By Ruth Ferguson, NDG Editor
A radio institution in Dallas has undergone major changes. KKDA-AM Soul 73 laid off virtually the entire staff according to various reports. Long time on air personalities Bobby Patterson, Cindy B. and Roger B. Brown were among those released on Wednesday. Like so many other radio stations in town and around the country, the on air talent is being replaced with what is presumable cheaper automated music.
Reportedly they were not given exact reasons, just told to not return on Thursday. This comes on the heels of having their salaries cut in half in recent months, with a take it or leave it approach.
The only “live” show remaining is Willis Johnson’s morning show. His show is the kind of community talk radio sadly missing on most urban radio stations. Johnson’s tenure goes back to the early days of talk radio in Dallas, providing an alternative to ultra conservative rants and dealing with issues facing the community daily. On a national level the Michael Basiden show tried to fill that void, but even they are no longer on the air in Dallas.
Roger B. Brown’s afternoon sports talk show was one of the few sports radio shows hosted by an African American. He was on the air for nearly 20 years. The radio show also featured the soulful singing legend Millie Jackson from 3 – 6 p.m. weekdays until January 6, 2012. As what was a sign of things to come – her show was replaced with automated commercial free music.
KKDA was the type of radio station that was at the heart of the South Dallas. They provided news about concerts at places that can’t afford advertising like those featuring Bobby Patterson. A recent Facebook post was a direct appeal for rental assistance and it received a response. That is the kind of radio station they were.
Perhaps they will follow in the footsteps of Skip Murphy and his former K104 morning team, which now host their show daily via an internet radio station. Our own contributing writer, Donald “Spider” Willis hosts a weekly radio show Sports Talk with Spider on the Fish Bowl Radio Network. Spider actually worked on the show for 10 years.
Johnson’s show will go on and that will be helpful, but no idea where long time listeners will get the personal touch after his show ends each morning.
Was very sadden to hear of Roger B. Brown Show not being on any more. I have listen to his show for the last 10 years . Enjoyed listening to him every day on my way home from work . I could go home and discuss sports with my husband on what I had heard or learned on The Roger B. Brown Sports Show. I learned a lot about sports just listening to his show. I enjoyed listening to Roger. He was a down to earth true sports radio personality. I will truly miss his show and other radio personalities, such as “Skip”, Intern, and others. Hope to hear them back on the air soon!
I miss Roger on the morning show….but most of all I miss Millie going home from work she was really entertaining
Roger’s Sports Show in the evening had evolved into something that didn’t have much Sports Talk in my opinion. My prayers are that another door will be opened for him.
Roger B. Was da man he’s the only spors show that let’s you ask the star’s questions and mix it up with them.
Why would you do something so assernoun as sell your station.I loved that station every day.Moved here from Amarillo in 04where they did the same thing.Sold kpur to Mexican people .Its amazing how we black people have something then its gone.I don’t understand Korean .Do you do?
I should will miss this radio station
Lon Dorsey will be at Casa Cavasos with the Tribute to Lou Rawls, Thursday March 30th, 5409 N. Jim Miller Road Dallas, Texas 75227 (214) 388-2292,
Interviews are available with Mrs. Lana Rawls, former wife and mother of Lou Rawls, Jr. and Louanna Rawls, Lou’s children. Call (713) 530-8188
I so miss he radio station there is no other station to play old school like this one I’m a 70s baby n I soaked up songs from this station then and before they went off air… Does anyone know where the ppl are now? The DJs… And I also loved wen they did the Fortune of the day
OMG THIS WAS THE #1 RADIO STATION BACK THEN, I WAS THERE WHEN THE DOORS OPEN AT THE PLAYERS CLUB ON ROSS AVE WHERE THE CREW WAS I’M TALKING ABOUT FINE BEHINED FOR MEN AND WOMEN, BIG BREAST, MIMI SKIRT CONTEST. THOSE WHERE THE GET DAYS WE WENT OUT HAD FUN. LOUIE WHITE IS STILL TEACHING SCHOOL WE TALK TIME FROM TIME. I WAS ONE OF HIS FIRST STUDENT THAT HE TAUGHT AT AMACEO SMITH HIGH SCHOOL WHEN IT WAS IN THE A HARRIS SHOPPING CENTER AFTER HE FINISH BISHOP COLLEGE. MY BEST FRIEND USE TO WIN ALOT OF THE FINE BEHIND CONTEST. WE WOULD LISTEN TO THE RADIO STATION LATE AT NIGHT. I’M OLD SCHOOL AND WOULD GIVE ANY THING TO HAVE THAT KIND OF FUN AGAIN. I WOULD LOVE TO SEE WILLIS TO PUT TOGETHER A SOUL 73 KKDA BASH WITH LOUIE WHITE AND THE WHOLE SOUL 73 KKDA CREW FROM BACK THEN. WOULDNT THAT BE A DREAM TO COME TRUE. I KNOW WE ARE MUCH OLDER NOW, BUT WE STILL CAN HAVE A GOOD OLD SOUL 73 KKDA REUNION. WHAT YOU THINK?
ALGERETTA (RETTA) WARD