WBLS 107.5 New York – Frankie Crocker – Late 1970s

Back in the early 1970s, many African Americans in New York felt the radio stations were not addressing their concerns, or covering issues they were concerned with. Several Black leaders in New York decided to do something about it, by getting together, pooling resources, and buying a radio station. Percy Sutton, Malcolm X’s former attorney and then-Manhattan borough president, formed Inner City Broadcasting Corporation. With the backing of a group of black investors (including radio vet Hal Jackson) they bought WLIB, and later, it’s FM WLIB-FM, who’s calls were changed to WBLS. WBLS became an R&B Powerhouse, continuing to dominate New York’s radio landscape to this day.

This aircheck features a montage of Frankie Crocker airchecks from the late 1970s. Crocker was a legendary R&B programmer, taking WBLS to the top of the ratings with his Urban Contemporary format. -Ellis

  From the Ellis B Feaster You Tube Radio Aircheck & Classic TV Channel.