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?
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?