1070 WDIA 🇺🇸

WDIA, broadcasting on 1070 AM in Memphis, Tennessee, began its journey in 1947. In 1948, WDIA made a pivotal decision to switch to an all-Black programming format, a groundbreaking move that resonated deeply with the Black community. This transformation led to the station being known as "The Mother Station of the Negroes." WDIA launched the careers of influential figures like B.B. King, who was known as the "Beale Street Blues Boy" on his WDIA show, Rufus Thomas, who hosted a popular teen show, and Martha Jean "The Queen" Steinberg. The station played a crucial role in popularizing blues, R&B, and gospel music, providing a platform for local artists and shaping the Memphis sound. WDIA served as a vital community resource, offering news, information, and public service announcements relevant to the Black community and supporting the Civil Rights Movement by fostering discussions about racial equality.