Recently retired radio legend Carl Lamm was honored Wednesday by WPTF Radio and Curtis Media Group. A special one hour radio show ‘Carl Lamm Appreciation Day’ was broadcast live on WPTF AM-680 from Deacon Jones AutoPark in Smithfield honoring the 92 year-old broadcaster who retired in March 2019, after 72 consecutive years on the radio.
Don Curtis, owner of Curtis Media, said he wanted to do something to recognize and honor Mr. Lamm for his extraordinary radio career.
Special guests who appeared on the live radio program included Johnston County Sheriff Steve Bizzell, Register of Deeds Craig Olive, County Manager Rick Hester, County Commissioner Vice Chairman Chad Stewart, County Commissioner Tony Braswell, Smithfield First Baptist Church Pastor Lee Colbert, Four Oaks Mayor Linwood Parker, NC Association of Broadcasters (NCAB) President Trip Savery, Rev. Joe B. Jones, John Payne, and Mr. Curtis. Both Curtis and Lamm are members of the NC Broadcasters Hall of Fame.
Mr. Lamm said he was truly blessed by his career and gave all the credit and glory to his Savior, Jesus Christ. Lamm was born in Spring Hope, NC. He began his radio career in 1947 at WCEC in Rocky Mount, then spent 10 years at WCKB in Dunn. In 1958 he became part-owner and operator of WMPM. In 2007, he and his son, Mickey, purchased WTSB Radio. Carl retired on March 31, 2019. WTSB Radio was sold to new owners in July 2019. Carl is a veteran of the US Naval Reserves during WW II.
The one hour radio program was hosted by WQDR’s Mike Wheless and produced by WPTF’s Rick Martinez. The Deacon Jones Family was gracious to allow the show to be broadcast from their dealership showroom.
“It’s been wonderful, and I am truly grateful,” Mr. Lamm said. “I appreciate your love and support.”
