David Carroll perfectly summed up the occasion last Friday at the grand opening and ribbon-cutting of the National Top 40 Hall of Fame & Radio Museum in Lookout Valley when he told Beach Boys singer/songwriter Mike Love, "We could not have done this without The Beach Boys. And you could not have done it without us."
Beach Boy Mike Love was on hand to also announce the first three inductees into the National Top 40 Hall of Fame. They are Dick Clark, Robert "Wolfman Jack" Smith and and Kemal Amin "Casey" Kasem.Love was in town for The Beach Boys show later that night at the Tivoli Theatre and was there to cut the ribbon and to announce the names of the first three inductees into the hall. Carroll's comments reflected the relationship of Top 40 radio and hit-making acts like The Beach Boys. It's what the museum and hall of fame are all about.
Carroll was surrounded by a dozen or so former radio guys, with some wearing brand new vests emblazoned with the museum's logo that identified them as board members. Many once worked at WFLI-AM 1070, the radio station that also serves as home to the museum.
Love wore one of the vests, though his also featured a city of Chattanooga pin given to him upon his arrival by Judge Russell Bean.
"I am particularly honored to be here," Love said, adding, "I came for the outfit."
Owners Marshall Bandy and Evan Stone, left, with Mike Love of the Beach Boys, fourth from left, and board members Ben Cagle, David Carroll and Johnny Eagle.Later, after removing the sheet covering the three plaques honoring inaugural inductees Casey Kasem, Dick Clark and Wolfman Jack, Love seemed truly honored to have been on hand to cut the ribbon and announce the inductees.
Love had nice things to say about each inductee. "This is an awesome event," he said. "The Beach Boys have a lot of gratitude and appreciation for these three guys. They were the icons of their day. Their voices were so memorable for all of us growing up.
"This is a great start."
Station co-owner Marshall Bandy also announced that plans are in the works to create a syndicated radio show from the station that will highlight the hall and museum, as well as the city, to listeners around the country.
» The Oct. 21 Hunter White tribute concert at Songbirds raised $8,000 for the Shaking Ray Levi Society to help them sustain their work with The Rhythmic Arts Project. White died in July. He was a drummer who played in several local bands over the years and was also well known through his work in the local food/restaurant industry.
TRAP is a program that uses a percussion-based curriculum to address cognitive, emotional and physical disabilities. The Shaking Ray Society, and in particular Bob Stagner, have done remarkable work with it over the years.
Contact Barry Courter at bcourter@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6354.