WHFR News

⮕ Today is the fifth 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: mike d...
Host of: Skrockin’ Yer Butow… (R.I.P.)

1. What’s your earliest memory of listening to the radio? I remember sitting in the back seat of the car with a clunky red tape recorder, recording songs off the radio while my mom was driving us around one time when we got home, I insisted everyone stay in the car until the song ended so I could record the whole thing.

2. What is/was your all-time favorite radio show or DJ? What makes/made it special? My favorite was CBC Radio 2's Brave New Waves, hosted by Patti Schmidt. What made it special was that it had the independent/underground-radio aesthetic, but was broadcast nationwide (late-night and throughout Canada, of course, but still).
Also, CJAM (91.5FM back then, 99.1FM today), broadcasting from the University of Windsor, because in the early 90s they totally let swear words play during late night shows… even the hosts would swear on the air!

3. What do you do at WHFR and how long have you been involved with the station? I started at WHFR as a volunteer DJ in 1991, hosted a show for thirty years, retired it in 2021 (R.I.P., S.Y.B.), and am currently WHFR’s Multimedia Manager, Newsletter Editor, and Record Show Coordinator.

4. What drew you to become a WHFR volunteer? Top Quality Rock & Roll!!!

5. What impact do you think WHFR has on the local or global community and why is local/independent radio important to you? I think radio, especially late-night radio, should be WEIRD. You can’t get that on commercial radio, which is why independent/underground-radio is so crucial.

6. First album (or CD/cassette) you ever purchased? The first cassette I remember owning was one of several Christmas gifts (along with that clunky red tape recorder) when I was in about 6th grade: Def Leppard’s Pyromania.

7. Favorite song/artist right now? Much like any self-respecting music aficionado, my favorite singer is Patty Duke (duh!).

8. If you could play an instrument at expert level, which one would it be? The didgeridoo, for sure, because I’ve had one for about 25 years and have never mastered the art of cyclic breathing.

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? Behind the board = behind the scenes, yo...

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!

⮕ Today is the fourth 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: Robbwith2bees
Host of: The Jump Button
Thursdays 8:00-11:00pm
Soundtrack/Gaming/Animation

1. What's your earliest memory of listening to the radio? I don't remember what age or grade I was in, but I vividly remember stumbling upon classical music at WDTR when we built a crystal radio for a crafts project in cub scouts. I connected mine to our den mother's radiator and was the first of the scouts to get a clear (and almost decent sounding) radio signal. I tuned the stereo in my bedroom to that same station that very night, and soon became fascinated by radio and broadcasting.

2. What is/was your all-time favorite radio show or DJ? What makes/made it special? There are a TON to choose from! I've got so many favorite memories of listening to Dick Purtan, Casey Kasem, and Ernie Harwell. They're some of the voices of my childhood, especially since Casey Kasem was also a voice actor! I've got core memories of discovering new songs/bands when I finally stumbled across college and community radio stations in jr. high and high school. But I developed a real love for the interactivity of topics-driven, daily, local talk shows with Detroit sports talk stations. There was a time listening to WDFN, and some other stations that have since come and gone, where the personalities of the hosts (and more importantly, the regular on-air callers) became the soundtrack to my daily commutes. Stoney and Wojo, among others, felt like work buddies. I would sometimes stay in the car in the middle of a snowstorm just to hear the end of a topic or take. It felt like an in-joke. Like I was part of a small, but loyal and passionate fanbase of Detroiters and sports fans who just needed an outlet. A forum. Obviously, those shows and on-air personalities are all HUGE, having driven some of the highest radio ratings in this area for a very long time. But that doesn't stop me from feeling nostalgic for those early days of sports talk in this city. So I'd say, besides all of my own very personal and FANTASTIC memories of my time here at WHFR, that's the most special for me.
I will say, since this year for Radiothon we've decided to look inward and shine a spotlight on our volunteer staff... some of the folks here during my time at WHFR have been the most passionate, informed, professional, and entertaining DJs I've ever come across. People who know their music genres inside and out, and who's passion to share that knowledge with our listeners is unsurpassed. One of the ways I determine my favorite on-air personalities (and hip-hop artists, if we're honest) at any given time is to evaluate their knowledge of the subject matter, their individual skillset, and their voice. A unique voice sticks with you. And when that voice is informed and entertaining, it becomes unforgettable. I'm fortunate enough to have encountered several of those in my time at WHFR. Hosts like JoAnn Korczynska and now DJ Kitty Luv with the blues on "Highway 61"; Dick Alfonsi and Joe Sullivan for big band; Larry Hoffman, Mrs. Robinson, mike d..., Melissa Muto, and more handling indie and Avant rock; Jon Noble doing goth electro; former hip-hop music director Face on "Back Alley Beats"; memorable metal DJs like "Meatlocker" Matt, "Jugular" Joe, and "Brutal" Brian; our old-time radio historian Bob Burnham; punk kids like "CornNuts" Gary; the dulcet speaking tones of Jay Korinek, or Sascha Raiyn, or Earl Jones, or Lynn Grunst; surf rock and psychobilly with The Gothabillie Man on "The Wrekking Hours"; the acoustic or twangy selections by John Bommarito, Bill Keith, or Greenberg; and some of my all-time favorite jazz connoisseurs Terence Tyson and Pat Frisco. If you're a fan of any of their shows, past or present, you for sure understand what I mean about them possessing the voice to go along with the passion and talent.

3. What do you do at WHFR and how long have you been involved with the station? I started at the station back in 1999, when I was a dual-enrolled high school student. I'm honored to have held every volunteer officer position that you can have at WHFR. Head Music Director was a personal favorite because of all the exciting new music I got to experience. I continue in some capacity as the Soundtrack Area Music Director, and it's always so much fun to find something new and exciting to share with our loyal listeners! I am also the Operations Manager for the station now; and after some time away from the station, to come back and stepping into that role has been so amazing! This is a station, and a staff of volunteers, and a sound so unique on the airwaves. It really is a thrill to be a part of!

