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

Nat D. Williams

Photographed by R. E. Smith, March 19, 2008

1. Nat D. Williams Marker

Inscription. In 1948, Nat D. Williams became the first black radio announcer in Memphis when he began broadcasting for WDIA. He was a cofounder of the Cotton Makers Jubilee and is credited with giving the celebration its name. A history teacher in the Memphis City schools, Williams was best known for Amateur Night on Beale Street, which he began in 1935 at the Old Palace Theater. Williams was also a columnist for the Memphis World.

Erected by Tennessee Historical Commission. (Marker Number 4E 104.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Communications • Education • Entertainment. In addition, it is included in the Tennessee Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1948.

Location. 35° 8.367′ N, 90° 3.024′ W. Marker is in Memphis, Tennessee, in Shelby County. It is in Downtown Memphis. It is on Beale Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Memphis TN 38103, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in West Tennessee.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

in the Upper South,

in the Mississippi Delta,

and in the Great River Road Region.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Rufus Thomas, Jr. (a few steps from this marker); George Jackson (a few steps from this marker); The Gillis Brothers (a few steps from this marker);

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Pee Wee Saloon (within shouting distance of this marker); Chop Suey Café / Chinese Merchants on Beale Street (within shouting distance of this marker); The Memphis Home of W.C. Handy (within shouting distance of this marker); Ida B. Wells (within shouting distance of this marker); In Memory of W.C. Handy (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Memphis.

Also see . . . Rock Radio Scrapbook: Nat D. Willliams - Radio's Jackie Robinson. (Submitted on November 22, 2008, by R. E. Smith of Nashville, Tennessee.)

Nat D. Williams Marker and Rufus Jr. Marker seen here near Pat O'Briens on Beale Street image. Click for full size.

Photographed by R. E. Smith, March 19, 2008

2. Nat D. Williams Marker and Rufus Jr. Marker seen here near Pat O'Briens on Beale Street

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 22, 2008, by R. E. Smith of Nashville, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 2,222 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 22, 2008, by R. E. Smith of Nashville, Tennessee. • Christopher Busta-Peck was the editor who published this page.