Legendary Pioneers Of Black Radio [Paperback]

After World War II, when thousands of African Americans left farms, plantations, and a southern way of life to migrate north, African American disc jockeys helped them make the transition to the urban life by playing familiar music and giving them hints on how to function in northern cities. These disc jockeys became cultural heroes and had a major role in the development of American broadcasting. This collection of interviews documents the personalities of the pioneers of Black radio, as well as their personal struggles and successes. The interviewees also define their roles in the civil rights movement and relate how their efforts have had an impact on how African Americans are portrayed over the air.GILBERT A. WILLIAMS is Professor in the Telecommunication Department at Michigan State University, where he teaches courses on broadcast and cable programming and the history of telecommunication. His research interests focus on African American communications, the history of communications, and health communication.

Williams provides a significant discussion of the historical role of black disc jockeys in the US&.This interesting book provides a history of a unique group of media pioneers and is recommended for all collections. Choice

Williams has compiled and impressive lineup of djs, including Eddie Castleberry, Moses Lindburg Lucky Cordell, Normand W. Spaulding, and Richard Stams&.The interviews demonstrate a fine interplay between Williams and his subjects, building for the reader a relaxed, warm atmosphere&.The interviews will furnish insight into an important time in culture and broadcasting&.[A]nyone interested in this area will find the book quite valuable. MultiCultural Review

Legendary Pioneers of Black Radio is a seminal contribution to Black Studies, as well as Amerian broadcasting and popular culture studies. The Midwest Book Revie

For the first time, Gilbert A. Williams, professor of broadcast and cal³Ë