WSGE 91.7: Gaston College’s Radio Station Rides the Waves to Hall of Fame
WSGE-FM 91.7, Gaston College’s radio station, lives up to its slogan “Your Independent Music Source” in more ways than one. This volunteer-driven station operates around the clock, offering a diverse mix of blues, beach/shag, soul, rock ‘n’ roll, Americana, and gospel, along with local public affairs programming.
Later this year, WSGE will achieve a significant milestone. During the November 9-12 weekend in Myrtle Beach, S.C., it will become the first nonprofit radio station (and fourth overall) to be inducted into the Carolina Beach Music Awards Hall of Fame. This recognition speaks volumes about the station’s impact and the dedication of its volunteers.
At the heart of WSGE’s success is John “Johnny B” Barkley, a longtime DJ who recently celebrated his 30th anniversary behind the mic. Barkley has been a regular announcer since 1994 when the station officially incorporated beach music into its format.
Station manager Regan Brown praises Barkley’s contributions: “Johnny B is just a great volunteer and he’s always able to get fans to rally around the station. He’s been someone who’s always advocated for beach and shag music on WSGE. In addition to being an announcer on the radio station, he’s also a local DJ and does events, weddings and parties. He’s recognized as one of the best in our area. They always say, ‘If Johnny B’s at your party, you know it’s going to be a good one.'”
Despite his on-air charisma, Barkley remains humble about his impact. “When people put attention on me, I try to figure out a way to downplay it,” he says. “I don’t like to boast or anything. I want to be humble and be part of the team. I just want to see our station continue and grow and make people happy.”
Barkley understands the power of music to uplift and unite people. “It’s a gift that even when times are bad and regardless of politics or religion and whatever is going on in the country, people can fall back to music,” he reflects. “It’s because music just changes how people see the day and gives people a break from everything else. Knowing that you’re a part of it is a gratifying and good feeling for me.”
WSGE’s beach music lineup includes other dedicated volunteer DJs: Angelia Skidmore, Curtis Treece, David Dodd, Greg Ross, Jim Shafer, Joe Mayes, Lamar Walker, Larry Strout, Sandy Hamilton, and Scott “Youngblood” Smith.
Barkley, a 63-year-old father of three and 1979 Lincolnton High graduate, has been sharing his love for music on radio stations and at parties since 1980. Interestingly, both WSGE and Barkley’s radio career began in October 1980 – WSGE at its current location and Barkley at Lincolnton’s WLON-AM 1050.
His journey in beach music began alongside friend Mike Caskey of Newton at WLON. They later worked at 106.5-FM in Salisbury (now WEND) from 1988 to 1991, returned to WLON until 1993, and finally found their way to WSGE in July 1994, thanks to a tip from WLON DJ Tim Biggerstaff.
Today, Barkley not only contributes to WSGE but also broadcasts for the North Myrtle Beach, S.C.-based Rip Tide radio and runs his Lincolnton-based Johnny B’s Beach and Boogie DJ business for various events.
Throughout his WSGE career, Barkley has hosted numerous guest DJs, including Carolinas Beach Music Awards Hall of Famers like Clifford Curry, Billy Scott, Danny Woods (of Chairmen of the Board), Bo Schronce (of The Fantastic Shakers), The Embers, and The Entertainers.
As WSGE prepares for its historic induction, Barkley believes the station’s seven Carolinas Beach Music Awards for radio station of the year played a crucial role in this recognition. “It’s a great feeling and an accomplishment,” he says of the upcoming induction. “It’s great to know that you’re doing it with volunteers – and that we’re still able to compete with a level of excellence high enough to be in the Hall of Fame is really special. Since we’ll be only the fourth radio station, it’s quite a rewarding feeling.”
The station is preparing to celebrate this milestone on November 3, from 5 to 9 p.m. at Gastonian Halls on 181 West Main Street in Gastonia. The upcoming “This Magic Moment” fundraiser for WSGE will honor Barkley’s contributions to the station and the beach music community.
WSGE’s journey from a college radio station to a Hall of Fame inductee is a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and community. It’s a story of moments that have created momentum, not just for the station but for the entire community.
If you’d like to attend the upcoming fundraiser event or learn more about how you can support WSGE, visit wsge.org/magic-moment/.
