If you were planning on joining the Carolina Beach Music Academy and you'd like to be able to nominate your favorites in 2024, your final chance to join is here! Be sure to visit the CBMA website and join by July 1, 2024. You can support your favorites in all catergories including; bands, musicians, events, radio stations, DJs, songs, producers and everyone in the industry that keeps beach music alive. Show your support and join today and make plans to attend Cammy Weekend in November in N. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Across many platforms, friends of Don Tetreault are sharing their stories and many memories of "Twister" or "The Kissing Bandit". He touched many lives throughout the industry and it's great to see all of the stories shared. Once an obituary and/or service information has been shared, we'll be sure to update you with that information.
Starting as a one hour show in late 1989 and later moving into a four hour format, the Friday Beach Blast has been entertaining beach music lovers for years with longtime radio DJ Johnny Draper. Sadly on June 5, 2024, George Whitley "Johnny" Draper passed away at the age of eighty three. (see related story).
During the Friday, June 14, 2024 Friday Beach Blast broadcast, it was announced that our very own Andy Lucy would be taking over the popular radio show and his first show is coming up on Friday, July 5, 2024. Andy started in the DJ business at only sixteen years old and his radio career began at WEVA in Emporia, Virginia in 1997. Andy loves beach music and the industry as a whole. He's also co-founder of Flip Flop Live and Flip Flop Live Radio and as always he continues to help promote the industry and he's not one to toot his own horn so I will do it for him. You will not only hear Andy behind the mic but you will find him at various shows throughout Virginia and the Carolinas supporting the bands, fellow DJs and of course seeing all of the many friends he's made within the beach music community.
Learn more about Andy, find a live streaming player and connect with him on his page!
Be sure to tune in every Friday beginning July 5, 2024 from 5:00PM until 9:00PM on WTRG 97.9FM, WDLZ 98.3FM, WWDW 107.7FM and of course streaming on the Tune-In app and each station's website. Andy will be continuing the tradition and taking your reqeusts by calling 252-538-9790
The Feature Attraction Band announced they've released their newest single "We're Not Here for a Long Time (We're Here for a Good Time). The song is currently available from your favorite beach music DJs and it's also available to stream on your favorite service. You can listen to the new song below!
On June 5, 2024 it was shared on the WTRG facebook page that longtime radio host, Johnny Draper had passed. The post reads; "It is with Heavy Hearts that we have to share the passing of this Radio Legend Johnny Draper. Johnny Hosted The Friday Night Beach Blast for many years. Johnny gave many of us our start in Radio many years ago. Condolences goes out to his family and many friends. RIP Johnny Draper. Keep checking back for more details on his arrangements."
Starting as a one hour show in late 1989 and later moving into a four hour format, the Friday Beach Blast has been entertaining beach music lovers for years. On June 5, 2024, George Whitley "Johnny" Draper passed away at the age of eighty three. Johnny worked his way up from announcer, program director, assistant manager, general manager, and became an Owner in the 70’s of WCBT Radio. In 1988 Johnny formed Draper Communications and put WLGQ (97Q) on the air and you could hear him weekly as host of the Friday Beach Blast and with his show Exclusive Gold heard on Sundays.
On November 11, 2022, Johnny was inducted into the Carolina Beach Music Hall of Fame by beach music DJ Butch Halpin and Carolina Beach Music Executive Board Member during Cammy Weekend in N. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. As regular listeners here at Flip Flop Live, Johnny was great at what he did and people loved him and we're so proud that we were also able to call him a friend.
Obituary Announcement:
George Whitley “Johnny” Draper, 83, of Weldon, NC passed away on Wednesday, June 5, 2024.Johnny was the son of the late George Whitley Draper, Sr. and Louise Millikin Draper. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Draper, his sister, Sally Ray Draper Warren and his niece, Lillian Clark Hill. Johnny loved radio; he owned and operated WCBT, WSMY and WLGQ radio stations for several years. He was a life-time member of the Weldon Fire Department and was the Mayor of Weldon for 40 years. He was a lover of beach music and hosted the Friday Night Beach Blast on area stations since the late 1980’s. He was inducted into the Carolina “DJ” Beach Music Hall of Fame in 2022. He is survived by his daughter, Lori Draper of Weldon, his sister, Peggy Draper Coker and her husband, Jimmy of Roanoke Rapids and his nephew, Whit Coker of Roanoke Rapids. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2024 at 11:00 AM in the chapel of Askew Funeral and Cremation Services in Roanoke Rapids with Rev. Randy Martin officiating. The family will receive friends after the service. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Weldon Fire Department at 109 Washington Ave., Weldon, NC 27890.
