I worked at WHBB Selma from about 1970 to 1973. I was stationed at Craig AFB, and I did the 10 pm-midnight DJ shift and also Sunday mornings.
The format those years was straight Top 40, with sign-on at 5 or 6 am and sign-off at midnight. We put out a weekly music survey (sponsored by RC Cola). Other DJs I remember were Larry Morris, PD and morning man; Jim Stallings, a black DJ who did 6-8 pm; and Sammy George, who later ran US-101 in Chattanooga, did 8-10 pm. A young kid named Dave something did a lot of part-time and fill-in, and he was tremendously talented. George Swift joined the station in about 1972.
Sunday morning was church on the air, both black and white. Deacon Henry Smiley did a live show when I started there in 1970, and I understand he is still doing that show today.
I also remember an elderly Col. Hardy with a southern accent so heavy that I could hardly understand him. I think maybe he did farm reports? Dave Rigdon and Gary somebody did sales. Owner Julius Talton was on the air occasionally; I remember him and Dave Rigdon doing a live report when a downtown theater burned down. One of the major sponsors was the Julian Lilienthal clothing store. Julian had a voice like a frog, but he insisted on doing his own commercials.
The FM side was beautiful music, all on huge reels on a huge reel-to-reel automation system that took up a whole wall.
When I started there, the studios were in the top floor of a bank next door to the Thirsty Boy drive-in restaurant. Soon afterwards they moved to their own building, which was absolutely beautiful, all new equipment.
I think I was paid minimum wage, but I loved working there. And the music was excellent - sure can't say that anymore.
---Dan Hughes,
http://danhughes.net
