the letters from the side of the building on Glenwood

....Well, I have...and I'm doing something about it....I have done a lot of research on making that imagined thought a reality.
.....It requires the proper equipment...and I intend on utilizing the best, a space to house the equipment, which is optional depending on the size of the operation...and I have that in place, a team who shares the dream of the "rebirth" and wants to make a positive difference in the community and the world. This effort is going to take funds to acquire the equipment, maintain the space and take care of the royalties that I will make sure the artists receive fairly for the work they have done.
To help in this effort, I am calling on the community to contribute to a gofundme campaign that I have started to get this dream for an internet radio station that will be programmed to fulfill the health, wealth and cultural well-being of the community. Just like WCIN did during it's time...this will be the drumbeats of the community.  Music, news, information that we can actually use for unity and growth of the community. The campaign page is listed below...click on it to donate.  If you know me you know how passionate I am about that which was once ours and can be ours once again.

Lets' do this...gofund.me/rmwrnhhd

You can donate anonymously if you so desire...

The future is bright!!!.....Keep your head to the sky!!!

OOOhh Wee...It's Warren G. That's Pastor Warren G. Brookins

You never know where being behind the microphone will lead
 

Life is a journey which sends us on various paths. Paths are no more than opportunities waiting to happen. In the fall of 1985, I began walking the path of a broadcast career in radio, one of many things I inspired to do in life. I grew up listening to WCIN 1480 AM from 1960 through its last chapters. As a board operator (a producer the modern day terminology), I used what I had learned while studying communications at the University of Cincinnati. I was silent in my early days just running the board and dubbing spots. After a short run of a classical format, R&B returned to WCIN airways. A slot was open for the weekend late evennings position. Everett Cork ask me to fill the position in January 1990. Thus the character OOh Wee Warren G. was born and introduced to the Cincinnati market. I held the position until May of 1993. Today I still stand behind the mike as the Pastor of Berean Experience Church, Hamilton, OH. Here's a little known fact: Many of WCIN DJs left radio to pursue ministry or preaching. Things that make you say Hmm. <><

Virgil Nixon…smooth and mellow…gone too soon!

Towards the middle of the '70's, listeners to WCIN heard Joe Suede, Bob Lewis, an early Lincoln Ware, Jimmy Wonder the Ball of Thunder and one of the smoothest voices to sit behind the microphone. That voice belonged to Virgil Nixon. Virgil brought a certain vocal swag to the airwaves that distinguished him from all the other jocks. He personified "cool" and all who knew him outside of the radio station can attest to the fact that "cool" was just a way of life for Virgil Nixon.
  I wasn't working for WCIN in the early days of Virgils career, but in talking with him later, I found that we were just a click away from each other.  He was a graduate of Woodward High School, like myself, but I never knew that…maybe it was that upper classmen not having too much to do with the other classmen thing.  I found that a majority of the friends I had/have in growing up in the Kennedy Heights are friends that we shared.  One of the jaw dropping facts for me was his telling me that he had worked for the same country and western station in Fairfield where I got my first radio job…WCNW which is located outside the back door of Jungle Jims.
  I can say that when I finally met Virgil, it was as if we were long time friends and our families grew to become very close.  Outside of the radio persona, I found Virgil to be a straight forward, right to the point type of guy who would gladly tell you the truth if you could handle it.

Virgil Nixon

   There was a period of time in WCINs history when I had the opportunity to call upon some voices from the past to come back and breath some life into the community. Virgil Nixon was one of those voices.  It was then I had the opportunity to experience what a true professional could do with the influence afforded him by the power of the microphone. His command of the spoken word as well as the placement of words of wisdom, made his show one that commanded your attention and respect because you knew your ears and spirit were in good hands.
   Another personal influence that Virgil Nixon had on me was the way he treated his family.  He had unconditional love for his lovely wife, Linda and his daughter, Bethanny(with two "n's"). I watched as he always spent lots of time with his daughter and I would always tease him about the fact they were always going somewhere to eat. Well, seeing how their relationship was such a beautiful one..I developed the habit of taking my daughter on a father/daughter date every month and it has solidified our relationship..because she now knows what to expect from a suitor.
  I can still hear his smooth delivery on those saturday mornings as he played the music that will last forever..leaving wonderful memories to all who are fortunate enough to have grown up when that music was new.
  I join a multitude of friends who knew Virgil Nixon either personally or from his presence on the radio who will forever miss that voice..that "cool"…that one of a kind person who's smile brought a smile to your face….who's laugh, which ended up in shoulder shrugging belly laughs…caused the tears to run down your face. He was truly one of a kind.
  Another, and perhaps the most important, thing that I envied about Virgil Nixon was the way he related to God.  Just a couple of weeks prior to his transition I had the opportunity to sit with him in his comfortable getaway space while the wives did their thing.  We had a deep man to man conversation about radio mostly, but life in general. Virgil was a very humorous guy whose delivery of some of the most mundane things were so funny and matter of factly stated that it would take you a minute to grasp the depth of what he was saying.  When he spoke of things that he was faced with and decisions that he had to make…he would just "talk to God".  It wasn't laced with the King James Version of a prayer or like a deacon on Sunday Morning…..it was as if he was talking to a close friend.  I mentioned that to him during our time together and his response was so very Virgil..he said "well, God is my friend and I just ask him what He wants me to do with this situation you put me in." That, to me, was an epiphany and opened my eyes to seek a deeper, yet simpler way to deal with my spirituality.
  The world has lost a true iconic figure in Virgil Nixon, but the legacy he has left us shall continue through those who knew him.

