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Henry Nelson

Henry Nelson

Memphis Radio Legend

Henry Nelson is synonymous with Memphis radio. For over 25 years Henry has been an integral part of Memphis radio and Memphis music history. His roots and passion for Memphis music began in West Memphis, Arkansas. Henry grew up in the same neighborhood where B.B. King, Johnnie Taylor, Little Junior Parker, Bobby “Blue” Bland, Sonny “Harmonica” Blake and many other local blues icons performed or lived; the north side of juke joint row, 8th and “funky, funky Broadway” in West Memphis. Many of those early years were lived on Mclemore in South Memphis, near the world famous Stax Studios and around the corner from Willie Mitchell’s Hi Recording Studio. Henry’s passion for music and radio was established by those neighborhood experiences as well as the inspired Delta blues singers and musicians who performed their “front yard” blues tours.” In 1973 at Southwestern University’s WLYX, during his first on-air gig, he developed a live “Blues on The Bluff” broadcast with Furry Lewis, Little Laura Dukes, Big Sam Clark, and Big Mama Thornton. These performances remain some of the most meaningful and unforgettable moments of his career. Henry has been on the start up team for several new radio stations. In 1974 he helped facilitate the beginning of WTBG in Brownsville, Tennessee with James “Super” Wolfe. In 1979 he was joined by market personalities Ron Olson and Leon Griffin for the origination of WHRK-K97. In 1995 Henry moved to Orlando, Florida to begin a plan of action at WCFB-Star 94.5. Upon his joyful return to Memphis in 1998, Henry became a key member for the inception of WJZN FM-Smooth Jazz 98.9, WMPW FM-Power 99, WKIM FM-98.9, and most notably WRBO-Soul Classics 103.5. Since WRBO’s phenomenal beginning, it has been one of the top performing radio stations in Memphis during its 14 year history. From day one, WRBO has been the only radio station to help lead the way with fundraisers, consistent programming and raising awareness for the Stax Museum of American Soul Music and Stax Music Academy. The Museum and Academy foster middle and high school students’ continued education and participation in preserving the heritage of Memphis music. Another one of Henry’s most memorable and historic accomplishments at WRBO was to create, structure a plan, facilitate and produce the Isaac Hayes “Hot Buttered Love Songs Show”. Henry believes this radio show, along with Isaac’s passionate concern for the local music scene, is what invigorated Isaac’s royal return to once again make Memphis his home. Most people recognize Henry for his distinctive, comforting and familiar on-air presence. His career began at WLYX on the campus of Rhodes College (formerly Southwestern University). Henry’s first professional on-air program was WTBG in Brownsville, Tennessee. He landed his first dream job at WMC-FM 100. While teaching radio/TV broadcast orientation, he moonlighted at WZXR-Rock 103. The most seasoned moments of his career are being the prominent anchor for WRBO’s Morning Soul Patrol, 98.9 KIM FM’s Memphis Morning View Show and, while living in New Orleans, being part of WYLD. Whether facilitating new stations, programming, producing or being an on air personality, Henry has a motivated spirit for teaching the art and science of radio. During his tenure as a Broadcast Instructor for The Memphis City Schools, he created the curriculum for the school system’s radio station WQOX.