WHFR News
To Receive Is Better Than To Give (In This Case)
⮕ Today is the second day of WHFR's once-a-year pledge drive, RADIOTHON. Full story here! ⬅
April 15. That date rings a certain bell. To ease the pain of owing the IRS or to celebrate the receipt of a return, WHFR's Roll and Tumble Take 2 will acknowledge Tax Day 2024 with a special Tax Day extravaganza.
Tune in on Monday, April 15, from 4-6pm as we have some fun on Tax Day while asking for pledges of support to WHFR Radio. And if you end up owing the IRS, no worries, you can contribute to WHFR next year, or anytime online.
WHFR "Behind The Mic": Anderson Coleman
⮕ Today is the second day of WHFR's once-a-year pledge drive, RADIOTHON. Full story here! ⬅
As a highlight of our 2024 "Spotlight on Our Volunteers" Radiothon theme, we're thrilled to present "Behind The Mic," our WHFR Volunteer Spotlight Series where you, our Loyal Listener, can get to know a little bit more about your favorite WHFR personalities!
They'll be sharing their passions, memories, and unique perspectives, responding to some fun and thought-provoking questions we've posed to them.
Today we feature: Anderson Coleman
Host of: Blues With A Feelin'
Saturdays 8:00-10:00pm
Blues / R&B
1. What's your earliest memory of listening to the radio? My earliest memory was listening to CKLW20/20 News, happening in and around Detroit. This Feature was with Byron McGregor’s Sensational News report. CKLW News Crew offered $20 for a lead on News Happening Now!
Nighttime R&B top 40, was on WLAC out of Nashville TN. It Was known as Randy’s Record Shop. They had LP & 45 records for mail order. Black listeners could hear and order any Top 40 Record Randy had. [1979]
2. What is/was your all-time favorite radio show or DJ? What makes/made it special? J. Paul Henderson (Formerly known as "Robbie D" on WCHB. A fantastic white soul jock. And, then there was my all-time favorite back then, [1975] WJLB Frantic Ernie Durham was one of Detroit’s most popular mainstream radio. WJLB would also hire Durham for their Detroit outlet, eventually splitting his weekly shift between both stations. Mornings on WBBC. Evenings on WJLB. At one time, Ernie Durham commuted daily between the two stations for well over a year.
3. What do you do at WHFR and how long have you been involved with the station? I am one of many DJs/broadcasters here at WHFR. I’ve been a volunteer here at 89.3 FM for more than 18 years.
4. What drew you to become a WHFR volunteer? I came here to keep my skill set current. And to occasionally practice my craft. I had been away from the industry for a while, earning a living in another vocation. Then I met a Henry Ford College employee who worked in the registrar's office. They thought I had a name that would resonate on the air at WHFR. I am still waiting to see if that happens!
5. What impact do you think WHFR has on the local or global community and why is local/independent radio important to you? WHFR can help create a connection with the local community by learning and examining civic and community issues. It can allow students and adults to get involved with charities such as Radiothon and Volunteer to help other less fortunate students. WHFR can impact students and listeners to stay informed.
6. First album (or CD/cassette) you ever purchased? That question goes back too far. My dad and I were purchasing albums every Friday Evening. But what I can tell you is the name of the first album I played on mainstream radio. Here are just a few: Johnny Taylor's- Disco Lady, Tyrone Davis-Turning Point, David Ruffin-Walk Away From Love, Candi Staton-Bring The Boys Home, and Harold Melting’s protest song-Wake Up Everybody.
7. Favorite song/artist right now? There are too many songs available for listening. It’s difficult for me to pick just one favorite. I can say, I have a few songs that will live forever in our music selection. My favorite artist is B. B. King. For the moment, my all-time favorite, if I must choose, is Why I Sing The Blues.
8. If you could play an instrument at expert level, which one would it be? Why? If I could be an expert at playing an instrument, it would be the Piano. From improving mental and emotional health to achieving a deeper understanding of music. Piano can help you reach your goals. It’s a compelling activity for me. First and foremost, piano helps improve my mental and emotional well-being.