God is resting his soul….

Gone..but never forgotten!

The Little Preacher with the big....Smile...Little Abraham

"If you can hear my voice, you're in Bibleway Country." When I first started working at WCIN, I did a five hour midday shift on saturdays from 10am til 3pm. On Sundays I worked as a board operator and I introduced many of the pre-recorded programs. It was then that I honed a lot of the skills I would need for my almost thirty year tenure at WCIN. My Sunday shift was from 12 noon until sign-off which in those days...mid 70's...was at Midnite on Sunday nights.
    There was only one live broadcast that I was to make sure was put on at the designated time and that was the BibleWay Church of God in Christ broadcast which aired at one o'clock in the afternoon. I would check the feed from the church around 12:45 to make sure we would be ready to go to air at one. Faithfully, at one o'clock, straight up, I would hear the words that would give me an hour to go to the production room and work on doing commercials, splicing tapes and doing what I needed to do to be able to be ready for the call to "full time announcer" from Bob Long..

Reverend Abraham Isaac Jacob Swanson XII

     I had known of the gospel announcer known as "Little Abraham" but the shift I had at the time of my early employment didn't afford me the opportunity to meet the man himself.
When you think about WCIN, Reverend Abraham Isaac Jacob Swanson XII definitely must come to mind. I remember years ago...before I even considered a career in radio...hearing Little Abraham on the air in the middle of the morning and thinking it was odd to hear gospel programming at that time of morning.  I came to realize that placement of certain programming had a lot to do with management and it's perception of where particular show should be aired.  Rev. Swanson was to eventually make early morning a time where listeners would rise up and start their day with questions that would have them thumbing through the pages of their bibles trying to find answers to the questions he would pose to the listeners.
     Reverend Swanson was off the air for a period when WCIN was going through it's Classical Music period...but when the opportunity to return became available, Little Abraham was back doing what he had been doing for so many previous years.
     Reverend Abraham Isaac Jacob Swanson XII was the long standing founding Pastor of BibleWay Church of God in Christ..3231 Woodburn Ave. in Evanston and maintained a strong following even into the days of his failing health.
     Reverend Swanson showed that the gospel announcer could be just as visible as the mainstream announcers.  His impact will never be forgotten by anyone who had the privilege of being in his presence and had a chance to be a recipient of his wisdom.
     I have a very special place in my heart for Little Abraham because of the times we shared early in the mornings at WCIN.  I was program director for a period of time and got a chance to really get to know the "Little Preacher with the big smile."  He was compassionate and had an unwavering love of God that he would share to anyone who had an ear.  When I acknowledged the role that God has in my life..Reverend Swanson was one of the first people that I shared that information with.  He was genuinely happy for me and offered his vast knowledge for me to tap into and even critiqued a presentation I had to do as one of the "Seven Sayings of Christ from the Cross."
      One of the great attributes of this legend was his dedication.  Reverend Swanson lived quite a few miles from the radio station, but there was never a day, that I can recall, when he was either late or didn't make it in at all.  His journey from home would include days when roads were treacherous and almost impassable.  That didn't matter to Little Abraham who had to get to his media pulpit where there were hundreds of listeners who got up to hear his inspirational message as well as his teachings, in his own unique way, of the Word of God.  One of the highlights of his morning trivia was his call to the then Elder Carl Whittaker, who now pastors Bibleway Church of God in Christ.  The sometimes sleepy and groggy Elder Whittaker would be asked to answer biblical questions that we now see, in retrospect, was Reverend Swanson's way of preparing him for the mantle that was to passed on to him.  This was Reverend Swanson's wisdom at work.
     Since I had to be on the air at 6am to relieve him, I would get up around 4am to start preparing for my shift.  I would turn on the radio to hear Reverend Swanson pray with the many listeners and also give the opportunity to others to give the daily prayer...I'll tell you..sometimes you felt as though you were in the very presence of God when Bishop Swanson prayed. You knew that he had Gods' undivided attention as he prayed on our behalf.

     His preaching style was unique and respected in the COGIC community as well as the ecumenical world at large.  He was barely visible behind the pulpit because of his stature but his presence was felt in whatever venue that was blessed to hear him preach.
     Gospel artists had the utmost respect for Bishop Swanson, especially Charles Fold, who he considered a very good musician and artist.
     Looking back on those mornings..watching how he had complete control of his atmosphere, I fondly remember how he used to back-time the Ink Spots tune..."You left me everything but you",
so that it would end exactly at six o'clock...straight up. We would laugh about it because he would hit it every time...He would come back in the studio and look up at the clock just as the song ended and look at me and smile...acknowledging that he had done it again...I really miss those times.
     I was able to find a recording of his classic sign-off...I hope you enjoy it as much as I do...

May he rest in peace as his memory continues to inspire....

