B.B. King's Start in Memphis: WDIA Radio

Season 30

B.B. King tells the story of how his jingle got him a radio gig at WDIA in Memphis, TN.

B.B. King tells the story of how a product jingle got him a gig at WDIA in Memphis, TN, the country's first radio station to program exclusively for African-Americans. King approached the white station owners for an audition, and they asked him for a tune for Peptikon, which King provided on the spot. Peptikon, a so-called medicinal tonic, became the product sponsor for King's own regular show.

AIR DATE 2/12/16

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B.B. King's Start in Memphis: WDIA Radio

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