Zenas Sears

b. c.1914, d. 4 Oct 1989, Atlanta, Georgia, USA. A reputed white Atlanta jazz and pop disk jockey, ‘Daddy’ Sears started programming leap blues and R&B information in January 1946. 2 yrs later he required a job in the state-owned radio train station WGST, on the problem that he’d become allowed a nightly blues display, The Blues Caravan. Due to his achievement with this format, he could expand the display to include skill displays, which he broadcast live from Atlanta theatres such as for example Decatur Road’s 81 Theater. Here he found out local singers such as for example Tommy Dark brown, Billy Wright, Chuck Willis (whom he handled in the first to middle-50s, and guaranteed him his 1st recording agreement with OKeh Information) and Small Richard. These performers were invariably supported from the Blues Caravan All Celebrities, several local music artists that included John Look and Roy Mays. In 1954, Georgia’s fresh governor prohibited Sears’ programme from your WGST, and Sears created WAOK. He continuing with his plan to play the very best of dark music – in 1959 he documented Ray Charles’ arranged in the WAOK 5th Anniversary Party which Atlantic Information released as the bestselling Ray Charles PERSONALLY. In the past due 50s and 60s, Sears became associated with Dr Martin Luther Ruler as well as the SCLC, and his placement with the air train station allowed him to pass on his sights on integration and equivalent rights.