Maxine Hardwick...a news icon..gone too soon!

Cincinnati, and especially WCIN lost a treasure with the recent passing of Maxine Hardwick. We who worked there were blessed with her professionalism and ability to brighten every room when she entered. Her vibrant spirit will be greatly missed by everyone who was fortunate enough to be in her presence. The above picture was taken from her obituary and for those who weren't able to make the journey for her home going service...the following information was taken from the memorial booklet and will be bracketed in quotation marks..

"Lois Maxine Lyons Hardwick was born on March 26th, 1944 in Birmingham, Alabama, the second child of Gussie and Cleophus Lyons, Sr.  "Maxine", as she was affectionately know, was admired for her welcoming and loving spirit-she never met a stranger.

Maxine attended Cleveland Metropolitan Schools and graduated from Glenville High School in 1961.  In 1962, she married her childhood friend and sweetheart William "Mickey" Hardwick.  To this union, their daughter Mikki Denise Hardwick was born.

Maxine was an African American pioneer in broadcast journalism for both radio and television.  Maxine began her distinguished career in Cleveland, Ohio at WJW-TV (now known as Fox 80 in 1968 as a secretary for "Adventure Road" talk show host  Jim Done.  Always one to "shine" Maxine's melodic voice and persona was immediately recognized by WJW's top executives.  She and beat reporter "Pete Carey" were given an opportunity to produce Cleveland's first minority focused television show, and they called it "Rap".  Rap was just the beginning of what would prove to be Maxine's stellar career.

Maxine relocated to Cincinnati, Ohio in 1971 and that is when her career really took off.  The
 ultimate trail blazer, Maxine was WCPO's first African American woman to broadcast weather, anchor news and host "Black Memo", a public affairs talk show from the 1970's through the 1980's.  In 1988, Maxine joined WCIN-AM as a disc jockey and program director.  In 1993, Maxine also joined WBND-AM (1160) as a program director and morning talk show host.  After over 35 years in broadcast journalism, Maxine retired in 2006, mentoring many up and coming journalists."

Maxine Hardwick was called home to Glory on February 22, 2013 and has left a legacy of professionalism that is unmatched.  The WCIN family continues to pray for the family and vows to keep her contributions forever in the minds and hearts of the faithful listeners.

WCIN CHERISHES YOUR MEMORY, MAX!!!

Gina Ruffin Moore...she got the news and got it right!

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   Gina Ruffin Moore brought a special doggedness to the reporting that helped us be both reliable and credible. Those of you who both subscribe to and browse this blog know that I'm trying to let you reflect on the great memories that we have and also bring you up to 
  date on where the personalities are today and what they are doing.                                             
  .....At the time of this entry she was just returning from L.A. where the Temptations were recognized for their achievements in the record industry. And for those of you who may not know...she is the niece of the legendary David Ruffin...yep, her dad and David Ruffin were brothers. (I never asked Gina if she can sing).
  Gina Ruffin Moore is an Organizational Development specialist middle manager for the City of Cincinnati. She has more than 20 years of experience as a trainer, public relations strategist, news reporter, radio news director, former television news writer, news producer and author (Cincinnati Charleston, SC: Arcadia Publishing, 2007).
  Gina is a former Associate Public Information Officer for the University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati Public Schools. She earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Journalism from Ohio University and a Master of Science in Human Resources Development and Training from Xavier University.
  A freelance writer and author of two teacher's guides on Black history, she has a long-standing passion for local history. She acquired the vintage images in her book from archives, libraries, and private collections. Moore is a longtime resident of Cincinnati who is active in her community, where she has served as a Woodlawn Village Council councilmember and a member of Mount Zion Baptist Church of Woodlawn. She is the recipient of the Nefertiti Award from The Cincinnati Herald. Gina is also a member of the Order of Easter Stars, Wesley-Smith Chapter and the Miami Valley African American Historical Society.
  Gina has been married to Russell Moore for more than 30 years. They are the parents of Jennifer Moore (WCPO-TV News Producer) and Victor Moore (Aviation Engineering Senior at Ohio University).
  ...That's Gina's daughter, Jennifer, pictured with her..
  GIna has written a book and I'll have to get an update on the title.
  The book is "Cincinnati: The Black American Series" available at Barnes and Noble and Joseph Beth Bookstores...get your copy soon.

Angelique Proctor...doing news in Atlanta

Aungelique Proctor and Randi

We really enjoyed the time that we were graced with Aungelique Proctor as our news director. Plenty of good times and we knew it was just a matter of time before the Big Boys would come calling and take her to a bigger place. 
     I visit Atlanta often and always look to FOX5 NEWS for a chance to see her at work...and she is very much the consummate professional that she was here on both WKRC and WCIN.

Aungelique is a reporter for FOX5 NEWS. Before joining FOX5 in 1994, this Atlanta native was an investigative reporter for WTLV in Jacksonville, Florida. She also reported and anchored at WKRC in Cincinnati, WMAZ in Macon, Georgia and WALB in Albany, Georgia.

But for Aungelique, her broadcasting career first started on a program called ‘The Lawmakers" on Georgia Public Television. Before working ...in front of the camera, Aungelique worked behind the mic at several radio stations in Cincinnati and even served as News Director at WCIN.

