In 1953, before Brown vs. Board of Education, before the tragic murder of Emmett Till, and before Rosa Parks’s defiant act on a Montgomery bus, the term “Rock & Roll” was still finding its footing. R&B was known as “Rhythm & Blues,” or more often, “Race Music.” Black radio was virtually non-existent, with only a handful of stations scattered across the South playing this so-called “Race” music.
In the heart of Houston, Texas, a revolution was brewing. KCOH 1430 AM, standing for “Call of Houston,” emerged as the first Black-owned radio station in Texas and only the third in the entire nation. Making its debut on September 21, 1953, KCOH was a “sundown station,” rising and setting with the sun – a common practice in the early days of broadcasting.
KCOH’s arrival coincided with the burgeoning Civil Rights movement, a time when Black Americans received their news primarily from the radio and the emerging Ebony & Jet magazines. The station quickly became a beacon for the community, amplifying voices and stories that had long been silenced.
KCOH not only informed but entertained, transforming disc jockeys into household names. Legendary figures like musician “Daddy Deep Throat” Perry Cain, “King Hot Dog” Frank Halison, Travis Gardner, Charles Porter Jr., Gladys “Gee Gee” Hill, Vernon Chambers, Skipper Lee Frazier, and Wash Allen graced the airwaves, captivating listeners and leaving an enduring legacy.
The station’s impact extended beyond music. Charles Porter Jr., Houston’s first Black television news reporter and producer, launched his career at KCOH. “Gee Gee” broke barriers as the first Black female radio host in Texas. Vernon Chambers was hailed as the best Black disc jockey in the nation for three
consecutive years. And while still on-air, Skipper Lee Frazier managed the chart- topping soul group, Archie Bell & the Drells, famous for their hit “Tighten Up.” Wash Allen even hosted a show on Houston’s CBS affiliate and continues to be seen in syndicated television programming today.
KCOH’s iconic Looking Glass Window studio on Almeda Road became a gathering place for the community, where they witnessed interviews with luminaries like Muhammad Ali and Ray Charles. The station’s annual KCOH Street Festival, featuring headliners like Johnny “Guitar” Watson and Joe Tex, brought hundreds together for a summer celebration of music and culture.
The Current Line Up:
KCOH 1230 AM The Source boasts a diverse and engaging lineup, featuring a mix of talk shows and music programming to satisfy every listener. Start your weekdays with insightful conversations and community news on “The Morning Magazine” and “Person to Person,” then groove to the soulful sounds of “The
Winner’s Circle” and “Making Memories.” Evenings bring sports talk, smooth vocal melodies, and thought-provoking discussions. Weekends offer a blend of business advice, political insights, tech tips, personal stories, and classic music. And on Sundays, uplift your spirit with inspiring gospel music and messages. Tune in to KCOH for a rich listening experience that reflects the heart and soul of Houston.
MONDAY – FRIDAY
8AM-11AM | The Morning Magazine with Paris Eley [Talk] Former record executive for major labels such as CBS, Atlantic, A&M, Motown and recent 2024 Black Music Award recipient brings to us an entertaining and informative morning talk show.
11AM-1PM | Person to Person with Michael Harris [Talk] Since 1975, Houston’s Top Jock & 2019 Texas Radio Hall of Famer has hosted the longest running talk show program in the city.
1PM-3PM | The Winners Circle with Lary ‘ChattaBox’ Hale [Music] The voice of the TSU Tigers for over 20 years opens up a lot of musical windows. It’s a vibe that you don’t get to experience anywhere else but
here on KCOH.
3PM-6PM | Making Memories with Don Sam [Music] The 2018 Texas Radio Hall of Famer brings something new each and every weekday. Memories & More Mondays | Two-Stepping Tuesdays | Wide Open Wednesday | Special Thursday | Friday Showdown
6PM-8PM | Sports Rap with Ralph Cooper [Sport Talk] The 2020 Texas Radio Hall of Famer features the ‘Sports Stars of the Future’ segment and much more.
8PM-10PM | Andrea B’s Vocal Sounds [Music] Music program highlighting the first instrument, the human voice.
SATURDAY
9AM-10AM | All About Business with Angela Freeman [Talk] Provides information on how to navigate the world of public & private contracting.
10AM-11AM | The Jackson Political Report with Ron Jackson [Talk] Leading and informative radio show in Houston. The Veteran Political Strategist’s fingers have been on nearly all-important campaigns in Harris & Fort Bend County’s over the last two decades.
11AM-12PM | Tech Talk with the ‘Computer Guru’ Reggie Grant [Talk] Computer technician giving you the 411 on all thing’s electronics.
1PM-2PM | What’s Your Life Changer with Akua Fayette [Talk] Sharing personal stories and helping others through the joys & pains of life.
2PM-6PM | Inside Tracks with Kerry Lewis [Music] Playing hidden gems and classic Funk, Soul & R&B while getting to know the legends of music who created the classics.
SUNDAY
7AM-9AM | Unity Love Gospel Tyme Show with Charles L Wilson & Michael Robertson [Music] Best in Gospel music and news you can use featuring Claude Cummings Jr., Dr. CJ Johnson & Lonnie Clay
9AM-12PM | Amen Corner with JJ Walls [Music] Gospel favorites to start your Sunday morning worship.
SYNDICATED SHOWS
The Hezekiah Walker Countdown Show | 12PM-2PM Sunday
Tips from Gilbert Garcia | 1PM-2PM Monday
The Heart and Soul of Houston
Known as “The Heart and Soul of Houston,” KCOH continues to be a vital source of entertainment and news for the community. After a brief hiatus in the mid-2010s, the station returned, now known as KCOH 1230 AM The Source. KCOH personalities remain deeply involved in the community, hosting events, DJing at clubs, and winning awards. They’ve interviewed renowned artists like Lenny Williams, Melvin Riley of Ready for the World, Jay King of Club Nouveau, Troop, J-Wonn, and Marcus DeVine.
Today, KCOH 1230 AM The Source offers a diverse 24-hour lineup, featuring programs on community affairs, politics, sports, business, and, of course, the best music in town. Hosted by a roster of Radio Hall of Famers and longtime personalities, KCOH remains a vibrant and essential voice for Houston’s Black
community.
KCOH 1230 AM The Source: Where the Legacy Continues
Tune in online at www.1230KCOH.com to experience the rich history and dynamic present of KCOH, a true pioneer in Black radio.
