WMDR was the former WEAG in Maryville, TN. My father and I bought controlling interest in the station in the mid 80s (83 I think). Since 1947 Maryville had had a country station and an easy listening station (WEAG, WGAP) we dropped the easy listening and went top 40. Scared more than a few elderly folk but it sure was fun. Although we were a day timer we had a big staff of real talent and WGAP just hated us. Couple of good ones in the picture you posted were Ernie Baker (top left corner) who was the most listened to night talk guy in Knoxville on the old WETE (Ernie The Bartender) and then became really big as the guy who wrote the news for CP and Walker. Baker was such a part of CP and Walker that on remotes we used to sign his name for those wanting an autograph and tell them his writing hand had been shot off in the Spanish American War. Hey, they were kids and most believed it! Others pictured were Becky Lynn (former WIMZ/WIVK) star. Dad and I sold the station in 99 to Jim Holiday (former Cas Walker announcer) and he later sold it again. The format now is far FAR right wing talk and it is a great place to order your supplies for the coming whatever, you know canned goods, water, shotguns, gold all the essentials. WMDR stood for....the Music Doctor. It was a great experience and we sure did have the talent! Walker Johnson
