Mighty Writers

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Mighty Writers is a Philly nonprofit that teaches city kids how to write. In 2012, Mighty Writers launched Mighty Radio , a student-run Internet radio station dedicated to honoring the pioneering legacy of Philadelphia’s early Black broadcasters, the music they played and the stations that employed them.

Series

Caption: Legenday Philadelphia disc jockey Georgie Woods, Credit: Temple Urban Archives
9 Pieces

These short segments are stand-alone companion pieces to the documentary special, "Going Black: The Legacy of Philly Soul Radio" (http://www.prx.org/series/33464-going-black-the-legacy-of-philly-soul-radio). Starting in the 1950s, Black radio stations around the country became the pulse of African-American communities around the country, and their megaphone during the Civil Rights and Black Power movements. These sound-rich, non-narrated pieces profile some of the documentary's main characters and explore the legacy of African-Americans on the radio in Philadelphia.

Caption: Legendary Philadelphia disc jockey Georgie Woods, Credit: Temple Urban Archives
2 Pieces

Starting in the 1950s, Black radio stations around the country became the pulse of African-American communities, and served as their megaphone during the Civil Rights and Black Power movements. "Going Black" examines the legacy of Black radio, with a special focus on the legendary WDAS in Philadelphia. Hosted by Sound of Philadelphia (TSOP) music producer and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Kenny Gamble, a 1-hour version and 2-hour version of this National Edward R. Murrow Award-winning documentary special are both available.


Pieces

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On behalf of Mighty Writers in Philly, we give mighty thanks to PRX for this award... Actually, this might just say it better for us.

  • Added: Mar 23, 2015
  • Length: 01:26
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Early in his career, Jerry Blavat was a disc jockey at WHAT, one of the two Philadelphia Black AM radio stations at the far right end of the dial. ...

Bought by KTEP, KTAL-LP [Las Cruces Community Radio], WFHB, WDSE, KUER and more


  • Added: Jan 16, 2014
  • Length: 04:29
  • Purchases: 8
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Louise Williams is known as the “Gospel Queen of Philadelphia.” For 49 years, she hosted “The Louise Bishop Program” at WDAS, one of the highest-ra...

Bought by KTAL-LP [Las Cruces Community Radio], KUCB, WFHB, WDSE, PRX Remix and more


  • Added: Jan 15, 2014
  • Length: 04:02
  • Purchases: 6
Caption: Legenday Philadelphia disc jockey Georgie Woods, Credit: Temple Urban Archives
Starting in the 1950s, Black radio stations around the country became the pulse of African-American communities, and served as their megaphone duri...

Bought by Red River Radio Network (E. Texas/Louisiana/Arkansas/Mississippi), KBCS 91.3 FM Community Radio, RadioStPete Florida, KUCR 88.3 fm Riverside, Calif., New Hampshire Public Radio and more


  • Added: Jan 08, 2014
  • Length: 59:00
  • Purchases: 81
Caption: Former WHAT disc jockey Sonny Hopson, Credit: Yowei Shaw
For a time in the late ’60s, no one’s microphone in Philadelphia blazed hotter than Sonny Hopson. He was dynamic, exciting and wildly unpredictable...

Bought by KTAL-LP [Las Cruces Community Radio], KUCB, WFHB, WDSE, PRX Remix and more


  • Added: Jan 07, 2014
  • Length: 04:29
  • Purchases: 6
Caption: Former WDAS disc jockey Doug Henderson Jr., Credit: Yowei Shaw
Jocko Henderson was one of the most imitated Black personality disc jockeys of all time. He's known as the godfather of rap, the “Ace from Outer Sp...

Bought by KTAL-LP [Las Cruces Community Radio], KUCB, WFHB, WDSE, PRX Remix and more


  • Added: Jan 07, 2014
  • Length: 03:21
  • Purchases: 7
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Record label executive Joe McEwen was one of the many white kids listening to Black radio in Philadelphia in the 50s and 60s. Here, McEwen talks ab...

Bought by KTAL-LP [Las Cruces Community Radio], WFHB, and KUOW


  • Added: Jan 07, 2014
  • Length: 04:27
  • Purchases: 3
Caption: Disc jockey Dyana Williams
Dyana Williams started her broadcasting career in 1973 as one of the few African-American women on the air. Her radio handle? Ebony Moonbeams. Sinc...

Bought by KTAL-LP [Las Cruces Community Radio], WFHB, WABE, and KUOW


  • Added: Jan 07, 2014
  • Length: 04:55
  • Purchases: 4
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In the late 50s and 60s, jazz musician Sam Reed was the house leader at the historic Uptown Theater in North Philadelphia. The Uptown was the Phill...

Bought by KTEP, KTAL-LP [Las Cruces Community Radio], WFHB, WDSE, and KUOW


  • Added: Jan 07, 2014
  • Length: 03:26
  • Purchases: 5
Caption: Karen Warrington
Karen Warrington, director of communication for Congressman Robert Brady, has been an independent voice for Black political and social empowerment ...

Bought by KTAL-LP [Las Cruces Community Radio], WFHB, KUOW, and PRX Remix


  • Added: Jan 07, 2014
  • Length: 06:41
  • Purchases: 4