Hamp Swain

He was known as "King Bee" or "The King" on WIBB radio in Macon, Georgia. His daily broadcasts reached thousands. His influence, intuition and encouragement affected music as we know it today. Not only is Hamp a noted broadcast celebrity, but he is also a musician. His band, "The Hamptones," played many clubs throughout the southeast. Richard Penniman got his start as a vocalist in Hamp's band. The "architect" of rock and roll will tell you that without Hamp Swain there would have never been a Little Richard.

In those days, D.J.'s were allowed to choose their own music. Hamp would attend disc-jockey conventions promoting and sharing the music of Macon and Georgia to fellow disc jockey's all over the country.

The "Godfather of Soul," James Brown, mentions Hamp by name as being an integral part of his career. Clint Brantley brought James to town and was responsible for getting an acetate disc made of the song "Please, Please, Please" acapella which was recorded at Macon's WIBB. That was the first version heard of the song by local radio listeners. Hamp played it on his broadcast and requests immediately told him it was a hit. An executive from King Records was traveling through Macon and heard Hamp promoting the song. He called Hamp to ask about the artists and the song and a deal was made to make the recording we all know today.

Hamp helped launch Otis Redding's career with his weekly "Teenage Party" at the Roxy Theater and later the historic Douglass Theater. It was on those broadcasts that Phil Walden first heard Otis. The list of artists goes on to read as a virtual "Who's Who" of music legends.

What Hamp Swain contributed was dedication to Georgia music. Black radio format stations were rare in those days. But, kids of all ages and races were listening. The stories are that white kids would have their transistor radio under the pillow tuned to The King Bee to hear their favorite music, despite the protests of their parents.

Hamp saw the opportunity to expose the artists and the listeners to this music. He tirelessly promoted local and state talent to other stations at radio conventions. He not only promoted them on the air, but also to other program directors and "jocks" all over the country. In turn, he kept Macon abreast of what was going on musically around the world. His radio influence covered all races and socioeconomic levels. Black and white kids loved the show. Hamp even gave air time to local white artists on a black programmed format.

Hamp had the foresight to know this was music that needed to be heard. He had the professional perception to know he had found gold, and the good personal reputation to take it to the next level. Please help celebrate his accomplishments and recent induction into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame.