WVOL, originally hit the airwaves in 1951, under the ownership of Cal Young as WSOK. Its broadcast location was 4th Avenue North in Nashville, where the Nashville Municipal Auditorium is currently located. WSOK 's original format was Rhythm and Blues and Gospel Music.
Six years Later, in 1957, R.W. Rounsaville purchased WSOK and the call letters were changed to WVOL. A new building was erected on Brick Church Pike in 1959 and started operation in 1960. It was around this time that the station ingrained itself into the minds of its listeners as the leader of Black-oriented music in Nashville.
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Thanks to the Nashville Scene (Oct. 2007) - WVOL wins...
BEST ECCENTRIC RADIO PROGRAMMING: 1470 AM
Where else are you going to hear Robert Johnson, Luther Vandross, The Beatles, political commentary and the word of God, all on one station? WVOL 1470-AM, that’s where. From Muddy to Marvin, The Temptations to Tavares, “Nashville’s Heritage Station” will keep you groovin’, blessedly bereft of Clear Channel-style programming and annoying morning personalities with idiotic animal nicknames. It’s my go-to car listening, particularly late at night when the play lists can get as sultry and free-spirited as that twinkle in your companion’s eye. Wanna get him/her in the mood? Park the car and recline those seatbacks as Al Green sings, “Sometimes late at night I get to wonderin’ about ya, baby.” Time to get nasty? Parliament’s “Flashlight” is just around the corner. Saturday from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., “The Blues Café” delves deep into America’s musical roots. Sunday, it’s time to get right with the big man, whether through classic gospel music or some old-school, on-air testifyin’. From the sacred to the salacious, the nostalgic to the naughty, the Mighty 147 has…wait a second…OMG! It’s that Ohio Players tune from my senior prom! —JACK SILVERMAN
