Wilburn "Willie" Wilson
Wilburn Wilson grew up in the Cerulean area on Trigg County. He went to Cerulean schools and then graduated from Trigg County High School in 1947.
He went to Chicago to studied Electronics at DeForrest Electronics. There he obtained his First Class Radio Telephone Operators License. This allowed him to come back to Princeton and begin his radio work in 1950 at WPKY.
He enlisted in the Navy in 1951 and was a First Class Electronic Technician where he continued his education in radio. After his discharge, he returned to WPKY as Morning Personality “Uncle Willie” and was very successful at Princeton.
He had always wanted to own a radio station with his brother Leo so they had started the application process to obtain a license in western Kentucky, hopefully in Princeton, Hopkinsville or Cadiz area. A group of individuals in Cadiz decided to start a radio and in the process talked to Mr. Wilson to see if he was interested in running their radio station. An arrangement was made for Mr. Wilson to be a stockholder and general manager of the new radio station.
In 1966 Wilburn “Willie” Wilson came to Cadiz to establish WKDZ AM 1110. They built a facility on the Will Jackson Road outside Cadiz, and he and his brother Leo worked to bring this radio station to life.
He has often relayed the story of how he received the call from his brother Leo on the morning of April 8, 1966, that the Federal Communications Commission had approved the application for a license to allow the radio station to begin broadcasting.
It was a day in local history. He called as many people as possible including the school, so much of the community was listening when “Willie” Wilson pushed the button that brought WKDZ AM 1110 AM to life.
He has continued to be a friend of the Trigg County community since that day. He often described operating a radio station to milking cows. It is an every day job. The first day started with the Trigg County High School Band recording of the Star Spangled Banner, followed by Nancy Sinatra singing “These Boots Were Made for Walking.” Willie kept the community informed for many years.
His morning show featured many favorite songs such as “The Red, Red Robin Comes Bop, Bop, Boppin Along” and “How Much Is that Doggie in the Window.”
With Ruth Humphries and Rodney Cheatham, and others, he kept the community entertained and informed.
When the radio station was sold, Willie worked with other organizations but still remained committed to his community.
He attends Cerulean Baptist Church where he plays the piano from time to time and is a deacon.
He still attends many community events and remains a constant friend of the people of Trigg County. If there is a significant event in your life, more than likely, he knows about it and sends a card with heartfelt thanks or sympathy.
He and his brother Leo were inducted into the Kentucky Broadcasters Hall of Fame for their efforts as a pioneer in local radio in Kentucky.
In 2020, the Chamber of Commerce gave Wilburn “Willie” Wilson the Spirit of Trigg County Award.
Wilburn “Willie” Wilson paved the road to community service and dedication to the community. You will not find a person who loves his family or this community more that Wilburn “Willie” Wilson.