WNOE AM and FM New Orleans

For decades, WNOE was a defining voice in New Orleans radio, shaping the musical tastes of an entire generation. From its early days in the 1950s through the golden years of the 1960s and 1970s, WNOE-AM and later WNOE-FM played a critical role in broadcasting the latest hits, elevating local DJs to celebrity status, and keeping the Crescent City dancing to the beat of pop, rock, and country music.

The Birth of a Giant

WNOE’s history dates back to 1939 when it was founded by former Louisiana Governor James A. Noe. Originally a standard local AM station, WNOE took a bold leap into the Top 40 format in the 1950s, which helped launch its rise to prominence. The station mirrored the national radio revolution, spinning the biggest rock and pop hits of the era while becoming a launching pad for some of New Orleans’ most iconic radio personalities.

The 1960s: WNOE Takes Over the Airwaves

By the 1960s, WNOE was one of the most popular radio stations in the Gulf South, playing the hits that defined a generation. The station went head-to-head with its primary competitor, WTIX, in what became a legendary rivalry for the attention of young listeners. During this time, WNOE’s roster of DJs—some of whom became household names—delivered fast-paced, personality-driven radio with humor, promotions, and contests that kept listeners engaged.

Among the most memorable promotions was WNOE’s stunt on February 14, 1955, when the station launched its 24-hour broadcast schedule by playing “Shtiggy Boom” by The Nuggets for nearly 59 consecutive hours, capturing the city’s imagination.

The 1970s: Expanding and Evolving

WNOE maintained its dominance into the 1970s by adapting to the changing landscape of radio. The station continued playing Top 40 hits, but as FM radio gained traction with superior sound quality, WNOE responded by launching WNOE-FM in 1968. While initially similar to its AM counterpart, WNOE-FM later shifted to album-oriented rock (AOR) before transitioning to a country format in 1980.

During this period, WNOE-AM remained a powerhouse, hosting major events, exclusive interviews, and live remote broadcasts. The station’s promotions—often wacky and attention-grabbing—kept it at the forefront of New Orleans radio culture. Its influence extended beyond just playing music; WNOE shaped local pop culture, highlighting trends and giving a platform to both national and local artists.

The Legacy of WNOE

WNOE’s legacy is forever etched in New Orleans radio history. While the industry evolved and formats changed, those who grew up in the 60s and 70s still recall the excitement of tuning in to hear the latest hits, the antics of beloved DJs, and the fierce rivalry with WTIX.

Today, WNOE-FM continues as a country station, but for those who remember its heyday, WNOE-AM was more than just a radio station—it was the heartbeat of an era, bringing the music, voices, and energy of New Orleans to life over the airwaves.