An award wining reporter, Aungelique has followed the big story around the world. She has covered stories from the Million Man March to the touching stories of Hurricane Katrina survivors to the devastating earthquakes outside Istanbul, Turkey.

Aungelique has won several awards including three Emmys, the Associated Press Best Newscast and a National Association of Black Journalists award for her report, "The Rosewood Massacre."

Aungelique is a graduate of the Henry W. Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Georgia. She is a past officer of the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists as well as a member of The Links Inc., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and the Chums Inc.

When she’s not on the air, Aungelique loves to volunteer with The Children's Restoration Network and the Sadie G. Mays Nursing Home. She’s also a lifelong member of Central United Methodist Church. She also loves to travel and speak to schools throughout the community.

Aungelique lives in Atlanta with her husband and their three daughters.

If you ever travel to Atlanta..make sure you check her out and she is also on Facebook and welcomes all likes and comments. It's always good to see a WCIN alumni doing well. Continued success to you Aungelique!!!

Sibel Thrasher...international Diva

WCIN was there for a lot of artists who went on to do big things...it's good to know that they still speak highly of the station and the memories that they have. After a bit of retooling and expanding on the total influence of WCIN....this blog is set to feature not only the people who were directlly involved with the station, but get updates on those who were influenced by and influenced the impact of the the icon. One who performed locally and then nationally and is still knocking them dead is Sibel Thrasher. Here is her bio...

Sibel Thrasher

Sibel Thrasher was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA, and now resides in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. As both a singer and actress, she enjoys an accomplished career in music, theatre, film, and television. In August 2004, Sibel was inducted into the B.C. "Entertainment Hall of Fame" and in "Starwalk" on the sidewalks of Vancouvers "Theatre Row" for her lifelong contribution to the arts, and her never ending contribution to the community, and  music.

Her extensive studio credits include work with legendary recording artists Roy Ayres, Long John Baldry, Donna Summer, and Linton Garner, and her live performance credits include tours as a featured singer with the Platters in the USA, Japan, and the Phillipines, and an opening slot for the world renowned R&B/Gospel singer Etta James. 

Sibel has traveled extensively, and is in high demand as a jazz and R&B lounge singer—she has worked for Carnival Cruise Lines (Splendor of the Seas), and Princess Cruise Lines (Coral and Island Princess) on extensive tours, which included ports of call ranging from Alaska, Mexico, The Cayman Islands, Bahamas, Costa Rica, Jamaica, Aruba, Freeport, Florida, Panama, Hawaii, Columbia, St. Croix,  many others. She has also performed in many 5 Star hotels in Asia, including engagements at the The Jinmao Grand Hyatt in Shanghai People’s Republic of China, The Peninsula Hotel in the Phillipines, and Hotel Lotte in Seoul, South Korea.

Sibel’s film and television credits include Zapped, Vice Squad, Death Wish II, Rumble in the Bronx, Tales from The Crypt, and Fierce People, and Shoot To Kill and her theatre credits include productions of Ain’t Misbehavin’, Black and Gold review I and II, Blues in the Night, The Angels Sing, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas,  It’s Time to Sing, The Club, The Little Shop of Horrors, The Buddy Holly show, Tapestry

Sibel has had the honour and pleasure of singing at Vancouver Jazz Festival, Pacific National Exhibition, Saskatchewan DuMaurier Jazz Festival, The Pender Island Jazz Festival, Merritt Mountain Festival, Starry Night Annual Aids Benefit Concerts, and many others.

Other professional credits and honours include; The Vancouver Sun’s Entertainer of the Year, Election to the 1994 Congress of Black Women, Jessie Nominations for Best Performer two times for her stage performances of Ain’t Misbehavin’ and Blues in the Night, and a nomination for the CCWMA Best Gospel Singer of the Year.

Ms. Thrasher can also be located on "My Space" "UTUBE" and "GOOGLE" for Video's and music and credits. 

The influence of WCIN is far reaching...just ask Super Star Bigg Robb



Bigg Robb



What wcin means to my
By Robert”BiggRobb”Smith.
www.heybiggrobb.com

 

 

 

As a young child I grew up 10 houses from wcin am 1480
Which also sat next to cedar hill farms the local dairy which provided amongst many products those small 8 oz cartons of milk that were served everyday in the Cincinnati public school system
I rode my bike everyday up and down glenwood ave after school and in the big parking lot that was shared between both wcin and the dairy
And on occasion after mr sonny burns would leave  and the front office was closed  we would play football in the grass of  106 glenwood ave -aka wcin.