9. In the “jam session of life,” are you more the Lead Vocalist commanding the stage,
the Background Singer/Musician weaving in harmonies/melodies, or the Behind-the- Scenes Mastermind making it all happen? A background vocal would be, one that mimics the lead vocal. In my life, I am not that Vocal. My life is more Lead up Front. My life is more Lead impact oriented.
Don’t forget to check back tomorrow to read about another WHFR DJ, and be sure to listen to our broadcast as we will air many more WHFR Volunteer Spotlight Series "Behind The Mic" recordings all week long throughout Radiothon!
WHFR "Behind The Mic": Pat Frisco
⮕ Today is the first day of WHFR's once-a-year pledge drive, RADIOTHON. Full story here! ⬅
As a highlight of our 2024 "Spotlight on Our Volunteers" Radiothon theme, we're thrilled to present "Behind The Mic," our WHFR Volunteer Spotlight Series where you, our Loyal Listener, can get to know a little bit more about your favorite WHFR personalities!
They'll be sharing their passions, memories, and unique perspectives, responding to some fun and thought-provoking questions we've posed to them.
Today we feature: Pat Frisco
Host of: Spirits Rejoice
Tuesdays 6:00-10:00pm
Avant New & Classic Jazz and Improvised Music
Host of: Roll and Tumble Take 2
Mondays 4:00-6:00pm
Blues, R&B, Early Rock 1951-1971 & Beyond
1. What's your earliest memory of listening to the radio? I had an early love of music and professional sports, so at the age of 7, my mother bought me an AM transistor radio which I took to bed every night and listened to music on CKLW and Baseball on WJR.
2. What is/was your all-time favorite radio show or DJ? What makes/made it special? As a teenager, WABX was free-form radio, mostly rock and roll but they'd mix in blues, jazz, classical at times and did a lot of special themes. A little bit later, WDET introduced me to a lot of great jazz and avant-garde music. All of these sounds I still treasure today.
3. What do you do at WHFR and how long have you been involved with the station? I've been here for 31 years. I thought they'd get rid of me by now. I present, on air, all of the music that I described above and keep up with the current jazz and avant-garde music to present. Now, they've made me Program Director.
4. What drew you to become a WHFR volunteer? I always wanted to get into radio, but when WABX went corporate and WDET cut back on their music interests, I knew there was no place for me to go, until I discovered WHFR.
5. What impact do you think WHFR has on the local or global community and why is local/independent radio important to you? Well, we play a small but important role, as do many of the fine college radio stations across the country and across the world.
6. First album (or CD/cassette) you ever purchased? I really can't remember, but I used to accompany my grandmother when she got her Social Security check each month and she'd give me money to buy the 45 RPM records of the 60's.
7. Favorite song/artist right now? I really love what James Brandon Lewis is doing in jazz. He plays tenor sax and melds together the sounds of jazz, avant-garde and spiritual music. And locally, watch out for Rafael Statin, saxophonist, who calls himself Leafar (Rafael backwards).
8. If you could play an instrument at expert level, which one would it be? Why? The piano because it has such a wide range of sound and can be played softly or aggressively, melodic or dissonant.
9. In the “jam session of life,” are you more the Lead Vocalist commanding the stage,
the Background Singer/Musician weaving in harmonies/melodies, or the Behind-the- Scenes Mastermind making it all happen? I want to be Mick Jagger at 25 years of age.
Don’t forget to check back tomorrow to read about another WHFR DJ, and be sure to listen to our broadcast as we will air many more WHFR Volunteer Spotlight Series "Behind The Mic" recordings all week long throughout Radiothon!
WHFR RADIOTHON Pledge Drive is April 14th - 20th!
Dear Friend of WHFR-FM,
It's incredible how time flies. As the General Manager of WHFR Radio for 25 years, it's a journey that feels both swift and fulfilling.
WHFR has felt like home since my student days, preparing me for a successful career in the industry, and shaping me into the broadcaster (and person) that I am today. Returning here, I've found my life’s passion in mentoring students and volunteers, all thanks to the invaluable experience provided by this station.
Helping people learn about broadcasting, creating great radio, and positively impacting our community is what, I believe, WHFR does best. Our volunteer staff members are AMAZING and they’re here because, like me, they believe in what WHFR stands for.
