Paul Simpkins - Inducted 1998

Paul Simpkins (born October 8, 1923) is known for his tenure of more than thirty years at WBAM, Montgomery, AL. Simpkins started his radio career at age fifteen in McComb, MS, where he also had a small Country band. Two years later, he gave up his band to take a radio job in Natchez, MS. In 1945 he moved to WJXN in Jackson, MS. In 1952 Simpkins was hired WBAM, Montgomery, AL, with the help of Jim Reeves and T. Tommy Cutrer and remained for thirty two years. He had a show called "Housewives Hit Parade" that aired from 10:00am to 11:45am in 1957. In the 1970's WBAM was a top 40 station, and Simpkins was the morning man at The Big BAM playing artists like Steely Dan, The Doobie Brothers and the Bee Gees. His honors include Sterling Magazine Personality of the Month, TV Radio Mirror Personality of the Month in 1967, 1968 and 1972. Paul Simpkins was inducted into the Country Music D J Hall of Fame in 1998. Simpkins died in Hattiesburg, MS on October 10, 1989.