To the editor:

I’ve read with interest the ads, articles and letters about WTYN and enjoyed seeing the great photo Chris Bartol submitted recently. So far, no one has mentioned another significant “graduate” from “1550 on your radio dial.”

John G. Landrum III, who has spent most of his 38-year career at WESC-FM in Greenville, S.C., began his career as a teenager at WTYN in the early ‘70s.  He did everything from Fresh Air Time on the street (in front of what was then Tryon Federal) to running the board on weekends for gospel groups and interviews.

Landrum accepted an air staff position at WESC in 1979.  As an air personality, he was at one time ranked 15th in the nation and recognized by “Radio & Records” magazine.

Nicknamed by singer Barbara Mandrell, Landrum has been known as “Long John” for most of his career.

He currently serves as music director for WESC and still works an evening air shift. He has launched a number of new stations for WESC’s parent company Clear Channel Communications, most recently in Augusta, Ga. and Raleigh, N.C.

– Rita Landrum, Landrum