 

My love for music has been a god given gift  that has been chiseled by many musical endeavors but one of the greatest is wcin I listened  learned and now as I write this have just come to understand how much a part of my life it was and still is the jocks were like superstars to me
I can remember spider webb,bob long,frank bailey,Lincoln ware ,symphony sid kennedy sweet jelly roll,lil Abraham,virgil Nixon,marsha robinson,gina ruffin, and my personal fave THE CORK! They played the hottest jams and were celebrities In their own right sometimes opening the mic to say the first person who rings the bell on the back door wins a pair of tickets to “the easter ball” or everybody callin in to say “I got it “and Lincoln ware always  hollerin “BYE” when he had enuff of you callin all your friends names

 

 Man this is such a part of my  musical heritage this is the place I first learned what records sound like and how to Speak to a crowd  you see  all the jocks were characters and entertainers in their own right they had personality and charisma for days and those lessons I have used endlessly as a M.C The music from back then is what I have downloaded on my ipod right now when I hear  the enchantment its u that I need I think of cork doin 7-midnite Or when I hear Tell I t by our own Charles Fold I think of getting up early for school while my granny is enjoying little Abrahams gospel show and all the people callin in for prayer which by the way doesn’t even exist on black radio anymore wonder what would happen if Tom joyner  did a prayer line huh?

 

At the age of 12 I became a d.j. at Waif-Fm a small community station  and was taught the art of radio by Tom knox a wcin alumni he had a program called the radio workshop which allowed us his students to be on the air sometimes @ wcin it is from these beginning I met all the movers n shakers in the music biz from Cincinnati and eventually went to work for Roger Troutman and Zapp a group which began as Roger and the Human Body and whose first local L.P.. had liner notes written by wcin”s bob long I stayed with the group for 25 years and am now a record producer,recording artist and record company owner throughout

 

 My 30 plus years in the music biz ive seen and experienced  many things but some of the most joyful times go back to being a lil boy sittin on my bike and talkin to the cork thru the back window of wcin while he was on the air  because unlike a lot of the other jocks he was always willin to answer my many questions about records  the billboard charts and the recording artists He is the one who explained to me why a record like The Commodores brick house which wcin had been playing for 6 months was now being called “new” on the pop station Q-102.

 

So I guess to sum it up wcin is as much a part of my dna as life itself because before I was a artist or producer I was just a plain on music lover and it was wcin am 1480 that kept my needs supplied
So I will close this like wcins’s great sportsman Bill Meredith
By sayin

 

BIGG ROBB -30.

Mike Roberts..orchestrated the simulcast of WCIN and WBLZ

     Orchestrating this combination  of medias was a young, future radio mogul out of Buffalo, New York, by the name of Mike Roberts.  Mike realized his destiny early in life when he built his own radio station in his home and was able to broadcast it to a couple block radius surrounding his "station".  He received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Syracuse and honed his skiled with various gigs and internships that prepared him for the beginning of his meteroic rise in the business.

Our memories are jogged to think back to when WCIN was affilitated with an FM station...WBLZ. We sat around the radio in hopes of finally hearing our favorite station on the FM dial after so many years of anticipation. We heard new voices introing and outtroing our favorite artists and songs. There was the Snowman..Jim Snowden, John Monds, Deborah Kennedy, Jill Frost, Ken Kilgore, Edna Howell and events that allowed all of us to interact with the new sound of WCIN/WBLZ.

Mike Roberts

     He skillfully programmed both WBLZ and WCIN..giving them both credibility and respect in the greater Cincinnati area. Basketball games and baseball games come to mind first as well as various community appearances. (Side note:...I owe a great amount of gratitude to Mike because he trusted in my ability enough to appoint me as his assistant program director, with charge over the WCIN side of the merger...this gave me the necessary experience I would need later on in my career in programming WCIN as a standalone station.)

    Mike Roberts left Cincinnati for the larger market of Atlanta, where his career really took off with a stint at WIGO...and then Atlanta experienced..."Mike Roberts in the Mohnin"...where he worked with Carolyn Ford who can now be heard on Sirius XM radio and nationally known...Robin Roberts of Good Morning America.
     Mike currently is the only african-american owner of a radio station in central Georgia..WQMJ broadcasting to the Macon, Ga., area. He is on facebook and you can like his page at...Majic 100 FM.

I visit Mike at his station every time I go to Atlanta and see that he still possesses the same passion he displayed when we first met. The following is a bio he sent me at my request..

           MIKE ROBERTS

                                                               President, RCI

In 1996, Mike Roberts achieved his life long goal of radio ownership when he formed

Roberts Communications Incorporated (RCI). In July of 1997, the company purchased

WALJ-FM (now WFXM), WBNM-AM (now WXJO), WFXM-FM (now WQMJ), and

WXKO-AM in Macon, Georgia. RCI is currently Central Georgia’s only African-

American owned broadcasting company. While the company sold most of it’s stations

between 2006 and 2008, RCI still operates WQMJ-FM (Majic 100).

Mike’s career in radio is extensive. He served as program director of V-103 for three

years and retired from his morning show in 1998. He was also program director of

WIGO from 1982 until 1985. Prior to working in the Atlanta market, Mike served as

program director of WBLZ and WCIN in Cincinnati, OH and WSOQ in Syracuse, NY.

He had a chance to sharpen his broadcasting skills when he first worked as an

announcer at WHEN, WNDR and WEZG in Syracuse. Mike also spent two summers

on the floor crew of WKBW-TV in Buffalo, NY. The ABC television affiliate was his

first professional broadcasting position in 1975.

Mike has received numerous awards and honors. He has also been nominated three

times as major market personality of the year by the National Association of

Broadcasters in 1994, 1995 and 1998.

