| Legendary broadcaster and songwriter Joe Shamwell has passed. Shamwell, who wrote more than 110 songs began his career in his birthplace, Washington, D.C. in 1967 at Waxi Maxi Record Store where he befriended Eddie Floyd. He moved to Memphis and collaborated with Floyd on many titles and also wrote with Isaac Hayes, David Porter, Tommy Tate, Steve Cooper, William Bell, Homer Banks, and others. Carla Thomas, Rufus Thomas, The Bar-Kays, Booker T & the MG's, all recorded Shamwell's songs. Shamwell, also known as "The Soul Ranger" worked in radio at WHUR in Washington, D.C., WLOK in Memphis, and WOKJ in Jackson, Mississippi. It was in Jackson as a kid that I grew up listening to Mr. Shamwell and being influenced by him. Years later I would be honored to work for him in Columbus, Mississippi at WACR. He was a "master" radio man! I will miss him. |
