Downtown Memphis in Shelby County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

First Black Radio Station

Photographed By Mark Hilton, April 8, 2018

1. First Black Radio Station Marker

Inscription. On October 25, 1948 at 4p.m., Nat D. Williams signed on at WDIA radio, becoming the first black disc jockey on the South's first all-black radio station. His revolutionary rhythm and blues program followed a show called "Hillbilly Party" and replaced a program of classical music.

Erected 2003 by Center City Commission. (Marker Number 8.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Communications • Entertainment. In addition, it is included in the Tennessee, Memphis, Center City Commission series list. A significant historical date for this entry is October 25, 1948.

Location. 35° 8.588′ N, 90° 3.179′ W. Marker is in Memphis, Tennessee, in Shelby County. It is in Downtown Memphis. Marker is at the intersection of Union Avenue and November 6th Street, on the right when traveling west on Union Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 112 Union Avenue, Memphis TN 38103, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. WDIA (here, next to this marker); Union Avenue (within shouting distance of this marker); The Fire of 1872 (within shouting distance of this marker); Farnsworth Building (within shouting distance of this

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marker); Cora James (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Face-off (about 300 feet away); Barboro Grocery (about 300 feet away); Peabody Hotel (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Memphis.

First Black Radio Station Marker can be see in sidewalk to right of lamp post. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, April 8, 2018

2. First Black Radio Station Marker can be see in sidewalk to right of lamp post.

Another nearby marker about WDIA radio station. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, April 8, 2018

3. Another nearby marker about WDIA radio station.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 22, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 369 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on April 22, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. 2, 3. submitted on April 23, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.