Mike Roberts is an active friend of many civic organizations. He is a life member of the

NAACP, works with several Macon charities, and is a member of the Monroe County

Chamber of Commerce. Terry Mill Elementary School in Dekalb County, Georgia,

named Mike as it’s first honorary teacher. He has one adopted son (Joseph).

Mike received his Bachelor of Science in Communications from Syracuse University in

1979.

Those of you who remember those days...give Mike a like on his FaceBook page or even give him a shout out..he'll be glad to hear from you!!

Deborah Kennedy...a mellow voice that captured a city. I caught up with her and you can still hear her!

I remember the first time I heard Deb Kennedy on the air....it was electrifying. From her first words..the listener is put at ease by her complete command of the art of speaking. She made me feel like I was listening to an old friend who knew just how to introduce and outro the music I loved listening to. I had met her prior to hearing her on air persona and it was one of the smoothest transitions I had experienced up to that point because we all know about the "crazy personalities" radio..who were a bit different when not behind the microphone.  Not so with Deborah Kennedy, it was as though someone slipped a microphone in front of her while she was just doing her thing. I caught up with her on Facebook and, as I am doing with all the former folks of WCIN, encouraged her to give me her story leading up to WCIN...during and life after moving on...this is her response!

 



Deborah Kennedy



My radio career began in my home town Springfield,Il. After graduation from the University of Ill, I landed a job on WTAX. After a couple of years I moved to Cedar Falls-Waterloo, Iowa..KUNI where I hosted an "urban"

radio show for the University of Norther Iowa. I was on vacation visiting  a life long friend in Cincinnati and was listening to WCIN. I decided to go by the radio station to see if I could speak with the program director. Bob Long was very gracious and said send him a tape when I got back to Iowa. About a month later I was in "Cincy" on the air midnight to 4am!! It was also very exciting to be part of the team put together by Mike Roberts..Cincinnatti's first urban FM  WBLZ..7-midnight was my shift. After leaving "Cincy" I landed in Memphis,Tn..WHRK K97 FM..another 7-midnight shift. Loved Memphis..great music town. Next it was on to St.Louis,Mo  Majic 108 FM..first day time shift..10a-3pm. After St.Louis I returned to my home town, Springfield..WNNS FM hosted 7-midnight. Although it was a small market..my next moved was the biggest acomplishment in my career..Champagin-Urbana, Il...I was hired as general manager and program director..WBCP AM..the station was "dark". I put together the entire operation ..it was like giving birth!!

I returned to my home town, Springfield, back to WNNS and remained on the air until my "retirement" in 2007. I  spent a glorious 32 years in radio broadcasting..it was a hell of a ride!!! Presently I host a Saturday night radio show "Smooth Jazz Take Out" a mix of smooth jazz and cool vocals. Streaming live audio WQNA.org..9pm until midnight..central time..Saturday nights. Tune in sometime!!  Love ya!  

 

Remember that she is on 9pm until Midnight..CENTRAL TIME...Saturday nites. Check her out and you will hear the sound that captivated this city for what seemed too short a time...

 

Love ya, Deb!

The reality star known by one name...Omarosa once worked as an intern at WCIN..

Omarosa

Before she left WCIN to join the Bill Clinton campaign, Omaroseonee Manigault-Stallworth, whom the world now knows simply as Omarosa, worked as an intern at iconic WCIN. I remember her enthusiastic spirit and she was always smiling and vibrant. If I'm not mistaken, she was also named Homecoming Queen or Miss Central State or whatever the proper name of that title was.  I also remember how close she was to her mother, who I think she later paid for a breast augmentation following her stint on Donald Trumps' "Celebrity Apprentice". I can still hear her updates on the Clinton campaign that she phoned back to Lincoln Ware while she was away.  She, of course, went on to become the villain on Trumps show and another reality show that she found her niche in. She has always been a go-getter and I'm not surprised to see the level of success she has attained.  Now she has made the news by saving the life of her beau, Michael Clarke Duncan of "The Green Mile" fame. As an alumnus of WCIN...we wish her the best of everything and a speedy recovery to her fellow. We are still watching you "Onee" and I wonder if you are still an expert in sign language.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omarosa_Manigault-Stallworth

Angela Bofill....the Angel of the Night and Randi..the voice of the night

WCIN brought Angela Bofill to Eden Park one year and here she posed with evening announcer Randi.

T.C. Conductor of The Nite Train...that little piece of leather that's well put together.

For those of us who loved to party hearty on the weekends...friday and saturday nites, starting at midnite, were special times because it would be time to "get aboard...the Nite Train" with T.C. It would be difficult to call it a night after coming in from partying somewhere and having the radio tuned to AM1480WCIN where T.C. was not only playing the "best music of your life", but giving you the history and side stories about the music from the 50's, 60's and 70's. Just when you think you might drift off to sleep he would hit you with "your jam" from back in the day.



King of Dusties in Cincinnati
T.C.



