In addition to being an all-around nice guy, Dave Matson is a local artist who designed a bottle opener and golf divot tool for Public Radio WBHM's Spring 2015 Fund Drive. What he neglected to tell us, was that his mother not only made him listen to public radio as a kid (which he admits he hated back then), but that she used to fund raise on-air for WBHM several decades ago. WBHM's Andrew Yeager decided to have a little fun with the situation when Dave Matson appeared as an on-air guest. 

WBHM's Guest Artist Gets an On-Air Fund Drive Surprise

Richie Jean Jackson was a friend to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, and was dubbed by MLK as the "Movement's Hostess". Her home in Selma, AL served as a pivotal behind the scenes stage for much of the Selma Movement, but also as a retreat for MLK to rest and be among friends. 

But one of MLK's favorite parts about being in Jackson's home? Her cooking.

This is extracted from an interview I did with Jackson in February of 2013. A portion of this audio aired in a story for Public Radio WBHM 90.3 FM (www.wbhm.org). 

Jackson passed away in November of 2013. Her book, published by the University of Alabama Press, is "The House by the Side of the Road." It is very unique story of the Civil Rights Movement.

MLK's Eggs and Civil Rights Cooking

These recordings were originally intended for Armed Service personnel. This particular recording (as referenced in the material--VJ Day had not yet happened) was recorded not long before the end of WWII. These records were typically destroyed by radio stations, so this is a very rare recording. The physical discs were very dirty. They have been cleaned and filtered through Audition and Audacity as best as possible without changing the original audio (which in some cases was poorly recorded originally).  Side one is an interview with Russ Hodges and the Commissioner of MLB, A.B. "Happy Chandler". Side two (starts around 14'50") is between Ted Husing and Vinnie Richards.

Sports Discs: Russ Hodges/Happy Chandler and Ted Husing/Vinnie Richards

These recordings were originally intended for Armed Service personnel. This particular recording was recorded not long before the end of WWII. These records were typically destroyed by radio stations, so this is a very rare recording. The physical discs were very dirty. They have been cleaned and filtered through Audition and Audacity as best as possible without changing the original audio (which in some cases was poorly recorded originally). Side one is an interview between Tom Manning with Tris Speaker and Lou Boudrea. Side two (starts around 14'50") is between celebrity (and avid golfer) Bing Crosby and Ken Carpenter.

Sports Discs: Tom Manning/Tris Speaker and Lou Boudreau and Bing Crosby/Ken Carpenter

These recordings were originally intended for Armed Service personnel. This particular recording (as referenced in the material--VJ Day had not yet happened) was recorded not long before the end of WWII. These records were typically destroyed by radio stations, so this is a very rare recording. The physical discs were very dirty. They have been cleaned and filtered through Audition and Audacity as best as possible without changing the original audio (which in some cases was poorly recorded originally).

Sports Discs: Stan Lomax/Nat Holman and Bill Slater/Larry MacPhail

The Christmas Story from the King James Bible, as read by Joe Green (1922-2004).

This audio "found sound" has been mixed with two recordings from a Christmas compilation by musician Bobby Horton. 

Joe Green Reads The Christmas Story

As a part of the WBHM Junior Board's event, "This Alabama Life", I produced and hosted a segment we called "Wait! Wait! I'm an NPR Nerd!" If you are a public radio nerd, join in and see if you can answer the questions before the panelists. 

Audio recorded by Iron City in Birmingham, AL. Used with permission from Public Radio WBHM 90.3 FM. Photo by by Beau Gustafson of Big Swede, Inc.

"Wait! Wait! I'm an NPR Nerd" Trivia from This Alabama Life. Hosted by Will Dahlberg

This previously unheard audio recording was made in July of 1977 by Boyd Hayes. A sophomore at Dartmouth College, Boyd wrote the column "Word for Word" for the student newspaper "The Dartmouth". Excerpts from this interview were published in the July 26 and August 2nd issues of the paper. A copy of the audio and a transcript was given to Donald Hall in 2013. He donated them to his archives at UNH that same year.

AfterTheFact