The entire list is too long, but here are some of my all-time favorite radio personalities then and now: Frank Ski (Baltimore), Donnie Simpson (Washington, DC), Red Alert (New York), Lady B and Georgie Woods (Philadelphia), DJ Showcase and Rick Wright (Syracuse).
I must add Texas Fred aka the Zydeco Cowboy (Washington, DC) to my list. I’ve checked out his show on the internet for the past few years and he delivers a unique experience over the airwaves.
When did you come to Syracuse: August 1966 from Cuthbert, GA. I left when Georgia had “colored” restrooms and I picked cotton. When I got to Syracuse, I realized there was a better life. There were job opportunities, I could provide for my family without struggling. I worked for GM. The move from Georgia at age 18 was wonderful for me. I have no intentions of moving back. I go to visit or perform.
On Singing: I’m 62 years old, I’ll be 63 in June. Singing used to be so much fun, but now it has turned out to be a job. I don’t like the travel, but I go because I love singing. That’s what I do. I never get tired of singing.
How many concerts have you done: In 43 years…thousands.
When did you start in radio: I started in 1978; I started the C&O Gospel Hour [with my cousin who is now deceased]. Now [the show is called] Charles Cannon Gospel Hour. This is a great experience. I do it every Friday.
At studio of 1540 WSIV-AM
Who is your favorite artist: The Mighty Clouds of Joy. I’ve done concerts with them. They are my favorite because they do traditional gospel. I’m a traditional gospel singer. [Traditional gospel] speaks about your daily living, where you’ve come from, what you’ve been through and how the Lord has blessed you to persevere. I’m the kind of person when I listen to a song, it has to have a message, otherwise there’s no need to listen.
What is your favorite song (to sing): The Lord Will Make a Way. I always believe whatever the circumstance, whatever the situation, He’ll make a way for you. I wrote that song and it’s on our latest CD.
What are you listening to now: In my car I’m listening to a CD by the Texas Boyz. They sing a song that says Only the Strong Survive. I always have gospel on in my car.
If you could have everyone in the region listen to one song what would it be: If Jesus Can’t Fix it, Nobody Can, by the Mighty Clouds of Joy. If [people] would listen to the worlds, they would be spiritually uplifted.
I’m a Christian, I don’t deny that. I tell it everywhere I go.
Who has been your biggest influence: My mom. There was a song my mom loved to sing: Wont It be Grand. When I was growing up we used to go into the garden, we grew all our vegetables in Georgia, and she would sing Won’t It be Grand. I re-did it and I had a chance to play it for her before she passed in 2002. Where ever I am, where ever I go, I always talk about my mom.
Bells of Harmony fans at Juneteenth
Closing thoughts: There’s no need for me to be here [at the studio] playing only what I want to hear. I do that when I get in my car or when I’m home. When I get to the studio, what ever [the listeners request], that’s what I play.
My listening audience and fans have [supported us] all these years and whenever I perform on stage they are there. [The audience] has never let me down and I’m thankful. I don’t take it for granted.
Dr. Rick Wright
I interviewed Syracuse University professor and on-air radio personality Dr. Rick Wright for a piece back in the 1990s when he was on an AM station.
Now he has probably the highest rated time slot for Sunday afternoons and can be heard on WPHR-FM Power 106.9.
Wright is a recognized expert in his field and his bio reads like a history of radio for the past 45 years.
I visited Rick Wright’s show last week as a photographer for my client, the Love N Basketball Project. Wright’s show had a vivacious atmosphere and was packed with a film crew, students and various guests.
Wright remains an ardent and vocal supporter of Syracuse University, the city, and he brings just the right amount of old school flavor to the end of the week.