     I've got to say that T.C. holds a special place in my heart because at the time WCIN was undergoing an ownership change and the format was not one that the community was accustomed to...I had the good fortune of being able to call on some old friends to come back behind the mike and breath life back into that iconic radio station. I'll never forget T.C.'s reaction when I asked him to revive his oldies show..he almost had tears in his eyes because of the joy he felt to be able to keep the music alive. He is a true historian of our music and I'm proud to be able to put his story in this blog. Not only is he an historian of the music, but he also has salvaged a lot of the on air sound that I'll be featuring from the various personalities of yesterday.

T.C., (Tyrone Cannon), is a Cincinnatian born on May 22, 1965..(Wow, a year after I graduated from high school!) in Corryville. He attended Hughes High School and graduated in 1983. While at Hughes, T.C. enrolled in the Radio and Television Vocational Program.  While in this program he was appointed Music Director and Disc Jockey for the school radio station WHBA 1200AM. After high school he continued to pursue his career in radio, and in 1984 volunteered to co-host and program an Oldies Show on AM1480WCIN. The program was called "Sunday Soul Serenade" with DJ Pat Gregory..who gave him the radio name T.C. Soul Serenade was cancelled in 1985 and in November of 1987 T.C. was hired on as an overnight Board Operator.  January 2, 1991 T.C. was given his own show, called The Nite Train, the best music of your life, which aired Friday and Saturday nights from midnite til 6am. The show featured classic and rare dusties, blues, doo-wop and jazz with a history lesson behind the music and artist. In April 1997, T.C. produced the first Nite Train Dusty Convention at the Apple Nightclub in the local community of Woodlawn. In attendance at this first convention were over four hundred people who came to hear the music they grew up with in addition to doing all the old dances of that day. The inspiration for T.C.'s convention was the legendary Chicago DJ Richard Pegue who was to become a mentor and major influence in T.C.'s radio career. Subsequently, The Nite Train Dusty Convention was housed at the Hartwell Country Club in Cincinnati for the following nine years, and moved to a new location at the UAW Hall 647 in the community of Reading, Ohio. There was a format change at WCIN and The Nite Train ran for the last time on May 13, 2007 making it the longest running "Dusty" show in the greater Cincinnati area.








T.C.'s love for the dusties started as a young boy when his mother Betty would play music around the house.  He started collecting records at the age of eight, and has a very large collection of classic and hard to find 45's and LP's in his record library. Some of his favorite artists are: The Impressions, The Spaniels, The Dells, and Smokey Robinson & The Miracles.  T.C. refers to himself as the "King of Dusties in Cincinnati", due to his vast knowledge of the music.  In his spare time T.C. travels, watches old 1970.s blaxploitation movies, stepping Chicago style, reading and hanging out with family and friends.

T.C. has recently stepped up to fill a void in the Chicago area by continuing a tradition that the market has been accustomed to for many years.  T.C's convention is put on twice a year in the Chicago area and is always well anticipated and well attended.  This blog will make sure that the word will get out announcing the next time the Nite Train Dusty Convention will convene.

     



Jimmy Wonder "The Ball of Thunder"...His Story

WCIN brought us many local heroes and celebrities...the local listener knew that when they were tuned in 1480AM they would be thoroughly entertained by both the music and the smooth, clear, phonetically correct, mellow, and captivating sounds of the announcer on the air. Most of the on-air personalities, and they definitely were personalities, had their "own thing". They would come onto their shift with a certain style that let you know it was their time to command the airwaves. As time went on...these personalities were known by their "on air personna". Most of us who are over forty remember a young man who was simply known as "The Boy Wonder". He captivated WCIN listeners for a number of years and has gone on to make quite a name for himself in the entertainment industry..specifically the radio industry. I caught up to James Alexander and asked him to give viewers of this blog an insight into what got him into radio, some of the highlights of his time on WCIN and what he's doing now and what is in the future for him.


Jimmy Wonder...The Ball of Thunder






In his words...This is the Jimmy Wonder Story!

From the desk of James Alexander

My first inclination of being a radio personality begins at a young age (approx. 10 y/o); I am from and grew up in Cincinnati during the “CIN” era of Buggs Scruggs, Jockey Jack, Eddie Castleberry, Tom Knox- TKO, Ed Wright and Little Abraham – Rev Swanson.

I would envision myself on the radio w/ a style of the likes of Buggs Scruggs (flair, personality, magnetism, popularity, good diction and a proper use of the English language)

Let’s fast forward to my upcoming junior year in high school, 1967 (Walnut Hills) during summer practice; playing defensive line while leaping to block the quarterback’s pass – my defensive line mate & I locked our feet and I came down on the side of my knee…my football career ended that afternoon

By this time I had really intensified as my plan was to go to The Ohio State University play football, go to the pros, obtain my law degree and become an attorney, judge, and / or politician   

Fast forward to the next year – leg was healing and the remembrance of broadcasting hit my mind; it was followed by a call to Tom Knox – “TKO” who became my mentor

Flashing back… I had the opportunity to visit my first radio station and meet Bill Moss (WVKO – Columbus) and later Tom Hankerson (WCIN); meeting Bill Moss, like Tom Hankerson were pivotal points – these gentlemen were not only popular (on-air) but were the Program Directors; they wore shirt &ties, had an office, people coming to them for clearance, when they spoke, people listened and followed their directives; this again was pivotal for a young man to see these Black men in action in 1967. You never know whose watching you and the impact that it will have on their lives

Back to Tom Knox – it was him that took an interest in preparing me for my goal – I was the pre-eminent for his “Radio Workshop” where numerous individuals followed after me

It all culminated on an August evening in 1968 (at the age of 17) when the then Program Director, Bob Hudson went out of town to an industry convention – Knox put me on the air not late night / weekends but from 6p-8p.

