Sound Flave

Today’s topic on Sound Flave: James Brown’s First Radio Station.

Actor: It was 1968 that James Brown bought his first radio station you know. According to his biography, he got into the radio business because of all the things going on in the country. Well, he believed in human rights - not civil rights. James loved his country. Speaking out for his people was part of loving his country. So Mr. Brown bought WGYW, which he changed to WJBE, in Knoxville, Tennessee. 1430 AM.

Hi, I’m Gail Nobles. James Brown’s AM Radio Station broadcast a rhythm & blues and soul music format branded as “WJBE 1430”, Raw Soul, Another James Brown Station. Brown sold the station in 1979.

James Brown had a great reason for wanting to get into the radio business. It wasn’t about money. Brown was a blessed man to be able to do some of the things he wanted to do. He said in his biography he wanted his station to be a media training ground so black people could do more than be jocks. James Brown wanted them to learn advertising, programming, and management at all levels. JB had a big heart for people.

I’m Gail Nobles, and you’re listening to Sound Flave.