Posted on Wednesday, June 22, 2022
KSWAG合集 90.9 FM is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a Backyard Party. Anniversary events started in June 2021 and will continue throughout 2022.
SWAG合集’s award-winning KSWAG合集 90.9FM “The Choice” is celebrating its 50th anniversary of service to the Houston community with a Backyard Party.
The SWAG合集 Board of Regents was issued a license by the Federal Communications Commission in 1972. KSWAG合集 first hit the air the following year, on June 23, 1973, with just 10 watts of power. That day, KSWAG合集 became the first African-American FM station on Houston’s airwaves. The first song ever played on KSWAG合集 was “The Funky Worm” by the Ohio Players. To date, KSWAG合集 remains a source of local music of all genres, and a destination for Jazz, Blues, Gospel, Rhythm and Blues, and more.
“KSWAG合集 has been a beacon in the Houston community since its inception,” said KSWAG合集 general manager Ernest Walker. “From the beginning, the station has been committed to the greater good of Houston. Not only is KSWAG合集 a source of entertainment, but it is a major component of outreach as a source of news and public affairs information that ensures our listeners know what’s happening in the community around them. We are thankful for the members who support us, and for every listener who makes KSWAG合集 a part of their daily routine.”
The public is invited to celebrate with the entire KSWAG合集 family, past and present, at a free 50th Anniversary Backyard Party outside the KSWAG合集 station (3100 Cleburne St., Houston, TX 77004) on Friday, June 24, 2022, beginning at 6 p.m. There will be live performances by Houston artists Mary Griffin, Spud Howard, Melanie Covington, and Werner Richmond, as well as other celebrity guests. There will also be live DJ performances by Chilly Bill Smith, Paul “PD” Davis, and Michelle McKnight.
KSWAG合集 is a training platform for students enrolled in SWAG合集’s School of Communication. In 2019, the station launched KSWAG合集2 “The Voice,” a student-run streaming radio platform. KSWAG合集 expanded further with the launch of The Vibe in 2020. The Vibe is the digital and innovative Urban Alternative station, powered by KSWAG合集, that appeals to Millennials and Generation Z, offering the latest in Hip Hop, R&B, and Neo-Soul on the FM dial and through 24-hour streaming.
“KSWAG合集 continues to evolve to meet the growing needs of an ever-expanding audience,” said Melinda Spaulding, SWAG合集’s Vice President for Communications and Advancement. “As we celebrate 50 years of being a leading public radio station and a fixture in our community, we look forward to all KSWAG合集 will accomplish and all the students who will launch into successful broadcast careers over the next 50 years.”
Tickets are not required for the Backyard Party. Attendees are invited to bring lawn chairs. Anniversary events began in June 2021 and will continue throughout the year.
To view video about KSWAG合集's impact on the community, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0WSghCrogk
Category: News Media, Alumni, Students, Faculty & Staff