Cumulus Media-Charleston confirms that legendary Charleston radio personality, Frankie Green, known on-air as “Frankie the Big Bopper,” passed away Wednesday morning. Frankie was a native Charlestonian and a much-loved fixture on the Low-country entertainment scene for more than 40 years. Since February 2000, he hosted a popular radio show that aired on Urban AC station WMGL-FM/Magic 107.3 every Saturday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., playing old school and the blues and sharing stories and community information with his passionate and loyal audience.
Even as a child, radio had a big influence on his life. “I saw how the community depended on the radio,” said Frankie, who grew up in public housing on Charleston’s East Side. “They listened, not just for music, but to be informed.”
In January 2015, Frankie was honored by President Barack Obama with the President’s Volunteer Service Award. The City of Charleston proclaimed April 25, 2006 as “Frankie the Big Bopper Day” in Charleston, and presented him with a proclamation honoring his service to the Charleston community and a key to the city.
Market Manager Sherry Dollar said, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of a true Charleston treasure, and our colleague and friend, Frankie the Big Bopper, and send our thoughts and prayers to his family. He was much loved by our community and those who enjoyed his brilliant talent for 18 years on WMGL, and he will be greatly missed. We will honor Frankie’s memory by naming the Magic studio as Frankie the Big Bopper Studio, and will remember him always.”
Details regarding memorial services for Frankie are forthcoming.