If you'd like to send your condolences to the family, you can sign his guestbook on the funeral home's website.
For the past 5 years, Camron Dudley has been an integral part of our band, contributing his immense talent, creativity, and passion to every performance, recording, and behind-the-scenes management.
Today, we are sad to announce his departure from Cat5live.
His unique musical style and infectious energy has and will leave an incredible mark on our band and our fans and friends.
We are eternally grateful for the incredible memories, laughter, and musical moments we have shared with Camron. His contributions have shaped our band's identity and will forever be treasured. We wish Camron all the best in his future endeavors and look forward to witnessing his continued success.
Thank you, Camron, for the unforgettable experiences and for being a cherished member of our musical family. Your presence will be deeply missed.
Cat5 will carry on touring and performing at the highest standard possible for the year 2024 and beyond. For Bookings, please call Abby at BrioLive 704-467-5397.
The Atlantic Beach Shag Club CSA Shag Contest was held March 22nd and March 23rd 2024 at Memories Beach Club in Atlantic Beach, NC below are the final results!
Amateur Division=- 5 Couples
1. Robby and Caryn Helms
2. Dewayne Rivenbark and Sheila Fulcher
3. Tony Wolter and Barbara Smith
4. Ron and Jen Blackwelder
5. Jack Bond and Tricia Drew
Novice Division- 8 Couples
1. Tim and Ashley Lauer
2. James and Leah Bryant
3. Clay and Cheryl Parker
4. Rick Hahn and Jo Patrick Simokat
5. Paul and Rebecca Blackwelder
6. Mark and Robin Casey
7. Donnie and Kelly Sanders
8. Lou Martino and Dottie
Sr. Pro Division- 5- Couples
1. Gene Pope and Tobitha Stewart
2. Gene and Kathy Benfield
3. Bruce Yates and Barbara Banks
4. Jesse Bradshaw and Pat Folds
5. Archer and Pat Joyce
Pro Division- 5 Couples
1. Joey and Jennifer Sogluizzo
2. Adam Holmes and Erica Russell
3. Carlton Vinson and Brandi Dockery
4. Allan Grider and Pat Folds
5. Marcus and Cameron Thigpen
On Saturday, January 6, 2024 the Part Time Party Time Band announced on their Facebook page the passing of forty plus year member, Garry Gahagen. Garry was the bassist for the band. On their website it says that Garry "enjoyed performing and recording with regional and national acts throughout the Eastern seaboard and internationally."
We extend our condolences to his family as well as his Part Time Party Time Band family.
On Wednesday, January 3, 2024 the Castaways announced the release of their new single, "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me" featuring Karen Clayton and Bardy Hasting on vocals. Their Facebook post reads: "Happy New Year everyone! We are starting the new year off with a new single release! "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me" featuring Karen Clayton and Brady Hasting has been sent out to DJs. Please request. Also, check out Karen's collaboration duet with Mike Taylor of The Holiday Band, "I'm Your Puppet" Looking forward to spreading a lot of love in 2024!!"
Call you favorite DJs and stations to request it and you can also listen and purchase a copy on their website.
The South Carolina Shaggers Hall of Fame have announced their 2024 Inductees. The induction party will be held February 3, 2024 in the backroom at Fat Harold's Beach Club in N. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. For full event details, visit their website.
The 2023 Carolina Beach Music Industry Awards show will be held, Saturday, November 11, 2023 at 3:00PM at the Spanish Galleon in N. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. If you're unable to attend in person you'll be able to listen live online thanks to Riptide Radio. You can listen on their website and we'll also have it streaming here on Flip Flop Live at this link and via the player below. Good luck to all of the nominees!
The beach music community is mourning the loss of the legendary Johnny Barker. If you're a fan of beach music you will certainly recognize his name and the music that he has written and/or performed. So many condolence messages and stories have been shared across the various social media platforms today since the announcement of his passing on Wednesday, October 25, 2023. We extend our thoughts and prayers to Johnny's family along with the Catalinas family and all of the people who were lucky enough to call him a friend. His contributions to the industry are unmatched and throughout the various posts that we've read today, so many have called him a musical icon, legend, one of a kind, songwriter extrordinaire and so much more.
We will update this post with his obituary once that has been released and we will continue to pray for his family and friends during this difficult time.
