From DJ to Professor

Mike Adams personal appearance at WCOL AM event

The Remarkable Journey of Mike Adams

In the annals of radio history, few figures embody the spirit of the medium quite like Mike Adams. From his early days spinning records at WCOL in Columbus, Ohio, to his later career as a respected academic and radio historian, Adams’ life story is a testament to the enduring power and allure of radio.

Mike Adams’ journey in radio began in the early 1960s, but not under the name we now know him by. Born Terrence Hackney, the young radio enthusiast found himself at the doorstep of WCOL-AM in Columbus, Ohio, in 1963. The station, a powerhouse of Top 40 hits, was about to become the launching pad for a career that would span decades and transform not just Adams’ life, but the way we understand radio history.

The story of how Terrence Hackney became Mike Adams is a quintessential tale of radio lore. As Adams himself often recounted, he arrived at WCOL after being hired over the phone. When he showed up at the station, he encountered DJ Sonny Palmer, who was handling the six to midnight shift. Palmer, seeing a tape cartridge labeled “Mike Adams Show Intro,” assumed the young man before him must be Mike Adams. In that moment, a radio legend was born.

This name change wasn’t just a quirk of circumstance; it was a common practice in the radio industry of the time. As Adams later explained, DJs often used pseudonyms to protect their privacy, preventing listeners from looking up their real names in the phone book and calling them at home. Little did anyone know that this chance rechristening would stick with Adams for the rest of his life, eventually becoming his legal name.

The WCOL Years

WCOL-AM in the 1960s and ’70s was more than just a radio station; it was a cultural touchstone for Columbus and beyond. As one of the premier Top 40 stations in the Midwest, WCOL played a crucial role in shaping the musical tastes of a generation. It was in this vibrant, fast-paced environment that Mike Adams honed his craft as a DJ.

Adams quickly became known for his smooth delivery and encyclopedic knowledge of music. He worked various shifts at WCOL, becoming one of the most recognized personalities in Columbus. Listeners tuning in might hear Adams introducing the latest Beatles hit, bantering between songs, or hosting one of the station’s many popular contests and promotions.

The impact of Adams and his colleagues at WCOL extended far beyond the city limits of Columbus. The station was known as a “breakout” station, often being the first to play new records. If a song gained traction on WCOL, it was likely to be picked up by stations across the country. This influence gave Adams and his fellow DJs a front-row seat to the evolving music scene of the 1960s and ’70s.

From Behind the Mic to Behind the Desk

While many might have been content with a successful career as a radio personality, Adams’ curiosity and passion for the medium led him down a different path. As the 1970s progressed, Adams felt the pull of academia. He returned to school, earning both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Ohio State University in 1973 and 1974, respectively.

This transition from DJ to scholar wasn’t a departure from radio, but rather a deepening of Adams’ relationship with the medium. His academic pursuits allowed him to explore the history and cultural impact of radio in ways that went far beyond his experiences behind the microphone.

Adams’ journey took him from the Midwest to the West Coast, where he found a home at San Jose State University. Here, he would spend decades shaping the next generation of broadcasters and media professionals as a professor in the Radio, Television, and Film department.

A Legacy in Education

At San Jose State University, Adams didn’t just teach radio; he lived it. As a professor and later as department chair and associate dean of the College of Humanities and the Arts, Adams brought his real-world experience and passion for radio history into the classroom. He supervised the college radio station, bridging the gap between academic theory and practical application.

Adams’ impact on his students was profound. He didn’t just teach them how to operate a soundboard or write a script; he instilled in them a deep appreciation for the history and cultural significance of radio. Many of his former students went on to successful careers in broadcasting, carrying with them the lessons and enthusiasm Adams had imparted.

As Adams delved deeper into radio history, he began to make significant contributions to the field as both a researcher and author. His books have become essential reading for anyone interested in the development of radio and early broadcasting technology.

Among his most notable works is “Lee de Forest, King of Radio, Television, and Film,” published in 2012. This comprehensive biography of Lee de Forest, one of the fathers of radio technology, showcases Adams’ ability to bring historical figures to life while providing insightful analysis of their contributions to the field.

Another significant publication is “The Radio Boys and Girls: Radio, Telegraph, Telephone and Wireless Adventures for Juvenile Readers, 1890-1945,” released in 2015. This unique work examines more than 50 volumes of wireless and radio-themed fiction aimed at young readers, offering a fascinating glimpse into how radio was perceived and presented to youth during its formative years.

Adams also paid homage to his radio roots with “Columbus Radio,” published in 2016. This book, part of Arcadia Publishing’s Images of America series, chronicles the rich history of radio in Columbus, including his own experiences at WCOL. Adams’ contributions to radio history weren’t limited to the printed page. He created two award-winning documentaries for PBS: the Emmy-nominated “Radio Collector” and “Broadcasting’s Forgotten Father.” These films brought radio history to life for a new generation of viewers, showcasing Adams’ skill not just as a historian, but as a storyteller.

His work in preserving and promoting radio history earned Adams numerous accolades from the broadcasting community. He received the Antique Wireless Association’s Houck Award, the Southern California Historical Radio Society’s President’s Award, the Tube Collectors of America’s Stokes Award, and the Radio Club of America’s Ralph Batcher Award. These honors reflect the high esteem in which Adams was held by his peers in both the academic and broadcasting worlds.

A Lasting Impact

Mike Adams’ journey from a young DJ at WCOL to a respected professor and radio historian is more than just a personal success story; it’s a testament to the enduring fascination and importance of radio in American culture. Through his teaching, writing, and research, Adams has ensured that the rich history of radio will be preserved and appreciated for generations to come.

As we look back on Adams’ career from our vantage point in 2025, his impact on the field of radio studies is clear. His work has inspired countless students to explore the medium, whether as broadcasters, historians, or simply as passionate listeners. His books and documentaries continue to be valuable resources for anyone seeking to understand the development and cultural significance of radio.

For current broadcasters, Adams’ career offers a powerful reminder of radio’s roots and its continued relevance in the digital age. His journey from behind the microphone to the classroom demonstrates the depth and breadth of opportunities within the world of radio, encouraging today’s professionals to think broadly about their own careers and the future of the medium.

For former radio professionals, Adams’ work serves as a validation of their experiences and contributions to the industry. His meticulous research and engaging storytelling have helped to preserve the stories and achievements of countless radio pioneers, ensuring that their legacies will not be forgotten.

As we remember Mike Adams, who passed away in 2024, we celebrate a life dedicated to radio in all its forms. From the young man who stumbled into a new identity at WCOL to the respected professor and author, Adams never lost his passion for the medium that shaped his life. His legacy serves as an inspiration to all who love radio, reminding us of its power to inform, entertain, and connect us across the airwaves.

In an era of podcasts, streaming services, and digital media, the story of Mike Adams reminds us of the magic of radio – its ability to spark imagination, foster community, and give voice to diverse perspectives. As we look to the future of broadcasting, we would do well to remember the lessons and insights Adams has left us, ensuring that the spirit of innovation and creativity that defined radio’s golden age continues to thrive in the digital era.

Mike Adams’ journey from DJ to professor is more than just a personal story; it’s a testament to the enduring power of radio and its ability to shape lives, careers, and culture. His legacy will continue to inspire and educate for years to come, ensuring that the rich history of radio remains a vital part of our cultural conversation.