Tonya opened the "Booby" thread! Doesn't everyone in Ktown have a fun Bobby Denton story! 101 wants to hear from you...BTW-Photo is of Bobby and Kenny Rogers from the 1970's.

Today 101 hears from Jeff Hawkins (aka Jeff Winters, Jeff Shannon). Check out Jeff's link!

After many years a story that has stuck with me was when I was first hired at WIVK. I believe it was 1976; I was discharged from the Navy and worked a short time at a small AM, WJNC in Jacksonville NC. I came to Knoxville as a true rookie. My mother was friends with Bobby Denton and told him I was moving to Ktown. I was shocked when she told me I had a job!!

I was coming from a 1000 watt cracker box where I was on air, talent (less) and ripping and reading the news. You want to hear hideous air checks these would beat all!! Being truly intimidated and realizing I could be heard in many states I was stressed. As I entered the AM studio and preparing to go on, Bobby entered and gave me the talk. He left it with,”You better not embarrass me!” Holy Sh_ _! Needless to say I was in the right frame of mind.

Thanks for bringing back all the memories. Keep it up!

This weekend 101 welcomes Tonya Stoutt-Brown as an ace 101 contributor. Great hearing from you Tonya, keep the photographs and memories coming...


Sorry to hear about all the CP and Walker controversy. What makes this blog so much fun is the wide variety of memories old jocks are sharing. It’s not meant to be an opinion blog or a blog for fans, but a “scrapbook” blog. Thanks for the great trips down memory lane and, for me, a young sprig of a girl, some wonderful history lessons about the people I listened to as a kid who gave me that insane idea to get a job in radio. It was one of the best ideas that ever crossed the threshold of my brain.

My First Encounter with the Legendary Bobby Denton!

I was hired by Mike Hammond to handle a weekend shift on WIVK-AM, which had a country format. I had only been working there a few weeks when I got a chance to work the weekend overnight shift on the FM. I was pumped about it! Paul Maner was working the 7-midnight weekend shift and stuck around to “help” me.

We were young, inexperienced, and stupid. I made the mistake of opening the mic that was usually reserved for Claude Tomlinson (insert sounds of angelic choir and visions of heavenly sunlight here) and Paul and I began to engage in playful banter on the air. We had ourselves a two-person show going in the middle of the night. And boy, it was fun!

Remember when you started out in radio and you thought you were the greatest thing since permanent press pants? That’s where we were in our young lives. We probably sounded about as professional as a couple of drunk 14-year-olds talking on a party line in Vonore.

About 2:00 in the morning, we were in the middle of some of that witty repartee when I suddenly saw Paul’s face fall. He was sitting across from me, so he could see behind me, through the glass window into the newsroom. I could tell by the look on his face that something was very wrong in that room behind my back, but I didn’t know what. Paul shut up, quit talking and sat stone-faced though the remainder of the break.

Since Paul had quit talking, I ended the break and went into a song (don’t remember which one, but I’m sure it had something to do with drinkin’ and cheatin’ or trucks). I took off the headphones, turned around, and through the glass window I saw a terrifying sight. Bobby Denton, clad in his full dress suit, hair perfectly coiffed, cigar dangling from his mouth, smoke curling up around his head like a halo of doom.

I rolled my eyes around and said, “Who’s that?”

In a very, very small voice, Paul said, “That’s the General Manager.”

I remember thinking that we must be in a lot of trouble if the General Manager had gotten out of bed and got dressed to come to Bearden Hill and chew us out. It never crossed my mind that he hadn’t been home.

That was my first encounter with the legendary Bobby Denton. It was not a pleasant one.

Paul and I had to sit on donut shaped cushions for awhile after that (figuratively speaking, of course). Anyone who knows Bobby is aware of the fact that he can have a temper, but it’s a quick one and he’s good to forgive and forget if you can earn his respect. I ended up working there for 14 years, but I was never invited to work the overnight shift, again. Ever.

Controversy Strikes!!!

Jump on the www, create a fun site, next thing you know stones are being thrown. 101 received the following email in our inbox. To clarify, we have only two ways to create stories...either from our memory banks or from information you supply. Both CP and Walker have been kind enough to regularly send material, especially when both had birthdays, however, that does not mean 101 is owned or operated by the dynamic duo. Whose gotcha now?

101 (Whoever is in charge),

I've been reading the posts on your site, and have noticed a recent pattern.

It seems that the Knoxville Radio 101 History Website has now become the "CP & Walker" history website.

