Clark Atlanta University public radio station Jazz 91.9 WCLK celebrated its 50th Anniversary with a historic “Great Day in Atlanta” photograph. The iconic image featured CAU’s 5th President George T. French, Jr., Ph.D., the Honorable Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, former Atlanta Mayors Bill Campbell and Shirley Franklin, and former First Lady of Atlanta Valerie Jackson representing the late Maynard Jackson.
The photograph imaged after the celebrated Art Kane Jazz Photo in Harlem in 1958 highlights some of Atlanta’s premiere jazz musicians, including Kathleen Bertrand, Chandra Currelley, Milkshake Mayfield, Joe Jennings, Ken Ford, Bob Baldwin, Phil Davis, Ragan Whiteside, Rhonda Thomas, Julie Dexter, Tony Hightower, Cleveland P. Jones, Brenda Nicole Moorer, Antoine Knight, JFly, Madoca, Carol Albert, Kipper Jones, William Green, Reggie Hines, Lori Williams, Dwan Bosman and many others.
With the Anniversary kickoff on April 10, 2024, the photo taken on the historic Harkness Hall steps on the Clark Atlanta University campus presented an opportunity for WCLK to embrace the richness of Jazz culture in Atlanta. It featured many of the station’s esteemed alumni, including media powerhouses Rose Scott, Shelley Wynter, Joyce Littel, Juandolyn Stokes, Rene Miller, and Stan Washington.
“Today marks a significant milestone in the history of WCLK. To gather and capture this momentous occasion with a 50thAnniversary photograph with so many dignitaries and jazz artists is overwhelming. We are grateful for everyone who participated and for their dedication, passion, and hard work which has made WCLK the vibrant station that it is,” says WCLK General Manager Wendy F. Williams. “We are forever thankful to be on this year-long journey in celebration of shared memories and accomplishments.”
Following the photo shoot, the station’s 50th Anniversary Reception took place at the Thomas W. Cole Research Building Exhibition Hall.
Several 50th anniversary festivities are taking place around the metropolitan area and will include the “WCLK AT 50” Party at The Perfect Note ATL in Marietta on Wednesday, April 24, at 8 p.m. featuring trombonist Jeff Bradshaw and keyboardist Daniel Weatherspoon.
On Saturday, May 18, Fayetteville’s new Amphitheater, The Ville, will celebrate WCLK’s 50th with an award-winning lineup including nationally syndicated radio personalities and award-winning jazz artists Bob Baldwin and Ragan Whiteside, along with Ken Ford, PJ Spraggins and Latrese Bush.
Festivities continue when the Atlanta Jazz Festival presents “WCLK AT 50” to honor the station. It features GRAMMY Award-winning drummer Lil John Roberts and The Senators with An All-Star Band and Special Guests on Friday, May 24, at 8pm at Atlanta Symphony Hall. The event will chronicle WCLK’s 50-year history through songs with performances by some of Atlanta’s preeminent jazz artists, including Kathleen Bertrand, Phil Davis, Joe Gransden, Rhonda Thomas,DJ Kemit, Tony Hightower, Julie Dexter, Mike Burton, Kebbi Williams, Cleveland Jones, and others. EMMY-nominated writer and poet Jon Goode will serve as the narrator.
“WCLK AT 50” Partners include Clark Atlanta University, The Atlanta Jazz Festival, The Perfect Note ATL, The Ville: Fayetteville Amphitheatre, and The Atlanta Voice.
Other events and initiatives will be announced in the coming week. Stay tuned to Jazz 91.9 WCLK FM and online at www.wclk.com. If you want to become a partner, please contact Ray Cornelius Cobb directly at 404-880-8017 or rcobb@cau.edu.
About Jazz 91.9 WCLK
Jazz 91.9 WCLK, a 501(c) 3 nonprofit radio station licensed to Clark Atlanta University, is committed to preserving the legacy of Jazz through dynamic Jazz musical selections, cultural programming, and community-focused initiatives. Founded in 1974, Jazz 91.9 WCLK broadcasts a mix of Classic and Contemporary Jazz and Gospel music. WCLK is a nonprofit, member-supported, National Public Radio (NPR) affiliate and Public Radio International (PRI) station that serves the interests of the citizens in Greater Atlanta. For more station information, programming details, and to listen on the Web, please visit: WCLK.com.
About Clark Atlanta University
Clark Atlanta University (CAU) was formed with the consolidation of Atlanta University and Clark College, both of which hold unique places in the annals of African American history. Atlanta University, established in 1865 by the American Missionary Association, was the nation’s first institution to award graduate degrees to African Americans. Clark College, established four years later in 1869, was the nation’s first four-year liberal arts college to serve a primarily African American student population. Today, with nearly 4,000 students, CAU is the largest of the four institutions (CAU, Morehouse College, Spelman College, and Morehouse School of Medicine) that compose the Atlanta University Center Consortium. It is also the largest of the 37-member UNCF institutions. Notable alumni include: James Weldon Johnson, American civil rights activist, poet, and songwriter (Lift Every Voice and Sing, “The Black National Anthem”; Ralph David Abernathy, Sr., American civil rights activist; Congressman Hank Johnson, Georgia District 4; Kenya Barris, American award-winning television and movie producer; Kenny Leon, Tony Award-winning Broadway Director; Jacque Reid, Emmy Award-winning Television Personality and Journalist; Brandon Thompson, Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion for NASCAR; Valeisha Butterfield Jones, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at the Recording Academy. To learn more about Clark Atlanta University, visit www.cau.edu.
(Photo Credit: Prime Phocus/Donna Permell)
Media Contact:
Ray Cornelius Cobb
Director of Marketing and Communications
Jazz 91.9 WCLK
(404) 880-8017
rcobb@cau.edu