Progressive WOWI-Fm 1970-75

06/06/2026

Remembering the one and only George Kello, the guy who first started spinning the records on his program, the Sounds of Life. We're still thinking about you!

06/04/2026

There were some of us who know and built Heathkits...and they stood for a pretty high quality product. This link is an interesting 15 min doc on the company that was started by someone who got a lot more than he bargained for, then forged a way to get anyone to be able to build and learn about these devices. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUQOG1hp54g

04/14/2026

One of BC's sayings, put to song...thanks Bob!

😮‍💨 Growing old ain’t gentle… it’s a test of grit.“Getting Old Ain’t for Sissies” is a raw, straight-talkin’ Delta King’s Blues tune about stiff mornings, ...

03/19/2026

03/08/2026

Hats off to Country Joe McDonald (pic) who flew outta here yesterday. Such a big connection to Progressive WOWI and the front page news caper when WOWI curator of sound JOHN NESCI (pic) got busted by the FCC for playing the Woodstock Fish chant. The one that Country Joe asked the audience to give me a F-***-K.

We have shared a lot of info on this national landmark episode and here's the front end teaser. Nesci lost his WOWI gig and dove headfirst into his acting career that landed him in a couple of movies. After several weeks in the national news, the case was dismissed, Nesci (and WOWI) were exoreated but he was the scapegoat.

Broadcasting magazine 10.9.1972
ANNOUIOLATION OF OBSCENITY LAW

Progressive-rocker DJ to be tried for airing record containing classic four-letter word An air personality on WOWI(FM) Norfolk, Va., has been indicted in federal court for uttering "obscene, indecent and profane language by means of radio communication." The defendant, John F. Neschi, was accused of playing a record—Country Joe McDonald's "The Fish Cheer" on the Woodstock album—that contains the word "f**k." The record was allegedly broadcast last June 8. Mr. Neschi will be defended at his trial—scheduled for Nov. 28 in U.S. District Court in Norfolk—by the Stern Community Law Firm of Washington and the Virginia branch of the American Civil Liberties Union. Charged with violation of Section 1464 of Title 18 of the U.S. Code, Mr. Neschi faces a sentence of two to 10 years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both.

02/21/2026

Tonight at 9pm on most PBS stations: American Masters presents Sun Ra: Do the Impossible...https://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/sun-ra-do-the-impossible-documentary/37455/

01/24/2026

The original Spirit had some great recordings and this first introduction to their work still holds up well. The catchy composite cover caught everyone's eye and this 'how-it-it-was-done pic is new to some of us. Side note: Fresh Garbage was the intro to one of the late night only progessive shows in Tidewater (not ours).

01/16/2026

Yep, we serve notice on this date every year: the demise of the Dome of Distinction in 1975...just 51 years ago when Progressive WOWI-FM disappeared in a flash. Gone but not forgotten.

12/25/2025

Shall we say that Traffic got a little airplay on the station?

12/22/2025

We borrowed the WOWI headphoned, smoking pig from Blodwyn Pig, a great band headed by Mick Abrahams who jumped ship this week at 82. Mick was a gutsy, blusey, guitarist and vocalist with a knack for switiching from headfelt slide guitar laments to blistering rocking tunes. You can access the first album A Head RINGS OUT here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jk39u2jRP5g&list=PL31E8191A0F0AAA16
Oh yeah, he was the first Tull guitarist who you know left the band over creative differences and direction.

First cut on their debut album.. Ahead Rings Out