06/29/2024
On June 27, 2024, longtime WKCE show host and my father Roger Morgan (Ishmael) passed away in his sleep. It is difficult to express in words just how much this man meant to me...it is because of him that I found one of the great passions in my life, radio. When I was growing up, I spent every possible minute at the radio station where he was the program director and morning show host. I wanted to know everything about this magical medium and he always encouraged me along the way. When I was 16, I had the opportunity to co-host a morning show with him and it was truly an amazing time.
When I was a kid, just about every Saturday morning I would wake up to the sound of him playing records from his vast collection in the basement of our house...of course from his favorite period of time, the 50s and 60s. From early country to rock n' roll and rhythm and blues I heard it all and I loved it. He and I would have discussions all the time about how great it would be to create a radio station that played all of that great music.
In 2015 I had the opportunity to buy a radio station in Knoxville and finally make that dream a reality. WKCE and the Mid Century Radio format was born, and there was no better host for a morning show than Roger Morgan...I was so happy to hear him get to talk about his passion and knowledge of all the music from the era on a daily basis. But things got even better in 2021 when my parents were able to move to Knoxville and we could finally do a show together...in person...and in the Sunsphere!
While Roger had many health issues related to diabetes and ended up getting one leg amputated, he never gave up. We were both so excited to be able to do a show again for the last several weeks, even if only for one day a week. I am so grateful for the time we were able to spend together and for you, the listeners and friends that he got to know over the years through the radio station.
So wherever you are now Dad, I hope you're enjoying one of your favorite records on that great turntable in the sky...I love you and every time I sit in the radio control room chair I'll see you on the other side smiling back at me.
Aaron Ishmael
Owner - WKCE