Here lately every time a story is posted on there, it's always about CP or Walker. Kind of makes me wonder if it is "YOU" Walker or "YOU" Curtis who is behind this whole entire site, and the posts on there. Those two get more topics posted about them than any other Knoxville Radio History talent does. Seems kind of bias if you ask me.

To tell you the truth, I would not be surprised if it is one of you guys (Curtis or Walker). I could understand why Walker or Curtis would find the need to create a site and brag about themselves, since that is the only way their names can still be heard by the public, also considering the fact that neither one of them can no longer land a job in radio.........LOL!

WKGN STAFF 1973...
Back row right to left-Bob Baron, Goodie, Ralph Farley, Jim Goodman, Wayne Bernard, Terry Brown, Joe Anderson, Frank Erwin, Gary Clark, Bill Stamps.

Sitting right to left-Jacky, Molly Skeen, Polly Loy, Myrtle, Walker Johnson, Andy Reeves, Christy, Chris Hampton.

Walker Johnson...1973 was the very last year of the real 'KGN...The FAMOUS 1340 and its wonderful connection with George Mooney and his chain of stations. After '73 the Arbitron (ratings system) replaced the Pulse and low powered stations just died because the Pulse only covered three counties but the Arbitron covered many more than the little guys could cover. Jack Diamond was the night guy and Jerry Steel was all nights. Although 'KGN had to cut back to 250 watts at night Jack still BEAT WNOX and their 10 thousand watt night time coverage. Jack once said his hair dryer put out more power than the station but still he beat 99.

When 'KGN was sold things like the Rambling River Raft race (starting behind the Frat houses at UT and ending at I.C. King Park) and the Friday afternoon home game pep rallies at the station also went away. Later WOKI picked up the raft race on the Houston but no one grabbed the Pep Rallies. The first season a flatbed was pulled behind the station and the UT band and cheerleaders performed. What really drew the mob was the beer trucks giving out free suds. By mid season the beer trucks were no longer in the parking lot, something about kids who could reach the tap were being served with no request for I.D. 'KGN was the class station of the 60's and early 70's and none have matched it in talent or pure style since.

Today 101 hears from Gary Adkins and Mike Clark. We'd like to hear from you too!

Gary-
I'll try to get you some stories later. I did get a call from out of the blue last week from Greg Strassell who did 7-Midnight at WOKI in 1981. Greg's air name was Fast Eddie Ashton. Greg has been very successful. He is presently a programmer for CBS radio and is based in Boston. As for stories...when I get a minute I'll tell you a good one about the untimely death in the early 80's of Jimmy Buffett. Normally when we tell stories, we tend to embellish a bit to make them more exciting. The stories I can tell you from the old days of Knoxville radio are just the opposite. I'll have to tone them down a little to make sure that no one goes to jail, divorce court or rehab.

Mike-
I was reading the previous post about WATO, and it got me wondering: has anyone heard about one of their towers falling? I understand one of them fell back in March. I used to work there, and it kinda makes me sad to see a local station that could be (and used to be) a real community asset not be utilized to its fullest.

It's always fun to receive a letter from a raving fan...

Mr. Johnson,
My name is Terry West. You don't know me, but I sure feel like I know you. How many times have you heard that one? Being from here in Campbell County (small community called White Oak, near Jellico) I grew up listening to Knoxville area radio and really got interested in it beginning in the late '60 right up through today. So interested that I aggravated and agitated the G.M. of the local Jellico station (WJJT-AM 1540) so much that in June of 1978 he finally gave me a job working on the air. I worked at various radio stations (even a stint as Chief Weather Anchor at a Hazard, KY T.V. station from 1993 to 1996 where I finally got to meet Phil Williams as he was there to cut some commercials for a Jackson, KY car dealership in about '95) but I always worked north of Jellico, never making it toward the Knoxville market. My last run was morning man for a Williamsburg, KY FM country station from 2000 until 2004. Everywhere I ever worked management always told me I had that mid '70's to mid '80's Knoxville, TN radio sound! Man, I loved that! But why not? That's what I grew up on! I don't know if you Knoxville radio boys from that era know it or not, but you all were legendary! Not just here, but all over! And I'm not trying to suck up or blow you up here, but you and Curtis Parham were, in my book, the best hands down morning team ever (including today) in K-town on "Who's Got Ya' Now? 62 WRJZ". I honed what little radio skills I have trying to sound just like you guys! But enough about that. I just wanted to let you know I have read every blog comment on "Knoxville Radio History 101" and I gotta' tell ya', I really love every word of it. It brings back so many memories. It's almost like growing up all over again! I was especially intrigued by Bill Burkett's contribution today about U-102. I was listening this day 27 years ago (1981) to 102.1 FM with great interest. U-102 was the best thing to hit the Knoxville market since 62 WRJZ. Through the years I've listened to every Knoxville radio station at one time or another, but WRJZ, WMYU and WNOX (in the mid to late '70's) left the biggest impact. All you guys were just the best. And it's great to find out what all these radio people are all doing today. Just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate the "Knoxville Radio History 101" and the "Walker Media Report" blogs. They are both simply great and I recommend them to all my friends. I know it has to be time consuming for you, but please keep up the great work! I JUST LOVE IT!!! Terry L. West

