On Wednesday morning, WCLK concluded its year-long 50th Anniversary Celebration with a momentous occasion at the Georgia State Capitol. A distinguished ceremony was held to honor the station’s rich legacy and significant contributions to the jazz community. In a moving presentation, Senator Sonya Halpern of District 39 introduced a Georgia Senate Resolution to commend WCLK for its unwavering dedication to the preservation and promotion of jazz music in Georgia.
Senator Halpern, with gratitude and admiration, spoke about WCLK’s profound impact on the state’s cultural landscape. She highlighted how the station has been instrumental in fostering the growth of jazz, serving as both a platform for local musicians and a bridge to global jazz audiences. Her words resonated with the attendees, as she recognized the station’s vital role in shaping Georgia’s rich musical history.
Receiving the Resolution on behalf of WCLK was the station’s General Manager, Wendy F. Williams, who was accompanied by key members of the team: Eugenia Ricks, Assistant Station Manager; David C. Linton, Program Director; and Ray Cornelius Cobb, Director of Marketing and Communications. Their collective efforts have been integral in steering the station through its storied 50 years.
Among the notable faces at the ceremony were WCLK's beloved on-air personalities, Debb Moore and Kiplyn Primus. Debb, known for her signature programs “Jazz at Sundown” and “Sunday Jazz Suite,” and Kiplyn, the voice behind “The Local Take.” Their presence at the Capitol underscored how deeply WCLK’s legacy is woven into the fabric of Atlanta's jazz scene.
The station’s 50th anniversary year had been filled with remarkable celebrations, and the resolution presentation was the cherry on top. The festivities began on April 10, 2024, with the Great Day In Atlanta photoshoot, which captured over 200 of Atlanta's top jazz artists, musicians, and vocalists alongside Mayor Andre Dickens. The historic event marked the beginning of an unforgettable year of musical celebration.
WCLK also joined forces with The Atlanta Jazz Festival to host the “WCLK AT 50” Musical Celebration, a tribute to five decades of jazz. The station co-presented unforgettable concerts with esteemed venues such as the Fayetteville Amphitheater, The Stockbridge Amphitheater, Atlanta Symphony Hall, and the Fox Theatre. These events brought the rich history of jazz to life, while also celebrating its future through collaborations with emerging talent. One standout event was the FunkJazz Kafé Arts & Music Festival, where jazz aficionados and new fans alike gathered to experience a fusion of music, culture, and creativity.
For WCLK, this milestone was not just a celebration of its past but also a hopeful look to the future of jazz in Georgia. As the station continues to nurture and promote the genre, it remains a vital cultural institution, guiding listeners through the ever-evolving landscape of jazz while honoring the genre’s timeless legacy.
As WCLK’s 50th Anniversary year wrapped up, the station could look back with pride, knowing that its journey had touched the hearts of countless jazz lovers, musicians, and communities across Georgia. With the support of its dedicated staff, hosts, and supporters, WCLK was poised to continue its mission of preserving the spirit of jazz for generations to come.
The festivities may have ended, but the legacy of WCLK’s 50 years in jazz is far from over—its story is still unfolding.