Hundley Aylesbury Thompson began his career at WBT in 1971, and later became only the third morning show host in the station’s history since 1930, following in the footsteps of Grady Cole and Ty Boyd. After a brief run in the early hours, he really hit his stride a few years later when he took over the 10-3 shift. He would dominate that daypart for 17 years, including one stretch in 1977 where he was the most listened-to radio personality in America.
H.A. was one of WBT’s most dynamic and versatile personalities. He was among the first in the county to incorporate phone calls and daily listener surveys into his show to go along with the music.
He was active in the community and an advertising force. Local businesses like Sonny’s Real Pit BBQ, Mantis Family Restaurant, and the Mid-Atlantic Boat Show used him as a pitchman to put them on the map.
Thompson moved on from WBT in December of 1990 and subsequently founded Rose Chauffeured Transportation, which he runs with his family to this day.
At WBT’s 90th anniversary in 2012, H.A. was inducted into the WBT Hall of Fame.
In Episode 3 of WBT’s Century Podcast, Bo Thompson sits down with the ultimate architect of midday radio, H.A. Thompson.