Meeting Mr. Mayhugh: Encounter With a Washington Radio Legend
The Dumbarton United Methodist Church in Georgetown has been around long enough to have been a Civil War hospital, hosting casualties from the rout at Bull Run. It was also on Abe Lincoln's circuit of Sunday-services at churches of various denominations.
Lately, on Winter Saturday nights, the old church gives over its sanctuary of soft yellow candle light to profane music, mostly classical concerts. However, the line-up recently featured the Chuck Redd Quartet with its namesake hammering out on the vibraphone tunes associated with Lionel Hampton and Milt Jackson.
Virtuosi as Mr. Redd and his associates are, what got me to plunk for two tickets was the appearance of Bill Mayhugh as MC. Someone I have written about elsewhere (WHEL: Washington Radio Past and Present ), native Washingtonian Mayhugh began disc-jockeying in the 40s and was the all-night host on WMAL during its golden years. I went thinking it would be nice to get a chance to shake hands and say hello.
Well, who do you think pulled in next to us in the parking lot?
"Hiya, Mister Mayhugh!" I hailed, "I used to listen to you when I couldn't sleep!"
"You're the one!" he bellowed back.
We chatted briefly about mutual acquaintances and scenes. He believes he was the second non-Catholic ever to be accepted by St. John's High School (his brother being "the first"). I left him with that illusion. He seems to be a very nice guy, a bit on the shy side who doesn't know what to do with the fact that people remember his career. When I introduced him as a "legend in Washington radio," he said, "That means I'm old."
Copyright © 2004 by Neal J. Conway. All rights reserved.