N-C Radio: Iconic Carl Lamm Announces Retirement

Carl Lamm

Carl Lamm, 92, a legendary figure in the world of radio in North Carolina, has announced his retirement and will be turning off his microphone for good at station WTSB 1090 AM  / 105.5 FM in Selma-Smithfield on March 29 following 72 years in broadcasting.

WTSB will sign off the air two days later on Sunday, March 31, according to The Spring Hope Enterprise.

Lamm, a native of Spring Hope, got his start in radio at WCEC in Rocky Mount in 1947.

His next job was at station WCKB in Dunn where he worked for nearly 10 years until becoming part owner and operator of WMPM in Smithfield in 1958.

Lamm and son, Mickey, bought WTSB 1090 AM in 2007.

A North Carolina Broadcasters Hall of Fame inductee, Lamm has co-authored a book entitled “Sixty-Three Years on the Air, My Life and Times.”

Scott Mason, who produces the award-winning “Tar Heel Traveler” weekly series on WRAL-TV, was among those who spoke fondly of Lamm.

“So many people had told me over the years about Carl Lamm and said I ought to do a story on him,” said Mason. “When I finally got a chance to meet him in 2015 and do the story, I was very excited to meet this legendary broadcasting personality, which is what he was then and still is.

“I remember we talked about all the things he had done in his career and he was so proud of the pictures he showed us of Major League Baseball players that he had known. He was in his element and just seemed so happy to be at the radio station. I think in radio was where Carl Lamm was always meant to be.”

Lamm met countless celebrities during his time on air. He interviewed Mickey Mantle more than 30 times and developed a friendship with the New York Yankees player, even naming his son after him.

Country music, major league baseball and giving back to the community were some of Lamm's passions.