In retrospect Hudson had to of known; although TKO was a “free spirit” that would have been a bit much!

It obviously worked out as we Fast forward (one month) to the beginning of my senior year…The Jimmy Wonder era began!

My first shift was what we call in the industry – afternoon drive; from 3p-6p (again un-heard of) a beginner and being just 17 years old)

The journey continues to be “illustrious” – I was at WCIN for 41/2 years, then WDAO “Da-you” in Dayton, New Orleans, and Chicago, Detroit (twice, Houston and Dallas

I continued to achieved notoriety – while in Detroit (WJLB) the station achieved the #1 rating (overall) and forced the primary competitor (WDRQ) out of the format (the analogy would be like The Lakers forcing the Celtics – out of the league / out of the game)

Similar success in the other cities; have worked with and have been instrumental in the careers of many individuals and have had many mentors throughout the years

I am embarking on the next phase of my career w/ a group of industry persons for a Syndication company that will be a full service provider of programming content and other related areas

***P.S –

If “Jimmy Wonder” could return home to Cincinnati – what do you think???

Well, Jimmy, I think that it's an idea whose time has come....in this age of syndication....our community could use a seasoned professional!

~I'm curious to find out how the viewers of this blog will react to that possiblity. I'm posing that question to the community at large...

I WOULD LOVE TO ONCE AGAIN HEAR.....

Jimmy Wonder, The Ball of Thunder…the Men’s threat & the Ladies pet…a lover’s supreme & every girl’s dream.

The one who did it, hit it, split it but never quit it, but got away “wit” it

The Soul of the New Breed…The Teenage Wonder - The 8^th Wonder

WCIN Promotion by Steve Harris back in 1988

I can remember this just like it was yesterday. I watched Steve Harris put this thing together from all the pieces. I've always been fascinated by radio production and watching this process really intrigued me made me work on my production skills a whole lot more. I invite you now to go back to that spot at 107 Glenwood Ave. where we continuing the tradition of entertaining and informing the community from a very unique perspective.  Perhaps you were one who made the journey there to pick up tickets to a concert, records, cassettes or like so many others...just stopped by because you were in the area.  Maybe your mother or father drove you there and you listened to the station in the car while your "driver" sang at the top of his or her lungs 'cause their favorite song was playing.  Now, today you have that song forever burned into your spirit and you just smile because of that great memory. Memories...that's what WCIN made..lasting memories that will go with all of us who were fortunate to experience it from both the inside and the outside. As you listen to the sounds of 1988..think of all the good things that revolved around a radio station that you could and still can call your very own...I won't/can't forget and will do all that I can to make sure that you won't either....WCIN 1480AM FOREVER!

WCIN on Mothers Days



An old WCIN 1480
Transistor Radio



Just flashing back on how the radio station would treat such a special day....It goes without saying that every shift would be playing, at least twice, "I'll always love my momma", by the Intruders. Rev. Swanson would start the morning off reminding everyone that this coming Sunday...cause it would be a friday...and the spiritual obligations of us all to honor our mothers. I know that when I did the morning show...with different partners...we would always reflect on our youth and the positive influences that our mothers had on us. I'll tell you..the funniest thing I remember regarding morning show Mothers Day antics came from my partner Fredd E. Redd. This one year he told me and the audience that he was not going to get his mother a card, but was going to Walgreens, which was a couple doors up on Reading Rd., and pick out a card for his mom...but set it in a certain place in the rack and have her go to Walgreens and find the card and then tell her that's the card he would love for her to have...it was hilarious..and callers had some very interesting comments for Fredd.

....Yes, Mothers Day celebrations on Classic Oldies 1480WCIN were great! The listeners would also get a chance to get involved by calling in and saying something special about their mothers. That kind of positive interaction with the community is one of the things that I miss the most about us not having WCIN as a platform for this special segment of Cincinnati.

...Today, I tried to text a Happy Mothers Day wish to an old friend only to find out that it belonged to someone else. The person asked me who I was and I wondered "had it been that long since we talked that she didn't remember me"...I didn't want to believe it. She asked me if I was someone else and I told her that I was Everett Cork (Did I have to give my whole name..it really must have been a long time since we chatted).  Then the revelation that maybe I had reached the new owner of that number. I apologized for the disturbance...but she said it was fine because she listened to WCIN while she was growing up and she enjoyed that time and that the "accidental call" was fine and she was a 47 year old grandmother who remembered that Peabo Bryson and I resembled each other. She said the mistake..."made her day"..which actually made mine cause she said she couldn't wait to tell her sisters. I wished her a Happy Mothers Day..I directed her to this blog and hopefully she'll remain "tuned in" as I bring the old sounds and updates on the old jocks whereabouts and what they are up to today...