Dale Franklin, KWEM Radio Revivalist, Passes Away - By Mark Randall - news@theeveningtimes.com

By Mark Randall

Dale Franklin, the man who helped resurrect KWEM, the radio station that gave Johnny Cash, B.B. King, Howlin’ Wolf, Elvis Presley and other music giants a chance to be heard on the air in the 1950s, has passed away.

Franklin had been in deteriorating health in recent months and died over the weekend following, according to friend Dr. Glen Fenter.

 

“Dale was a very talented individual,” Fenter said.

MSCC to Operate Historic KWEM Radio Station; Students, Community to Benefit

KWEM Radio, which forever changed the musical landscape by allowing unknown or little-known Memphis-area artists the opportunity to perform on air, will soon have a new home at Mid-South Community College.

MSCC’s Foundation has purchased the Web-based station and numerous artifacts related to its rich musical history and will establish an on-campus “studio” that will serve as a laboratory for students, a source of pride for the community, and a tourism draw, all at the same time.