Lee Bailey (Finding Aid)

Lee Bailey

1947 -

Interview Length: 111 minutes

Interview Date(s): July 23, 2001

Interview Location(s): Los Angeles, California

Abstract

Lee Bailey briefly describes his grandparents, who raised him in rural Georgia during his early childhood. Bailey recalls early memories from his time in Georgia, including family reunions and his penchant for mischief. Bailey talks about developing a distaste for manual labor while working on his grandfather's farm. He says he did not like the work, but cites his grandfather as the major influence on his childhood, as his mother lived in Pittsburgh. Bailey talks about his personality as a child, saying that despite his mischief, he was generally well-mannered and dreamed of becoming a radio announcer while listening to radio drama and black music. He then describes leaving Georgia to move in with his mother in Pittsburgh. Bailey remembers his southern drawl and given first name, Harvey, making him a target for bullies. Bailey explains changing his first name to Lee, to appease a radio station manager. Lee Bailey talks about first discovering his unique voice, and describes how his friends used it to help romantic relationships. Bailey remembers being an average student, and says his desire to have a radio career motivated him in high school. He talks about his experience in the U.S. Air Force, and being based in Sacramento, California. Bailey talks about receiving his first experience in a studio while in Sacramento at KPOP, the station which eventually gave him his first on-air job. Bailey describes his nearly instant success at KPOP, where he endeared himself to the locals. He explains how his initial success led to numerous job offers in other markets, including stations in Flint, Michigan, Stockton, California, and Washington, D.C. Bailey explains how he eventually ended up in Los Angeles, becoming a popular on-air personality at several different stations, but most notably at KUTE. Bailey then talks about his disagreements with KUTE owner Frankie Crocker, which eventually caused Bailey to want to leav Lee Bailey describes losing his job at KUTE radio, and explains how he made a transition into being self-employed. He describes the start of his company, Lee Bailey Productions, and his syndicated program 'RadioScope.' After a discussion about the origins of urban radio, Bailey has detailed discussion about 'RadioScope.' He describes the program's early years, in which he struggled to find sponsors and its eventual success in all of America's major media markets. Bailey then tells of some memorable interviews he conducted for the show, and explains his strategy when interviewing a celebrity. Bailey goes on to talk about other successful programs produced by Lee Bailey Productions, and then talks about his successful online information magazine 'EUR Web.' Bailey discusses the impact of the Internet and multimedia on the radio broadcasting industry. Lee Bailey talks about the future plans for his business saying he wants to expand to many different platforms. He then talks about the demographics of his Internet publication 'EUR Web,' and discusses his advertising strategy. Bailey then talks about how he keeps up to date with current musical trends, and lists some of his favorite current artists. He reflects on his successful career, discussing how he has been a mentor to young black musicians. Bailey then discusses the current state of urban radio and radio broadcasting in general. Bailey explains why he feels urban radio could be more informative than it is, and discusses possible solutions. He then talks about how the Internet will force the radio broadcasting industry to become more personalized. Bailey also discusses the effects of consolidation on the radio broadcasting industry.

39 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)