Hamp Swain of Macon Georgia, To Be Inducted Into The Georgia Music Hall Of Fame

Recenlty, Hamp Swain received a call from music promoter Alan Walden, informing him that he was being named one of the inductees for the Georgia Music Hall of Fame’s Class of 2008. Walden, Ben Sandefur (fellow DJ “back in the day” and current owner of GMS Advertising in Macon) and Senator Robert Brown had campaigned for years to see “Hamp” gain his rightful place in music history. "Hamp definitely deserves to be in the Hall of Fame," said Senator Brown. "I nominated and supported Hamp because he has a strong history of supporting music. He was a pioneer in recognizing rising talent during a time when it was difficult for black entertainers to get exposure." The Induction will take place in September of this year.

“When I set out in radio, I never dreamed of this (induction),” said Swain. “Senator Brown knew weeks ago, but had told Alan (Walden) not to say anything yet. When Alan couldn’t hold it anymore, he called me Monday to tell me. He was so excited, he had tears in his eyes,” finished Swain.

Hamp & Atlanta attorney Roy Miller during the filming of the movie "BIngo Long and the Traveling All Stars"

A Macon disc jockey for years, dating back to the 1950s, Swain helped launch the careers of such greats as Otis Redding and James Brown by giving them airtime on the radio. Known as “King Bee”, Swain was Macon’s first black DJ, beginning his career at WBML-AM in 1954. During his time there, he played James Brown’s “Please, Please, Please” over and over again, until music producer Cliff Brantley heard it and contacted Swain to find out more about Brown. “The rest is history,” said Swain. Three years later, Swain moved to WIBB, joining Satellite Papa (Ray Brown) and Big Saul (Charles Green).

Swain also hosted the Teenage Party at the Douglass Theater, where Otis Redding won many talent contests and launched his career.

Hamp & Mahalia Jackson at the WIBB station in the '50s

During his DJ days, Swain was privileged to meet many great artists including The Supremes, Sam Cooke, Mahalia Jackson, and Marvin Gaye.

Many people were involved in getting Swain inducted into the Hall of Fame. “I just want to give a great, big thank you to all of those who worked for this for me and the thousands of fans who wrote in my behalf,” said Swain. “I’m very grateful.”