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WAAA signed on the air October 29, 1950 as the first Black programmed radio station in North Carolina and with an all Black format. The station was first located on the corner of Church Street and Third Street “in the heart” of the downtown’s black business district over Rufus Hairston’s store. The first staff included program director, Bernard Baker, announcers Lucille Douthit, Bruce Miller and Larry Williams. Throughout its history, the station had strong personalities, news, sports, information, a musical mix (gospel, jazz, rhythm & blues), daily obituaries and on Sundays a full day of gospel music and church services. (Larry Williams and Mütter Evans)
In 1979 Mütter Evans became the youngest Black American and the second Black woman to own a radio station by purchasing WAAA radio station at 26 years of age.
The early announcers became household names and included Larry Williams, Fred “Steady Eddie” Allen, Robert “Bobcat” Roundtree, and Oscar “Daddy-Oh” Alexander. The legendary “Daddy-Oh on the Patio” aired from Ray’s Roadside Drive-In on Highway 311. WAAA provided broadcast jobs for many African Americans who may not have had an opportunity to work in the field. Evans along with various Program Directors trained and fine-tuned many announcers who would go on to work throughout the industry and country. WAAA was a community station that featured a “live” weekly public affairs program called “The Talk About Town.” This talk show featured local and national guests who discussed matters that particularly informed and educated the community about local, regional and national issues. The station also featured interactive promotions including various listener contests to keep them engaged and loyal, annual beach trips, and educational/ entertainment outings.