WWIN 1400-AM was where to go for round-the-clock R&B music. In the early 1960s WWIN was the only 24-hour R&B station in Baltimore. Home of the “Astro Jocks” where you could hear the hottest new sounds as well as the classic old hits. The station briefly switched to a Top-40 station 1962-63 before returning to R&B music.
Right: WWIN lineup – September 1962
The early 1960s lineups featured Hound Dog, Hot Rod, Jerry Kearns, Jack Gale, Ed Graham, Johnny Z, Tom Tyler, Danny Thompson, Roz Ford, Ray Davis, Dave Carrico, Dennis Hill, Donn Keller, John Jeppi, Billy Foxx, Jim Sands, and others. In 1963 the station switched to playing R&B hits. With it came some changes in personnel. Larry Dean joined (formerly of WITH), along with Kitty Broady, Jocko Henderson, and Mr. V. The line-up also included Colt football player Lenny Moore. Tom Tyler later moved to Philadelphia and had a successful career at WFIL.
The all-star line-up in 1964 included such greats as Fat Daddy (formerly of WSID), Hot Rod (from WITH), ‘Long Lean’ Larry Dean (who held the 10:AM – noon slot as well as his role as the station Program Director), Kelson ‘Chop Chop’ Fisher, and ‘Big Al’ Jefferson (who later became Program Director).
Joe Parker, Sam Beasley, and Champ Haggins held the weekend slots, while Sir Johnny-O (Compton) was the all-night man, and news / public service was handled by Kitty Broady. Gregory Hines joined the staff in the late ‘60s. Haggins worked with The Rockin’ Airs as Seventh Son, releasing the single as Seventh Son with the Rockin’ Airs they released the single “Modesty – Part 1” b/w “Modesty – Part 2” (Wynwood 220), which was styled after the popular song “The Madison.”
Joe Parker worked as emcee at many R&B clubs including the North End Lounge, Bamboo Lounge, Moe’s…
Above: WWIN ads- Kelson Fisher and Larry Dean (1965) , Hot Rod (1969)
Other personalities included Harold Pompey, Don Brooks (emcee and PD ex-WCBM), Curtis Anderson (joined staff in 1974), Eric Henson, Lee Cross, Larry Everett, Alphie Williams, Billy Taylor, and weekenders Mike Moragle-El, Ronnie Baker, Keith Newsman, Darrell Williams, and Mary Clayburn’s Gospel show. ‘Soul Sockin’ Boppin’ Bob Dockins (Broadcasting Institute of Maryland -’71) was a personality in the ’70s. He was also proprietor of the SSBBD Social Club.
‘70s-80s featured Al Jefferson and Max Kidd (duo known as Al & the Kidd). The duo also worked as an independent record promotion team. They released a record “The Planet of Love” b/w “Al and the Kidd” (1980).
In the ‘00s WWIN is a gospel music station.
Sir Johnny O continued to present music in the ‘00s on internet program www.ultimateoldiesradio.com.
WWIN-FM was known as “Music 96” in the late ‘70s and evolved to “Hot 95.9” then “Magic 95.9” playing urban contemporary music. A short list of personalities included Curtis Anderson, Tim Watts, Lee Cross, Denise Edwards… Sean Spencer aka DJ Spen hosted the original dance mix show Flashback Saturday Night Dance Party…
1966(LP) Roulette R25333 WWIN Astro Jocks Present 20 Original Winners
