Hattie Leeper [3], 2007 January 19

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Identifier: OH-LE0438

Staff Only

"Chatty" Hattie Leeper oral history interview 3, 2007 January 19

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Scope and Contents

In the last of three interviews with Christina Wright, radio DJ "Chatty" Hattie Leeper discusses her career in radio and other professional pursuits in Charlotte, North Carolina, from the 1950s through the time of interview. She shares stories about her colleagues during her employment with WGIV, WRPL, and WAYS radio stations, including "Genial" Gene Potts, specifics about the how radio broadcasting changed over the decades, instances of workplace harassment and gender discrimination, and the widespread practice of payola, the practice of offering compensation to DJs for playing certain artists' songs, during the mid to late-twentieth century. Ms. Leeper also discusses opening, running, and ultimately closing her school, Chatty's School of Communication, operating a free summer camp for children, holding successful talent competitions for young people, and other acts of service for the community that she engaged in. Ms. Leeper concludes by offering advice on how to be successful in life.

Dates

Creation: 2007 January 19

Biographical Note

Hattie Leeper was around 76 years old at the time of interview, which took place at her home in Charlotte, North Carolina. She was born in Edgemoor, South Carolina in 1930. She attended Central Piedmont Community College, earned a Master' in Education Administration, and was employed as a disc jockey at WGIV, WRPL, and WAYS radio stations; the chair of the broadcasting department at Gaston College; and the founder and owner of Chatty School of Communication.