Today, the Living Legends Foundation celebrates New Orleans, paying tribute to the Black radio stations that helped define & elevate the culture.
One of the cornerstones of that legacy is WYLD. The station began in 1948 as WTPS on the AM dial and, by 1958, had evolved into one of the city’s defining Black-oriented radio outlets. Its influence expanded with the launch of its now well-known FM signal at 98.5. During the Civil Rights Movement, WYLD spoke directly to Black listeners, offering information, inspiration, and affirmation during turbulent times.
In 1993, Black-owned Inter Urban Broadcasting sold both the AM and FM stations to iHeartMedia. Today, WYLD 940 AM carries an urban gospel format branded as “Hallelujah 940,” blending contemporary gospel with Christian talk and teaching programs. Over the years, WYLD has been home to influential Black radio personalities such as Vernon “Dr. Daddy O” Winslow, Gus “The Groove” Lewis, E. Rodney Jones, Larry McKinley, Guy Black, Traci LaTrelle, LeBron Joseph, Captain Chris, Donnie Taylor, Travis Smith, Warren Bell, Ken James, Jay Hedge, Shannon, A.D. Berry, and Uptown Angela. PDs included Brian Wallace, Ron Atkins, Skip Dillard, Derrick ‘DC’ Corbett, Carla Boatner Ferrell. Sam Weaver served as APD and Tony Gray was a consultant.
In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, on September 1, 2005, New Orleans stations formed the United Radio Broadcasters of New Orleans consortium. Sharing studios, transmitters, and staff, they delivered continuous emergency information—providing updates, directing residents to aid, and helping reconnect families scattered by evacuation. In one of the city’s darkest hours, Black radio once again proved to be a pillar of strength and service.
Another vital institution is WBOK 1230 AM—one of the city’s oldest Black-oriented stations and a cornerstone of its African American cultural and political life. During the Civil Rights era, WBOK served as a trusted outlet for activists, including members of the Freedom Riders and Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), ensuring critical information reached Black audiences. Listeners fondly remember beloved on-air personalities like Hank Spann, Bobby Earls, Shelly Pope, Honey Boy, Hot Ziggity, Mama Lou, and Okey Dokey. For years, under owners such as Bishop Levi Willis, WBOK carried gospel and Christian programming before transitioning into a more talk-focused format. Former WQUE PD Gerod “G-Man” Stevens is a popular air personality.
In April 2007, WBOK was purchased by Bakewell Media, led by Danny Bakewell Sr. and Jr., New Orleans natives who also own the Los Angeles Sentinel newspaper. In 2020, Bakewell Media sold WBOK to Equity Media LLC, a group that included actor Wendell Pierce and businessmen Troy Henry, Cleveland Spears III and Jeff Thomas. With financing support from Liberty Bank and Trust Company, the group emphasized that both ownership and debt would remain African American—ensuring WBOK stayed Black-owned and Black-operated. A key strategic partnership with Xavier University of Louisiana strengthens that commitment through student internships, dedicated on-air time, and a pipeline for emerging media talent.
Meanwhile, WQUE-FM, branded as “Q93.3,” continues to energize younger and African American audiences. Owned by iHeartMedia, Q93 remains New Orleans’ hip hop and R&B destination, featuring nationally syndicated programs like The Breakfast Club alongside beloved local voices such as Wild Wayne, the late CJ Morgan and Uptown Angela, now VP programming with iHeart. Its playlist pulses with contemporary hip hop and R&B, keeping the city connected to today’s sound.
KMEZ102.9 also holds a significant place in the city’s urban radio history. Launched in 1992 as “Big Eazy 102.9,” it built a loyal following with its urban adult contemporary format. By 2004, the station evolved into “102.9, Old School & Today’s R&B,” adding more current adult R&B to compete with WYLD-FM and WQUE. With syndicated favorites like DeDe in the Morning and The DL Hughley Show, KMEZ has continued to serve listeners who appreciate both nostalgia and today’s rhythm. LeBron Joseph and Guy Black were popular voices on the station.
Tone Spann, son of the legendary Hank Spann, continues the family tradition hosting a show on 102.3 WHIV, a community radio station dedicated to human rights, social justice and independent voices. They stream online to all 50 states and 85 countries worldwide.
If you have memories of these or other New Orleans stations, please share them in the comments.
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