Nat D. Williams
Memphis, Shelby County, Tennessee
Marker Inscription
Nat D. Williams In 1948, Nat D. Williams became the first black radio announcer in Memphis when he began broadcasting for WDIA. He was a co-founder of the Cotton Makers Jubilee and is credited with giving the celebration its name. A history teacher in the Memphis City schools, Williams was best known for Amateur Night on Beale Street, which he began in 1935 at the Old Palace Theater. Williams was also a columnist for the Memphis World.
Erected by Tennessee Historical Commission
The Story
Nat D. Williams broke a color barrier in 1948 as the first Black radio announcer in Memphis, taking the microphone at station WDIA. A city schoolteacher by day, he co-founded the Cotton Makers Jubilee, wrote for the Memphis World, and from 1935 ran the legendary Amateur Night on Beale Street at the old Palace Theater. Through the airwaves and the footlights he helped launch a generation of Memphis performers.
Why it matters
His arrival on Memphis radio marked an early opening of American broadcasting to Black voices and audiences.
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