4. What drew you to become a WHFR volunteer? I was looking for courses to take while dual enrolled at HFCC and still finishing high school. When I saw the course description for the WHFR staff training course, I was INSTANTLY in! It's like it was calling to me after years of listening to and really enjoying the behind-the-scenes goings on of radio shows and all the fascinating personalities involved.

5. What impact do you think WHFR has on the local or global community and why is local/independent radio important to you? I know from experience that WHFR has such a singular voice in this community. Those who find it usually stumble upon it. Not particularly on purpose. But for a select few, it literally changes their lives. Some of my absolute BEST friends and some of my most meaningful relationships in this world have been by complete random happenstance when a total stranger found my show "The Jump Button" and felt compelled, for whatever reason, to give it a shot and keep listening. Eventually their chance run-ins with a song I was playing or a conversation I was having with my audience, led to lifelong friendships and some of my most cherished relationships.

6. First album (or CD/cassette) you ever purchased? I honestly can't remember this one. I know I was the weirdo with the walkman who would flip so frequently between cassettes that they would get worn out 2 and 3 at a time. I think the first record I ever paid for out of pocket with chores or side job money was The Soundtrack From The Film "The Song Remains The Same" by Led Zeppelin. Or it may have been the "Ice Ice Baby/Rollin' In My 5.0" cassingle. Who knows?

7. Favorite song/artist right now? We did a female composers spotlight on "The Jump Button" for women's history month. I got pretty obsessed with composer Laura Shigihara and her video game soundtracks for "Plants vs. Zombies" and "Dunk Lords".

8. If you could play an instrument at expert level, which one would it be? Why? Drums. I was a drummer all through school. Eventually I became the auxiliary percussion section leader for my high school's concert and marching bands.

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'm the guy absolutely CRUSHING the tambourine and cowbell solos!

10. BONUS QUESTION: Besides your own, what's your favorite show here at WHFR? As a current member of station management, I make it a point to listen to almost all of them at one point or another during the week, so it's hard to choose. In addition to some of the all-timers I mentioned earlier, I will say some of my newer favorite shows/DJs are June on "Culture Collections", The White Rabbit on "Hotwax Radio", and The Local Ladybird with "Detroit Flock City". As for other all-time classics, I love me some "Go With The Flow, Mike Holloway Show", "Theme Attic", and "Cruisin' & Bluesin' with The Jumper"!

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!

⮕ Today is the third 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 you get “Two for Tuesday!!!” with two participants!

First up: Tom Wilson
Host of: Space Is The Place
Fridays 6:00-8:00pm
Avant Garde / Experimental

1. What's your earliest memory of listening to the radio? Paul is dead.

2. What is/was your all-time favorite radio show or DJ? What makes/made it special? None in particular; the public radio stations since about age 20 but the very earliest were CKLW, WKNR and WDRQ. 20 years coming up in May!

3. What do you do at WHFR and how long have you been involved with the station? I have great fun while trying to educate the listening audience in the history of Avant Garde music and its many sub genres.

4. What drew you to become a WHFR volunteer? The WHFR newsletter and listening to Pat Frisco.

5. What impact do you think WHFR has on the local or global community and why is local/independent radio important to you? One of too few needed outlets for independent artists who make up about a third or more of the market share. I like independent artists.

6. First album (or CD/cassette) you ever purchased? Joe Walsh "The Smoker You Drink The Player You Get"

7. Favorite song/artist right now? Sun Ra

8. If you could play an instrument at expert level, which one would it be? Why? The Trautonium, so I could perform the works of Oskar Sala.

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? Resident Sound Technician.

Our second participant for “Two for Tuesday” is: Dan Karpinski
Guest co-host of: The Jump Button
Thursdays 8:00-11:00pm
Soundtrack/Gaming/Animation

1. What's your earliest memory of listening to the radio? Probably listening to Oldies 104.3 with Dick Purtan.

2. What is/was your all-time favorite radio show or DJ? What makes/made it special? I always liked Dick Putan, with the oldies he played and Alan Almond for his amazing vocals.

3. What do you do at WHFR and how long have you been involved with the station? I have been on and off with WHFR for almost 20 years. I used to host Nice N' Easy, a big band and swing show, I also used to host a short lived Roots Project that was early Rock n' Roll show. Plus, I hosted The Jump Button for a spell.
You can currently find me making a few cameos in the peanut gallery on The Jump Button Thursday nights from 8pm-11pm with Robb with 2 Bees.

4. What drew you to become a WHFR volunteer? When I started going to school at Henry Ford Community College (as it was known at that time), I was in the Student Center and noticed a radio station. I thought it looked pretty cool. Decided to join.

5. What impact do you think WHFR has on the local or global community and why is local/independent radio important to you? I think WHFR has had a positive impact on the community. Whenever I get to attend a WHFR event, I always hear how much people enjoy our station.
Local and independent Radio is important to me because our DJs get to hand pick the music they play on their shows, making each show unique and more personal to listen to.

6. First album (or CD/cassette) you ever purchased? The first album that I picked up was Danny Elfman's Batman score on cassette.
The first CD I remember buying was probably Weird Al Yankovic's Bad Hair Day Album.

7. Favorite song/artist right now? Kung Fu Panda 4 soundtrack that features Tenacious D's cover of Baby One More Time.

8. If you could play an instrument at expert level, which one would it be? Definitely my Acoustic guitar.

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? In the “jam session of life,” I’m behind the scenes type of player for sure.

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!

⮕ 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!

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!

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

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!