Dewey Phillips born 1926,
a record store clerk who became one of Memphis' most influential
personalities. He was one of the first to play Black R&B music, his show
which became known as "Red, Hot & Blue" aired from 1949 to 1956 on
WHBQ.
It is estimated that 75 to 80 percent of Memphis residents
listened to his show. His influence was so great, that it is said that he once
told listeners to to blow their car horns at a specific time, the sound was
so loud and distracting that the Police had to ask him to retract the
request. His trademark phrases were "Tell em Phillips sencha" and
"That'llgit”.
Dewey will be remembered for one thing if nothing else, and that
was the evening in 1954 when he spoke these words "Git yasself a
wheelbarrow load a mad hogs, run 'em through the front door, and tell 'em
Phillips sencha! This is Red Hot and Blue comin' atcha from the magazine
floor of the Hotel Chisca. And now we got somethin' new gonna cut loose,
Dee -Gawww! Cut Loose! Good peoples, this is Elvis Presley". Dewey
once interviewed Elvis live on air, Elvis was extremely nervous and after
some talk and kidding in the studio, Elvis asked when they would be going
on air, Dewey replied "you just were son".
He made the progression to T.V. in 1956 as the host of a dance show,
but this was short lived. He was known to be a bit of a drinker and it's said
that he fondled a cardboard likeness of Marilyn Monroe(some say Mamie
Van Doren) while on air and was promptly fired. His career was over, he
tried a comeback without success and passed away in 1968.
Dewey should be remembered as one of the very first to cross
the colour barrier in music, clearing the way for people of all backgrounds
to perform at a time when this was anything but safe or fashionable.
"God Bless"
