Hattie Leeper: The Trailblazing DJ Who Changed Charlotte Radio

News Summary

Hattie ‘Chatty Hatty’ Leeper made waves in Charlotte’s radio scene as one of the first black female DJs in the Southeast. Rising from humble beginnings, she transformed her after-school job into a pioneering career, impacting the community through music and mentorship. Celebrated for her contributions, Hattie is recognized in the National Black Radio Hall of Fame, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.

Hattie Leeper: The Trailblazing DJ Who Rocked Charlotte’s Airwaves

Charlotte, North Carolina, has a rich history, and one name stands out in the city’s vibrant radio scene – Hattie “Chatty Hatty” Leeper. Recognized as one of the Southeast’s first black female disc jockeys, Hattie transformed a simple after-school job into a fantastic career, paving the way for future generations in media.

Beginnings in the Queen City

Born in 1930 in Edgemoor, South Carolina, Hattie’s family moved to Charlotte when she was just a child, settling in the Third Ward neighborhood. Growing up, she was surrounded by the hustle and bustle of a community rich in culture and resilience. Her father worked as the head custodian at Central Piedmont Community College, instilling in her a strong work ethic that she carried through her life.

Hattie attended black schools in uptown Charlotte and graduated from Second Ward High School in 1951. It didn’t take long for her to find her calling. At just 14 years old, while still a high school student, she began her career at WGIV, Charlotte’s first radio station aimed at a black audience. Her early tasks were unglamorous – organizing records, answering phones, and keeping the books – but they laid the groundwork for her future success.

Rise to Fame

In an unexpected turn of events, Hattie made her on-air debut one day when she was called to fill in for a colleague who had overindulged in celebratory spirits. From that moment on, she was hooked on the sound of the radio waves and the thrill of connecting with listeners. After graduating high school, Hattie officially became North Carolina’s first black female DJ, which was no small feat in the early 1940s when her career began.

As “Chatty Hatty,” Hattie quickly gained popularity, her charm and conversational style making her a beloved figure on the airwaves. She didn’t just play the hits; she helped build them. Hattie engaged with the local community by interviewing leaders and representatives from various organizations, ensuring that her listeners stayed informed and connected to the happenings in their neighborhoods. This was a time when radio served as a vital link in the community, well before televisions graced every living room.

A Versatile Career

As her career progressed, Hattie expanded her role beyond being a DJ. She introduced news segments and advertising for local businesses, showcasing her versatility and understanding of the industry. Hattie’s talents didn’t stop there; she later produced music for legendary artists such as Aretha Franklin and Patti Labelle. Her dedication to fostering talent led her to create her own record label, AwarE, which focused on uplifting regional musicians and generating several hits that resonated with the local audience.

Mentoring the Next Generation

In her quest to give back to the community, Hattie established Chatty’s School of Communication, where she mentored young artists eager to break into the music industry. Her commitment to education didn’t end there. In 1973, she moved from radio to academia, sharing her wealth of knowledge with students at institutions like Johnson C. Smith University and Gaston College. After an impressive tenure, she served as the dean of the communications department at Gaston College for 11 years, retiring in 1998 after nearly 50 years in the industry.

Recognizing Her Impact

In 2022, Hattie was honored with a place in the National Black Radio Hall of Fame, a testament to her lasting influence on the radio industry and the lives she touched throughout her rewarding career. She is also a proud member of the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame.

Hattie Leeper’s journey is not just a story of success; it’s a powerful reminder of the incredible impact one person can have on their community. As Charlotte continues to celebrate its rich heritage, the legacy of “Chatty Hatty” lives on, inspiring future generations to share their voices and stories with the world.

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Additional Resources

• Power 98 FM: Black Social Media Influencers in Charlotte
• Charlotte Observer: Local News Article
• NBA.com: Hornets to Launch NBA’s First Ever Black Excellence Jersey
• WSOC TV: Levine Museum Explores Charlotte’s Black History
• WCNC: Black-Owned Media Company in Charlotte
• Wikipedia: Hattie Leeper
• Google Search: Hattie Leeper
• Google Scholar: Hattie Leeper
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Hattie Leeper
• Google News: Hattie Leeper