Entercom Charlotte Honors WBT's 95th Anniversary

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, April 10, 2017

Entercom Charlotte is celebrating the 95th anniversary of WBT-AM (1110). The anniversary commemorated the station's long history as Charlotte's destination for News/Talk and included the induction announcement of Ray Gooding, Henry Boggan and John Hancock into the WBT Hall of Fame. The station also aired special programming highlighting key moments in WBT-AM's 95 year history.

WBT Hall of Fame inductee John Hancock joined WBT in 1990 and is a passionate community leader and raises awareness and funds for community issues through his annual Pancake Breakfast and Bike Drive events as well as his continued partnership with the Kid's First Charity. He is well known for his annual Father's Day program and is a celebrated member of the Charlotte community and one of the most respected on air personalities in the city. Hancock currently airs weekdays from 3-6pm on WBT-AM.

Another WBT Hall of Fame inductee, Ray Gooding, was one of the first African American air personalities in Charlotte. He began his career in 1960 and joined WBT in 1971 as the host of the "The Sunday Night Hall of Fame." In addition to hosting the Sunday night music show for 24 years, Gooding also served as WBT's director of public affairs for over 10 years. His "Penny Pitch" charity raised funds for underprivileged children in the Charlotte area. Gooding died in 2007 leaving behind a legacy in the world of Charlotte radio.

Henry Boggan, the third WBT Hall of Fame inductee announced, joined WBT in 1979 as the host of the nighttime talk show "Hello Henry." Boggan featured celebrities and special guests as well as listeners from the local community and became a staple in the city of Charlotte. His program was on-air for 17 years until Boggan's retirement in 1996.

The WBT Hall of Fame was inaugurated in 1997 at the mark of WBT 1110 AM's 75th anniversary with the induction of Charles Crutchfield, the station's General Manager, Program Director and air talent who is also recognized for setting a standard in early American radio.

Since 1997, the WBT Hall of Fame inducts new members every 5 years, including legendary radio recording artist Loonis McGlohon and radio pioneer Grady Cole in 2002, musicians "The Briarhoppers," morning show on air veteran Ty Boyd, and guitarist Arthur Smith in 2007, and longtime midday host H.A. Thompson in 2012. The WBT Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held on Wednesday, June 28 at the Foundation for the Carolinas in Uptown Charlotte.