BOB
NEAL
Bob
Neal (born Belgian Congo October 6, 1917) was one of
the first disc jockeys
to host an all Country show. His parents were missionaries
and his mother liked Classical music, but Neal did
not show much interest in the field until entering
radio in 1939 as an announcer. He moved to Memphis
in 1942 and in 1948 established “The Bob Neal
Farm Program” on WMPS Memphis TN which played
entirely Country music. While doing that program, Bob
promoted and acted as master of ceremonies for live
music shows in the area using both local talent and
national stars. He put Elvis Presley on one of these
shows at the request of Sam Phillips and later became
Presley’s in January 1955. Bob Neal was inducted
into the Country Music D J Hall of Fame in 1984. |
