R.I.P.: Iconic Chattanooga Personality Luther Masingill

Legendary radio broadcaster Luther Masingill died early Monday morning after a short illness at Memorial Hospital in Chattanooga surrounded by family and friends.

He was 92 and had been on the air for a record 74 years, according to chattanoogan.com.  He was still active on WDEF 92.3 FM.

Undated photo

Luther began his career with WDEF 1370 AM on New Years Day 1941. Throughout his life he was honored with the Marconi Award, inducted into the Tennessee and National Association of Broadcasters Halls of Fame and received countless other honors and awards.

He is the only broadcaster on record to be behind the microphone during both the invasion of Pearl Harbor and the attacks of 9-11.

His legendary 74 years on the radio at one station (WDEF AM & FM); is a record that will likely never be repeated.  He influenced and encouraged many broadcasters, but it was his connection to the community that he loved the most.  At one time or another, almost every Chattanoogan has heard Luther announce their school or business was closed, gotten critical weather and traffic updates and discovered how they could  make our community a better place.



WDEF Radio VP/GM Bernie Barker said, “Luther’s impact on Chattanooga is unparalleled.”

“Anyone who has ever listened to Chattanooga radio over the past 74 years knew the unmistakable sound of his voice.  We are all deeply saddened by his passing, but rest assured his spirit and commitment will always be a part of Sunny 92.3, WDEF.”

Luther’s partner of 20 years James Howard said, “Luther is the reason I got into radio.  He is my best friend and an inspiration to everyone who as ever listened.  Announcing his passing is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do in my career.  We will continue his broadcast legacy and honor his memory.”

Post by Sunny 92.3.

David Carroll at chattanoogaradiotv.com put Masingill's career in perspective on the occasion of his 92nd birth late last year:

When Luther uttered his first words on WDEF, President Franklin D. Roosevelt was in his second term.  Some veterans of the Civil War were still alive.  There was no such thing as cake mix, an electric blanket or an atomic bomb.  Hitler ruled Germany, and Churchill was Britain’s Prime Minister.  Gasoline was 18 cents a gallon, and it cost three pennies to mail a letter.  Everything has changed, drastically.