Radio Stations of the Queen City

WBT's Beginnings in a local man's living room

Cover of a promotional booklet for WSOC circa 1962. The content describes major strides that were made in FM radio across the Carolinas and Virginia.

An article marking the departure of "Rockin' Ray" Gooding from WBT after 24 years of hosting "Sunday Night Hall of Fame, Hosted by Rockin' Ray". He played oldies and talked to callers, creating an unparalleled connection with many listeners.

This flyer promoting WSOC as a premier news, music, and sports radio station. In 1965, the station won state-level awards for State and Local Coverage, Sports Coverage, Best Performance Single Story, and Documentary and Special Events. 

WSOC's new building on North Tryon Street, 1941

An article chronicling WSOC's humble beginnings in Gastonia. This station would become one of the top stations in the region in a matter of years.

A very basic timeline from Standard Life Insurance magazine outlining WBT's legendary growth.

WAYS and WBT became the the top radio stations in Charlotte through their connections to the community at large.

This is a program that was handed to members of the audience at the Charlotte Community Chorus and Orchestra's performance of Handel's "Messiah". The performance itself was held at Ovens Auditorium and was also broadcasted over WBT-FM.

Charlotte became a forefront for news and music radio in the Post-World War II period, creating a population boom as well as a "radio wattage" boom.

This 1960 program back cover was connected to the Miss Universe, North Carolina Pageant. The pageant was presented, in part, by WSOC that year, demonstrating the ability of radio stations to get out of the studio and on to the streets.