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

WDIA

The Goodwill Station

Photographed By Ken Smith, May 12, 2012

1. WDIA Marker

Inscription. WDIA, the Goodwill Station, was the first radio station in the nation to have an all-black format. This format made WDIA the top-rated Memphis Station in the early 1950's. In 1948, Nat D. Williams became its first black "D-J". Among those who appeared on WDIA were B. B. King, Dwight More, Rufus Thomas, A. C. Williams, Willa Monroe, Martha Jean Steinberg and Maurice Hulbert. Early programs included Teen-Town Singers, Payday Today, Brown America Speaks and Hallelujah Jubilee.

Erected by Tennessee Historical Commission. (Marker Number 4E 118.)

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

Location. 35° 8.587′ N, 90° 3.181′ W. Marker is in Memphis, Tennessee, in Shelby County. It is in Downtown Memphis. Marker is at the intersection of Union Avenue and S November 6th St. Or Gen Washburns Escape Alley, on the left when traveling east on Union Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: 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. First Black Radio Station (here, next to this marker); Union Avenue (within shouting distance

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of this marker); The Fire of 1872 (within shouting distance of this marker); Farnsworth Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Cora James (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Barboro Grocery (about 300 feet away); Face-off (about 300 feet away); First "Talkies" (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Memphis.

Also see . . . WDIA - Wikipedia. (Submitted on May 15, 2012, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.)

Photographed By Ken Smith, May 12, 2012

2. WDIA Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 13, 2012, by Ken Smith of Milan, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 694 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 13, 2012, by Ken Smith of Milan, Tennessee. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.