Chattanooga’s Christmas Memories: A Blast from the Past
Ah, Chattanooga in the 1950s and 60s! It was a time filled with holiday cheer, family togetherness, and the magic of Christmas. Back then, the streets of downtown would come alive as families hopped on Southern Coach Line buses to kick off a shopping adventure. Whether stopping by a delightful dime store luncheonette or grabbing a bite to eat at iconic spots like Millers or Loveman’s, it was the perfect way to usher in the holiday spirit!
The Rise of Television and Friends on the Radio
Though WDEF TV, Channel 12, made its debut in 1954, it took some time for families to make that leap into the world of television. So, like many households, ours relied heavily on the beloved radio for entertainment. The vibrant voice of Luther Masingill filled our homes and our hearts. As he spun tales and played jingles, we eagerly gathered around our little transistor radios, listening to Christmas songs and heartwarming stories about letters to Santa.
Can you imagine this? The Chattanooga Kiwanis Club and Luther himself put together one of the biggest Christmas parties the city has ever seen at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium. With every seat taken and folks spilling into the lobby, it was a grand celebration of joy and togetherness. Luther recalled the energy: “Every seat in the auditorium was taken, everyone had a good time!”
A New Era of Christmas Music
As the mid-50s rolled in, small transistor radios became the hot item in homes, and my father got one from Miller Brothers Home Furnishings on S. Broad Street. Picture this: a bunch of neighborhood friends huddled around that tiny radio, listening to the Christmas hits of the season!
With 5,000 watts blasting from WDEF AM, it was, of course, the top station in town, but tuning in could sometimes be a challenge. The early morning show, Sundial, hosted by Luther, often came in with a “crackly” charm before the sun’s rise cleared up the interference.
Christmas Cheer on the Airwaves
You could tell the Christmas season had arrived when Luther pulled out his extensive collection of holiday favorites, starting the day after Thanksgiving. Each year, he would introduce us to the delightful sounds of “Christmas Dragnet” by Stan Freberg, which he was proud to have been among the first to play. Luther even reminisced about a lunch he shared with Freberg at Amos and Andy Buick when the radio star found himself in a bit of car trouble!
Luther’s encounters didn’t stop there. He welcomed many musical legends, including a young Dinah Shore. He fondly remembered her generous spirit as she gifted him an RCA Victor record – talk about a Christmas present!
The Joy of Christmas Tunes
And the Christmas songs? Oh, there were so many! Luther delighted in radio hits from “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” by Jimmy Boyd to “The Night Before Christmas” by Louis Armstrong! One of the most requested tracks was Jim Reeves’ “Old Christmas Card,” especially after Reeves tragically passed away in a plane crash in 1964.
Even quirky gems like “Jingle Bells” by the Singing Dogs became perennial favorites in Chattanooga households. One can only imagine the joy and laughter those silly sounds brought to families gathered around their radios.
A Lasting Legacy
Now, it’s been nearly ten years since we lost Luther on October 20, 2014. Yet each Christmas, as families string up their lights and bake cookies, the echoes of Luther’s broadcasts remind us of a simpler time filled with warmth and laughter. With his remarkable dedication, Luther would often volunteer to work during the holidays so his colleagues could spend time with their loved ones, making Christmas even more special for the community.
This December, to honor our beloved radio star, “Luther’s Christmas Favorites” will air on December 22, from 7-9 a.m. and be rebroadcast on Christmas Eve. Listening will surely transport any Chattanoogan back to the days of festive tunes, hearty laughter, and cherished memories of a Christmas long ago.
So, as you gather ‘round the tree this year, take a moment to recall the legacy of Luther Masingill. His spirit lives on in every cherished holiday tune and every meaningful story exchanged in the heart of Chattanooga.
