Keisha Sutton-James
Years Of Service: Since Birth
Vice-President
My favorite memory was celebrating the 1979 NYC Marathon on the corner of 135th Street and 5th Avenue. The ‘BLS van and all of the jocks were out there. It felt like all of Harlem was out there screaming, cheering the runners on, and shrieking, “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now,” by McFadden and Whitehead, the #1 single at the time. WBLS was on a roll and there was no stopping it; the song was hot, and there was no stopping it! I was just a kid, it was my song, I was on my corner, alongside my neighbors and the jocks of my favorite radio station, just making memories!
John Melbourne
Years Of Service: 29 Years
Business Manager
To be a part of WBLS for 29 of their 35 years has been absolutely delightful, educational in a sense, while inspirational in another.
There are many people I have come in contact with during those years, naturally many in the entertainment industry, the late ‘chief rocker’ Frankie Crocker and our own Group Chairman/Air Personality Hal Jackson. Matter of fact, I firmly believe that if Mr. Jackson were of another hue he would have been revered as an ‘icon’ of the music/entertainment industry. His book “The House That Jack Built” that gave us an insight into the man and his travels would have been a movie by now.
However, as I reflect on my favorite WBLS memory it has to be,
(1) our involvement during the presidential campaigns of the Rev Jesse L. Jackson and the first NYC mayoral campaign by the Honourable David N. Dinkins.
(2) The revival project of the landmark Apollo theatre.
During those periods in American history WBLS and WLIB were thrust into the spotlight, left, right and centre. Particularly so, because we had first access to the candidates and other news agencies at times had to come right here to fill their news day.
Yes sir, those were exciting times.
Then there was the revival of the world famous Apollo theatre where so many entertainers cut their teeth in the entertainment business. And the battle Chairman Emeritus Percy Ellis Sutton waged to get it off the ground. I do recall how ecstatic he was when final approvals were given and then the re-opening of the Apollo in all its glitz and glamour.
Yes sir, it has been an exhilarating 35 years.
Congratulations 107.5 WBLS.
Gwen Kingsberry
Years Of Service: 13 Years
Promotions Manager
One of my favorite WBLS moments is our Listener Appreciation Party at Manhattan Mall.
Doug Banks had just become our morning man and we were doing a free concert at Manhattan Mall for a few of our dedicated listeners. AAAAHHHH the power of BLS. Word got out the Jay-Z would be attending (I wonder how THAT happened). Listeners started lining up about 10pm the night before and over 20,000 people showed up at Manhattan Mall. The subway stop got shut down, trains were bypassing 34th Street. I was at the stage and looked up to see every level of the mall packed with people. Jay-Z showed up and after asking the crowd to take two steps back gave a performance I am sure no one would forget. Everybody was having a great time and it was a wonderful moment in ‘BLS history!!!
Jeannette Elliott
Years Of Service: 20 Years
Account Receivable Manager
The memory that comes to the for-front of my many good times with Inner City is the Celebration of Hal Jackson's 50 years in radio. The celebration was at the world famous Apollo Theatre. I remember being happy to be there because I was educated on the history of radio and the part that Hal Jackson played in it. I was also happy because Hal Jackson was there to enjoy his celebration. Too often, we wait until people are gone and then we celebrate them. There were too many groups to count! It was a night to remember!!!!!!!!!!!
Clay Berry
Years Of Service: ...
Programming/Sunday Classics
Watching Luther Vandross singing Live on the Q.S. with Vaughn Harper at the WBLS Studio in 1981. After working all day, I came back at 10pm to watch a new superstar.
Cynthia Smith
Years Of Service: 19 Years
Assistant Program Director
In all fairness I really have too many memories to limit to just one…so here are a few of my favorites:
The day I walked through the doors of 801 Second Avenue and began living my dream!
The day I met Dr. Betty Shabazz and was given the honor of producing her radio show “A Forum for Women” she truly walked with Kings, Queens and everyday people and she took me along for that very exciting walk
Being part of the history of electing the Honorable David N. Dinkins as the first African American Mayor of NYC and working with him on his weekly show “Dialogue with Dinkins”
Securing the first radio interview with President Nelson Mandela during his visit to NYC to address the United Nations after serving 27 years in prison
Covering the Reverend Al Sharpton up close and personal on his quest for Justice and Peace!
All the exceptional programming that touched and continues to impact upon our listeners every day!
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