CBMA Awards Recap
Gaston College’s WSGE-FM 91.7 made history on November 10 when it became the first nonprofit radio station to be inducted into the Carolina Beach Music Awards Hall of Fame in Myrtle Beach, S.C. The ceremony, held at Ocean Drive Golf Club and Resort, also unexpectedly honored longtime volunteer DJ Jim Shafer, who received a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Shafer, originally from New Berlin, N.Y., arrived in Charlotte in 1991 and quickly became a prominent radio personality in North Carolina. His career included stints at WTDR and WWMG in Charlotte, and WWWB in Greensboro. Shafer also played bass guitar in the beach, top 40, and oldies band “Band of Gold,” touring throughout the Southeast.
Since 2014, Shafer has volunteered as a DJ for WSGE, bringing his wealth of experience to the station’s airwaves. WSGE station manager Regan Brown praised Shafer’s contributions, saying, “WSGE is fortunate to have found a volunteer and friend in Jim Shafer. He brings years of experience to our airwaves and is a champion of the genre.”
Surprised by the honor, Shafer credited his longtime WSGE colleague John “Johnny B” Barkley, who recently celebrated his 30th anniversary at the station. Shafer reflected on his journey, saying, “When my friend Johnny B asked me to fill in one Saturday morning, I never thought it would last 10 years. I’m thrilled to volunteer with a dedicated team of broadcasters continuing to bring our audience live listener-supported radio!”
The induction ceremony, emceed by longtime WCNC-Channel 6 meteorologist Larry Sprinkle of Charlotte, marked WSGE as only the fourth radio station to join the CBMA Hall of Fame since its inception in 1995. Scott “Youngblood” Smith, another longtime DJ at the station, expressed gratitude to the listeners and supporters, emphasizing their crucial role in keeping the station on the air.
Brown, who attended the ceremony with other station supporters and volunteers, highlighted the significance of this achievement for a public radio station. “It is an incredible honor for a public radio station to be inducted into the Carolina Beach Music Hall of Fame,” Brown said. “With support from our volunteer deejays and listening community, we continue to feature beach music and preserve the culture of this legendary genre.”