From the Editor- Terry, thank you so much for your kind words and participation in 101. Please note that the above mentioned legendary radio super jock Walker Johnson is a "senior contributing writer" for 101, but is not the author of this www, or is he?

101 received an update regarding Fulton High School...

Good Afternoon, this is Russell Mayes, radio broadcasting teacher at Fulton High School. Let me say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog. The information and great stories are a great resource, and help me to remember the reasons why I wanted to get in this business in the first place! I studied radio at Fulton under Dr. Al Adams, (Al Johnson) and returned four years ago to teach the class and run our radio station, WKCS-FM 91.1. WKCS has been on the air since December 18, 1952, and is one of the oldest high school stations in the nation. A reader mentioned the restructuring going on at Fulton High. Unfortunately many of our vocational and other programs will be going away. Fortunately, Radio Broadcasting will not be one of those programs. In fact, Knox Co. Schools are in the process of giving us a major upgrade in equipment. There are a lot of details about next year that are up in the air. I'll be glad to keep you updated if you like. We recently launched a new website at wkcsradio.org that has a history of the station, along with some old articles and pictures we have found. You can also listen to the station live on the website. Thanks for all the great work!

Happy tax day! Thanks to all who have sent in stories the past few days, that's what 101 is all about, YOU...

Your plea today jogged my memory. It hit me that tomorrow, April 15th is the 27th anniversary of the debut of U-102/WMYU when Dr. Dave Dunaway and Colvin Idol kicked off the new format that morning at 6 o'clock. The first song played was "Amazing Grace" by Judy Collins. Believe it or not, at the time, that song tested well enough to be on our playlist. Some others who were there at the beginning, or shortly thereafter, included Mick St. John, Steve Harrison, Rick Hudson, Tom Van Hart, Mike Clark, Phil Williams, Larry Trotter, Phil Jarnigan, Sam Truan, Gene Vestle and more. Sorry if I left anyone out this afternoon. It's difficult to remember so much on the spur of the moment. Enjoy the blog. Hope you get the written support you need to keep it going.

Bill Burkett
East Tennessee Radio Group
North Georgia Radio Group

Thanks Bill! And Happy Birthday to U-102! Wasn't U-102 a breath of fresh air when it hit the airwaves way back when. You can check out Bill's current endeavor at East Tennessee Radio.

Greetings and salutations! 101 would like to thank each of you for book marking our www and making Knoxville Radio History 101 one of your favorite sites.

Thru the efforts of many, we have relived great Ktown memories! 101 needs your help...each of you are filled with an encyclopedia (remember them) of Ktown knowledge. Kindly send your photographs and memories to us at KtownRadio@gmail.com.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CP!!!

Knoxville legend Curtis Parham adds another candle to his cake today...side kick Walker Johnson reminisces about his super jock partner...(It's a darn shame these two aren't howling on the Ktown airwaves these days)-

Walker...In olden times the various stations that were privileged to have CP and Walker as their morning show would often take advantage of the these two wonderful boys by exploiting their birth. In other words promos would start running the last week in March to join CP and Walker at some watering hole to celebrate their birthdays. A cake would be provided, stations of class would print up CP and Walker shirts and all would be given away at said bacchanalia. Soon the tradition grew to become the social event of the season and thousands of well dressed couples would fight like cats to both attend and if all went well to have their picture and story presented in the Society Column of the Watch Dog's Sunday Addition. After breaking the promotional and salary budgets of numerous stations the tradition was dropped and so were CP and Walker. A modified revision of the great gathering took place one year ago to honor CP on his 60th birthday. Work release passes were forged, nursing home leaves were granted and more than a few ex patriots rode inter tubes across the gulf from Cuba to attend. CP was regaled in gifts and worshiped by thousands that night. The famed case of Wild Irish Rose was given and then many former radio near greats took to the podium in a sad attempt to roast the host. It was a glorious evening ending with the police dogs, fire hoses and several flesh wounds from small caliber weapons. Due to the still pending litigation the celebration will be much smaller in the future. Those who know him wish him the best. Personally I will never forget years of laughing all morning across from a guy who although never was much for coming to work on time made up for it by making me and anyone who worked with him look good. It was great fun to beat everyone in town and as CP once told some pencil neck manager when we were wringing his diminutive manhood for more money..."CP is worth a quarter, Walker is worth a quarter..together we are worth five dollars!" I miss the money but I miss the fun more, back when radio was local and CP and Walker invited everyone to the party from 6-10. Happy birthday to the best I have ever known or worked with.

