ED MENDEL
b 1919-d.1975
Edwin A. Mendel, “Dr Jive”, was the first R&B and gospel disc jockey in Columbus. In 1941, Ed shipped off for WWII service with the Army. Mendel eventually received a medical discharge due to asthma. Already interested in radio, Ed began his broadcast career at WDAK-AM, but soon moved to WAGA-AM in Atlanta. In 1946, Ed moved back to Columbus. He quickly made a name for himself at WGBA-AM and came to be known as "Dr. Jive", playing jazz and rhythm and blues records on "In the Groove" each day from 4:05 to 5:00 pm. The show was eventually re-named "Dr. Jive", after his on-air persona. Following his stint at WGBA-AM, Mendel moved back over to WDAK-AM where he continued his Dr. Jive show, playing rhythm and blues as well as jazz and gospel music. He eventually moved over to WOKS-AM which was owned by Johnny O'Shields and featured programming specifically catering to Columbus's black community. Every day, Dr. Jive started his show with his signature phrase, "The clock on the wall says its 4:05. Jump back and let's have some more jive !".
CLICK HERE TO HEAR DR JIVE PROMOTING HIS CONCERTS