Our mission at WHFR is clear: to educate, to entertain, and to enrich our community. For nearly four decades, we've been the voice of local talk and eclectic music, championing independent artists and fostering creativity.
But to sustain this endeavor, we rely on your support. Our annual Radiothon, this year themed "Spotlight on Our Volunteers," is vital in keeping us on the airwaves and empowering our dedicated team to thrive.
Will you join us in continuing this legacy by donating to WHFR during Radiothon 2024? Your contribution ensures that we can uphold our standards of excellence and provide a platform for learning and great radio.
Thank you for being a part of this journey.
Sincerely,
Susan McGraw
General Manager, WHFR Radio
______________________________
Be part of WHFR Radiothon 2024 in one of three easy ways:
On-Air: Between April 14 to April 20, tune in for special Radiothon programming and call in to the studio at 313-845-9676 to make your tax-deductible donation or request a self-addressed envelope.
Online: Click "Donate to WHFR."
Anytime: Call WHFR Manager Susan McGraw at 313-845-9842 or email at scmcgraw@hfcc.edu. Share your contact info and she’ll call back to work out the method of donation that works best for you.
Visit our website for more details and donor incentives.
Your support ensures WHFR continues its mission of local, independent, and eclectic programming, fostering learning and creativity for our students and volunteers.
Thank you for contributing to our success!
WHFR PRESENTS: John Coltrane Radiothon Special
It seems to be consensus that Charlie Parker was the greatest alto saxophonist in the history of music. But what about the tenor and soprano saxophone? Most would agree that honor would go to the genius of John Coltrane.
From his early days with Miles Davis to the 1950's Prestige Records dates, his "modal" period for Atlantic, the classic quartet on Impulse and the incendiary later years with Pharoah Sanders and Alice Coltrane, Mr. Coltrane always strived for new ideas and ways to express what he felt in his heart and mind.
For the Radiothon edition of WHFR PRESENTS, join me, Pat Frisco for three hours of the music of John Coltrane, Sunday April 14 from 4-7pm EDT.
WHFR PRESENTS airs every Sunday beginning at 4:00 pm with a rotating cast of WHFR DJs, taking in-depth looks into the many genres of music that WHFR has to offer.
TOP TEN BLUES for March 2024
Please join Highway 61 for the best in new Blues releases and local area Artists' music every Friday, 2pm until 4pm, with host DJ~KittyLuv;) 'making~waves'.
Here is our latest Top Ten Blues new releases being aired at WHFR-FM 89.3:
1. RICK VITO: Cadillac Man (Blue Heart)
2. V/A: Breakin' News: Ten Years Of Blues (Nola Blue)
3. WALTER TROUT: Broken (Provogue/Mascot)
4. STEVE HOWELL AND THE MIGHTY MEN: 99 1/2 Won't Do (Out Of The Past Music)
5. BROTHERS BROWN: Nowhere Left To Go (Woodward Avenue)
6. DANIELLE NICOLE: The Love You Bleed (Forty Below)
7. MIKE ZITO: Life Is Hard (Gulf Coast)
8. J. P. SOARS: Brick By Brick (Little Village)
9. V/A: Blind Raccoon and Nola Blue Collection, Vol. 6 (Blue Heart)
10. ALTERED FIVE BLUES BAND: Testifyin' (Blind Pig)
DJ~KittyLuv;)
WHFR Blues Music Director
WHFR PRSENTS: EASTER SUNDAY GOSPEL
Please join Missy J from 4 until 8pm on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024, for a day of rejoicing the Resurrection of Christ thru Music and inspirational thoughts. WE are WHFR DEARBORN!
WHFR PRESENTS airs every Sunday beginning at 4:00 pm with a rotating cast of WHFR DJs, taking in-depth looks into the many genres of music that WHFR has to offer.
The Detroit Wall and Student Gallery Show on Today's WHFR Journal
Tune in to the WHFR Journal this afternoon, March 29, at 1 PM for an exciting look at HFC's upcoming theatrical performance, The Detroit Wall Project, featuring stories, historical perspectives, and a modern take on Detroit's Birwood Wall. We'll start the Journal with info on the latest student exhibit at HFC's Sisson Art Gallery which opens next week. Check it out!
