EVEN BUCKEYES GET THE BLUES

Spencer Phelps (left) with his father, Don Phelps

2018 True Blues 975 Blues & BBQ Festival

Spencer Phelps believes in the power of blues. In his hometown, Marion, Ohio, Phelps has adopted the role of music educator, blues music advocate and General Manager of WDIF-LP True Blues 975 [link], the only full-time blues station in the state.

According to station website, Phelps arrived in March of 2016.

At the time the station was broke and in danger of going away. Phelps offered some financing to keep the station afloat in exchange for changing the main format to “blues music.”

Marion is a small city about an hour north of Columbus. According to the US Census, the population is 65,000. This is not a place where an observer would think a full-time blues station could succeed. But it has, though more people probably hear True Blues 975 via its streaming audio [link] than over the air.

WHAT "True Blues 975" SOUNDS LIKE

The presentation is very professional.  Even though it was automated and voice-tracked when we monitored the station, there was lots going on. The music is well chosen (see the playlist screen shot on the right) and includes a mix of new and vintage blues.

Programs on True Blues 975 include Confessing the Blues, My Secret Stash and The Papa Phelps Album Show based on his mix tapes.

We also heard a big clinker. Around 1pm on Tuesday 4/2 we heard what sounded like a radio commercial. I was a 30-second spot for Boyd-Born Funeral Home in Marion.

THE FOCUS IS ON THE GREATER GOOD

There are lots of reasons to like about True Blues 975, particularly the outreach to the community. WDIF-LP is licensed to Marion Makes Music [link], a non-profit organization, thats the Annual Blues & BBQ Festival.

Thanks to our friends at Inside Radio [link] for the tip on this story.