WROX (AM) facts for kids
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| Broadcast area | Coahoma County, Mississippi |
|---|---|
| Frequency | 1450 kHz |
| Branding | WROX 97.5FM - Clarksdale - AM1450 |
| Programming | |
| Format | Rhythmic oldies |
| Affiliations | Fox News Radio |
| Ownership | |
| Owner | LL James Media, LLC |
| History | |
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First air date
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June 5, 1944 |
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Call sign meaning
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sounds like "rocks" |
| Technical information | |
| Facility ID | 11611 |
| Class | C |
| Power | 1,000 watts |
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Transmitter coordinates
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34°12′40″N 90°34′42″W / 34.21111°N 90.57833°W |
| Translator(s) | 97.5 MHz (W248CL - Clarksdale) |
| Links | |
| Webcast | Listen Live |
| Website | wroxradio.com |
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WROX Building
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Original WROX building at 257 Delta Avenue in Clarksdale
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| Location | 257 Delta Ave., Clarksdale, Mississippi |
| NRHP reference No. | 02000854 |
| Added to NRHP | August 9, 2002 |
WROX is a famous radio station in Clarksdale, Mississippi. It plays "rhythmic oldies" music, which means classic Rhythm and Blues and soul music hits. The station broadcasts on 1450 kHz and also on 97.5 MHz FM. It is known for its important role in music history, especially for blues and soul music.
WROX was the first radio station in Mississippi to have a black radio announcer. This was Early Wright, also known as "The Soul Man." He hosted a show on WROX for over 50 years! Many famous blues musicians also had shows or performed live on WROX. These include Ike Turner, Robert Nighthawk, Sonny Boy Williamson II, Raymond Hill, and Doctor Ross. Today, WROX is still on the air, broadcasting from DeSoto Avenue.
Contents
The Story of WROX Radio
WROX began broadcasting on June 5, 1944. It started small, using 250 watts of power. The first studio was at 321 Delta Avenue in Clarksdale. Just one year later, in July 1945, the station moved to 257 Delta Avenue. This building is now a historic landmark. For 40 years, WROX was located inside the Alcazar Hotel. It moved out of the hotel in the 1990s.
Early Wright: A Radio Pioneer
In 1947, something very special happened. The station manager, Preston "Buck" Hinman, hired Early Wright. This made Early Wright the first black radio announcer in Mississippi! He became known as "The Soul Man" and "Brother Early Wright."
Early Wright's show was very popular. He hosted many legendary musicians on WROX. Some of these famous artists included Sonny Boy Williamson II, Sam Cooke, B.B. King, Little Milton, Pinetop Perkins, Elvis Presley, Charley Pride, Bobby Rush, Rufus Thomas, and Muddy Waters. His work helped share their music with many listeners.
Ike Turner's Time at WROX
Ike Turner was another important person at WROX. In the 1940s, he worked at the Alcazar Hotel as an elevator operator. Later, he became a disc jockey at WROX. He even had his own show called "Jive Till Five."
Ike Turner also performed live on the radio with his band, the Kings of Rhythm. Raymond Hill, a saxophonist in Turner's band, also had his own show. He was known as "chief of the hepcats."
Growing Stronger: WROX Power and Recognition
In 1964, WROX became even more powerful. Its broadcasting power increased to 1000 watts. This meant more people could listen to the station.
The building at 257 Delta Avenue is very important. In 2002, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is a special place in American history. In 2012, a Mississippi Blues Trail marker was placed there. This marker celebrates the station's connection to the blues. In 2004, a local businessman named Kinchen "Bubba" O’Keefe opened a WROX Museum. This museum helps people learn about the station's amazing past.
WROX continues to broadcast today. It uses both AM and FM signals. The station is still an important part of the music scene in Clarksdale.
- WROX in the FCC's AM station database
- WROX in Nielsen Audio's AM station database
Query the FCC's FM station database for W248CL
