The Rock & Roll Pop Culture Auction November 2012

Lot #29:

Original WKKH/Louisiana Hayride Microphone Used by Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and Other Music Legends

The original RCA Model 44B microphone used at radio station KWKH in Shreveport, Louisiana, crowned with the unique identification flag of the station. The KWKH Model 44B was the primary studio microphone at the station, and was used by all of the performers on the station's roster for their radio programs. In addition to the studio duties, the microphone was also employed on the world famous Louisiana Hayride radio program during its primary run from April of 1948 until August of 1960. Artists signed to KWKH or guesting on the Hayride include Jimmy Davis, Patsy Montana, Harmie Smith, Red Sovine, Hank Williams, Kitty Wells, Johnnie and Jack, Webb Pierce, Slim Whitman, Johnny Horton, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Bob Shelton, Marty Robbins, Patsy Cline, Roy Orbison, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Flatt and Scrugs, Grandpa Jones, Minnie Pearl, Roy Clark, Archie Campbell and countless others. In addition to the morning show, the KWKH Model 44B was used by Hank Williams to record the final song of his career, "The Long Train" on December 3, 1952. Slim Whitman recorded several of his early hits including "Indian Love Call" on the mic, and Jim Reeves recorded, "Bimbo", "Mexican Joe" and many of his early hits on the mix as well. Many artists including Johnny Horton, David Houston and Kitty Wells recorded after hours on the 44B and it is said that Elvis cut a demo one night, took it home to listen to and the record was never seen again. All in all, eleven #1 country hits were recorded on the KWKH Model 44B and it remains to this day a wonderfully clear and smooth microphone. The microphone was purchased by the station sometime in the early 1940's and it appears in photographs taken at the station as early as 1942 in addition to many Louisiana Hayride photographs taken over a 20 year span. It was owned by the station until 1962 when it was sold to Dobber Johnson, a KWKH staff musician. Associated with some of the most influential musicians of both country and western and rock 'n' roll, this vintage studio microphone played an integral part in shaping over 20 years of American music history and is worth of inclusion in the finest collection of American Music artifacts. Comes with a Gotta Have Rock & Roll™ Certificate of Authenticity.