W-3 Soul's Original Location

Earle rented a space upstairs over a hamburger restaurant known for its world famous scramble burger (Doyles). The space although large was an empty shell. We had to go in there and do everything: walls, wiring and carpet,  sections for broadcasting, news room, etc. Earl hired a contractor and we were the helpers (free labor). We pulled together to make this dream a reality.

"In 1968 there were no malls in Saginaw however there were a number of small plazas where businesses were located".

-Bobby Q Day-
Interview 2008

Saginaw 1968

Unknown to the general public, plans were being made for two history making events that would target the large Black  populations of Saginaw and Flint, Michigan in addition to  Bay City, Midland and  surrounding areas.

A recording studio (ULTRA-CITY)  owned and operated by a well known recording band director and leader was established.  Also a Black family out of Detroit built a  licensed FM radio station from the ground up.

I was at the right place at the right time.

Broadcast History

How many of you  remember the TV sitcom show WKRP In Cincinnati that aired from 1978 -1982?

It was a fictional story about a struggling radio station and its small staff. You may also remember that the station was family owned with the son as general manager.

Ten years earlier in 1968 in the city of Saginaw, Michigan an African American family was making history with their owned and operated FM radio station. It was the first of its kind outside the city of Detroit and the second Black owned and operated FM radio station in the state of Michigan.

Were you a listener back then?  Do you remember Donnie "Sweet-Meat" Cool or Miss Sadie?