CONGRATS TO THE LADY VOLS!!!

The mouse that (almost) roared...WETQ.

1981 was an interesting year in Oak Ridge. Some Ktown giants joined the little country outlet that year. Yes, '81 saw another dial position pop up and spin country tunes...

The year began with Jeff Winters as morning DJ, Mike Stewart PD did mid days, and Rick Hudson worked afternoons. Hudson later joined the first U-102 staff.

In January Russ Brown joined as New Director. Fast forward to April...welcome "The Swang" Eddie Beacon to sister WATO as a news anchor and a few weeks later The Joe Show debuted on Q94 as afternoon jock. At that same time Hudson and news anchor Mike Clark went to the new U-102.

In early May Your Dave Young was named general manager of WATO and WETQ. Veteran news anchor Sundra Thompson joined the team at that time too.

One of Your Dave's first moves was to team up Beacon and WIVK's Linda Scott as the new morning team on Q94.

So that summer the Q94 roster featured Eddie and Linda in the morning and the Joe Show on afternoon drive time. Big sounds were booming from the Atomic City.

Unfortunately the music wouldn't last and by late June Your Dave and Swang exited...soon Q94 became part of Ktown folklore. The dial position 94.3 lives on today!

Happy April 7...

101 heard from Walker's morning drive partner CP...

Most of the stories I could tell about Walker Johnson are being saved for the forthcoming book and movie, but here is one I will give you gratis. In the late 70's, WRJZ was planning the annual Christmas party. It was decided that we should draw names to buy gifts costing no more than $10. As luck would have it, I drew Walker's name. I went to a liquor store on Magnolia Avenue just down the street from the station and told the clerk of the $10 limit and explained that I wanted the "most bang for the buck". He fixed me up with eight bottles of "Wild Irish Rose" wine...and change! I gave it to Walker, and for the next eight years, I received one bottle back on my birthday. On my 60th birthday, Walker gave me a full CASE of "Wild Irish Rose'! It is no wonder he is a Republican; just like an elephant, he never forgets. Happy birthday to my friend and one of the finest talents who ever sat behind a mic. The "Wild Irish Rose" has aged another year, and should be drinkable in a century or so.

Also, JJ Farragut must be convinced that the birthday boy himself writes this blogation...K-Town, Happy Birthday! Life begins at 60!!!!!

ZehSpoon added this email over the weekend...I am not sure how many of your readers went through the radio/TV program at Fulton High School but you might want to look into the recent talk that the shop classes at Fulton are being removed. I think that Jeff Jarnigan knows about this subject. You might want to contact him and see what he knows of this. (Jeff...101 would love to hear from you!)

Happy Birthday wishes on April 5, Saturday, to Walker Johnson! Walker has been one of Ktown's most lovable characters for decades! What are your favorite Walker stories?

Remember way back when he did the afternoon news on WKGN with DJ Wayne Bernard aka Charlie Chase! Awh...the good old days! From the news room to the mic, WJ made the jump to the then MOR format at WETE 620. That move became pivotal as a few years later when WETE became rocker WRJZ, Walker was teamed up in the morning with Curtis Parham. Ladies and gents...CP and Walker!

This tandem along with Clyde Clod and Blue entertained Ktown's airwaves for years...and at U102 and WIVK-AM too. Sure would be cool to have those two back on the air together!

These days Walker writes on the www and can be found by clicking on his link to the right. 101 wants to hear from you...spill the beans, give us some WJ dirt!!!

Happy Birthday Walker!

And speaking of birthdays, 101 says cheers to Your Dave Young, he turned 39 again on April 1!!! More on Your Dave soon...remember his "oldie but forgotten goodie" on 'KGN?!!!