BOOKER T WASHINGTON HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

"Joan E. W. Golden, WLOK's Golden Girl"

1937-2007

Bless you, Joan, for lending your voice to history.

Joan E. W. Golden was born on Beale Street in 1937. She went to college at Arkansas AM&N, now University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, on a vocal scholarship. She started at 1340 WLOK Radio in 1957. As she tells it: "I heard a lady on the radio and thought I could do better. I told the manager I could do better and if he wanted to hire me, call me. He did. Thank you, Lord."

Joan Golden considered the air-time less a job and more like a ministry, “I’ve been doing gospel radio, because I help a lot of people spiritually," she said. She has been a lifelong member of Pentecostal Temple Institutional Church of God In Christ, under the leadership of Bishop J. O. Patterson, Jr.

After more than 40 years in broadcasting, it is appropriate to hear Joan Golden referred to as the First Lady of Gospel. She has served the Mid-South area with a passion, words of cheer and music to lift hearts to a level of joy.

“Joan is one of the genuine legends in the radio industry – not just Memphis but in the country. She has been a Godsend for WLOK because of her rapport with her audience and her strong personal belief which she is able to transmit to her audience. She has literally helped many, many people spiritually with their challenges in life through her morning program on WLOK,” said Art Gilliam, president and CEO of Gilliam Communications, Inc that owns 1340 WLOK Radio.

Joan Golden retired from 1340 WLOK Radio in 2003. Unbeknownst to listeners, she was slated to return to the air on Saturdays, beginning July 7, 2007. “I talked with Ms. Golden on Tuesday, July 3, 2007 regarding her return to WLOK. We were both excited because she was coming back. I am stunned by the loss,” stated Kim Harper, Programming Director and Host of the WLOK Early Morning Show.

What we’d really like to thank you for, Lord, is allowing her to be around for so long, not just bringing spiritual edification, but entertaining us and making history in Memphis radio.

JOAN E. W. GOLDEN "The Golden Girl" (The Precious Young One), 71, of Memphis, outstanding radio personality at WLOK Radio Station, passed away July 4, 2007. Ms. Golden was the co-lyricist of the song, "What Is This" and she also recorded the song, "Oh Danny Boy." She was a gospel DJ radio and broadcaster for almost fifty years. Joan also served at the musician for "The Gospel Messengers" and formally the "Hymnal Choir" of Pentecostal Temple Church of God In Christ, and as an associate musician for Taylor Chapel Baptist Church. Visitations are from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday, July 12 at N. J. Ford & Sons Funeral Home, and from 4-8 p.m. at Pentecostal Temple Church of God In Christ. She will also be viewed on Friday, July 13 from 9-10:55 a.m. at Pentecostal Temple Church of God In Christ. Funeral is at 11 a.m. Friday, July 13 at Pentecostal Temple Church of God In Christ. Burial will be in New Park Cemetery. She leaves to cherish her memory, two daughters, Kathy Golden of Tampa, FL and Demetria Joplin of Ypsilanti, MI; one son, Michael Golden of Memphis; one foster sister, Cecelia Weir of Memphis; eight grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends. N. J. Ford & Sons Funeral Home 901-948-7755

Published in The Commercial Appeal on 7/10/2007.