WHFR PRSENTS: The Queen Of Soul
Tune in and join Missy J as we celebrate the Queen Of Soul on Sunday, March 24th, from 4 until 8pm. WE will play Music from the Columbia, Atlantic and Arista years. During the last hour, we will go to church with Aretha and her father Rev. C.L. Franklin.
Making Waves, WE are WHFR DEARBORN!
HFC's President's Collage Concert TOMORROW Live on WHFR
The HFC Music Department will present the 29th President’s Collage Concert on Wednesday, March 20, at 7:30 p.m. at the Michael A. Guido Theater in the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center,15801 Michigan Ave. in Dearborn. Tickets are still available, so check out this link for details. As a special treat for our WHFR listeners, we'll be airing the concert live on 89.3FM and whfr.fm.
WHFR PRESENTS: DYLANOLOGY & Alt. Country
This Sunday March 17, WHFR PRESENTS will feature two unique programs spotlighting the areas of folk and alternative country music.
From 4-6pm EDT, Brian Yamstein will continue his "DYLANOLOGY" program featuring the music, life and influences of Bob Dylan.
That will be followed by this from WHFR's Bill Keith:
Alternative Country stepped into the national spotlight in the early to mid '80s with the cow-punk from bands like Jason and the Scorchers, Lone Justice and Rank and File. The genre grew in the '90s with the launch of bands like Uncle Tupelo and later Wilco. Lately the Alt Country movement has been folded into Americana music but that hasn't stopped great artists from making country music that's left of center. Bill Keith will take a look at some of the best Alt Country on WHFR Presents on Sunday March 17, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
WHFR PRESENTS airs every Sunday beginning at 4:00 pm with a rotating cast of WHFR DJs, taking in-depth looks into the many genres of music that WHFR has to offer.
WHFR PRESENTS: Chick Corea
Chick Corea was one of the finest pianists/keyboard players/composers in the history of jazz. From his earliest forays into latin jazz to the avant-garde, his jazz/rock fusion groups, bebop and solo piano recordings, Corea has delighted audiences with his brilliant work.
WHFR PRESENTS will feature the music of Chick Corea this coming Sunday, March 10, between the hours of 4:00 and 9:00pm EDT. Music will include the Return Forever Band with vocalist Flora Purim, especially for Women's History Month.
WHFR PRESENTS airs every Sunday from 4-8pm EST on WHFR 89.3 FM and whfr.fm online. Keep checking the website each week to find out who and what will be featured by our rotating cast of DJs.
Tomorrow's WHFR Journal at 1pm
Join us tomorrow , March 8 at 1pm for the WHFR Journal when we talk with the new director of the Henry Ford II Honors Program Chardin Claybourne about his vision for this esteemed program for HFC students. We'll also talk with HFC Music Lead Anthony Lai about the upcoming HFC President's Collage Concert taking place in mid-March. And a special Women's History Month segment will close out the hour. Tune in and enjoy!
WHFR RADIO CELEBRATES WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH
WHFR is celebrating Women's History Month with music from the great creative women in music, past and present, throughout the month of March. The week of Sunday March 10 through Saturday March 16 will feature in-depth spotlights into women in music in the various styles of music that WHFR Radio presents each week.
Special Women's History shows will begin at 10:00am EDT each day from March 10-16 with:
- Sunday March 10: Women in Jazz Past and Present (10am-1pm)
- Monday March 11: Rock and Soul Music (10am-2pm)
- Tuesday March 12: Old Time Radio Shows (10am-1pm)
- Wednesday March 13: History of Women in Blues (10am-Noon)
- Thursday March 14: Jazz and the Avant-Garde (10am-2pm)
- Friday March 15: Big Band and Beyond (10am-Noon)
- Saturday March 16: Singer/Songwriters (10am-1pm)
WHFR programming pays tribute to the great women in music all year long but listen for special looks into women in music on all of the great shows that WHFR has to offer during the month of March.
WHFR Journal Friday, March 1
Check out this week's WHFR Journal Friday, March 1 at 1pm when we celebrate the start of Women's History Month with a special program from PRX. Also, we'll talk with the president of the Student Environmental Association to learn about the mission of the SEA and how it impacts our campus community. Tune in at 1pm and enjoy the program.