The Carolina Beach Music Academy (CBMA) will be announcing the 2023 Hall of Fame Inductees on Friday, April 21, 2023 LIVE on 94.9FM The Surf. Join; The Professor, Harold Ballard, Jim Quick, Jim Morgan, Jay Kinlaw, and CBMA President Peter Carpenter. You can stream the show by clicking the player below and on the Surf website. We look forward to hearing the names as they're announced LIVE from 11:00AM until 1:00PM.
On April 2, 2023 Barbara Swanke shared the following post on the popular Facebook group "Willie C's Beach Music Cafe" - "Sadly WillieC has passed and this Cafe will be taken down.Thank you to all who have expressed condolences. Bill truly enjoyed the music and meeting so many of you with like interests."
We send our condolences to Willie's entire family and we've enjoyed being members of the popular Facebook group where so many shared stories, videos, music and more throughout the group. We've included his obituary below and if you'd like to send your online condolences to the family, please follow the link to the funeral home website.
Obituary
William C. Swanke Jr., age 79, of Little River, South Carolina passed away on Monday, March 6, 2023. Born on September 15, 1943, in Bronx, NY, he was a son of the late William C. Swanke, Sr. and Florence Welch Swanke. He married Barbara on April 24,1984 in New Mexico.
An Assistant VP Director of CIGNA Medicare Systems, William retired following 40+ years of dedicated service in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Tennessee. Following his retirement, he and Barbara moved to North Myrtle Beach, SC.
William was a founding member of United Group Harmony Association "UGHA" in New Jersey and hosted a vocal group radio show, "The Big Beat Show". He was the creator and owner of WillieC's RnB Beach Music Cafe Internet Radio, WillieC was well-known throughout Ocean Drive Beach, and would always be seen at all the SOS hangouts. He was awarded the 2007 CBMA "Michael Branch Award" and the Industry Appreciation Award"; 2008 CBMA "Michael Branch Award" and the "Internet Radio Show of the Year Award", the 2009 CMBA "Michael Branch Award" and was nominated for the 2010 CBMA Internet Radio Show.
Surviving are his wife of 39 years, Barbara Swanke; children, Christine Tucker, Thomas McKeough, and Jeffrey Swanke. He is also survived by grandchildren, Patrick Tucker, Jesse McKeough, Matthew Tucker, Thomas McKeough, and Katelyn McKeough.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at Lee Funeral Home and Crematory, 11840 Highway 90, Little River, SC 29566.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.leefhandcrematory.com for the Swanke family.
The industry is mourning the loss of Craig Fleming and so many throughout the industry have expressed their condolences by way of social media. We've certainly missed his "Inside the Music" articles on BeachMusic45 and we send our thoughts and prayers to his family. He was such a great guy and wonderful supporter of the beach music industry. You will find his obituary below and if you'd like to send your online condolences to the family, please visit the link to the funeral home website.
Obituary:
Honea Path – Thomas Craig Fleming, 55, beloved husband of Jenifer Bates Fleming, of Griffin Farm Road, went home to be with his Savior on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at AnMed Health Center. Born in Anderson County, he was a son of the late Thomas Charlie and Nancy Sharpe Fleming. As a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, he was active in the Men’s Group. Previously, he served at Bethany World Outreach Center as the pre-worship music minister. He was a 1985 graduate of BHP High School and held an Associate of Arts from Tri-County Technical College. He was manager of CVS Pharmacy of Belton, where he greeted every visitor to the store with a smile.
He loved going to the beach and soaking up the sunshine and was also a member and DJ of the Electric City Shag Club. On many a beach trip, he and Jenifer could be found out on the dance floor “cutting a rug” with the official state dance, the Shag. He also was an avid music fan, and turned that love into a part time passion as a DJ at beach gatherings, weddings, reunions, and special occasions. He also enjoyed watching the Gamecocks play and collected memorabilia from his favorite team.
Surviving are his wife of the home, a sister, Lisa Howell (Russ) of Honea Path, niece, Danielle Allen (Candace) of Williamston, father and mother-in-law, Bill and Jane Bates of Honea Path, brother-in-law Gil Bates (Kelly Jo) of Rockey Top, TN, and brother-in-law Greg Bates (Casey) of Honea Path, and 36 nieces and nephews, and 28 great-nieces and great-nephews.
His celebration of life will be held at 4 P.M. on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at Trinity United Methodist Church with the Rev. Rickey Knight, the Rev. Chris Arries, and the Rev. Gil Bates officiating. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 P.M. Tuesday in the social hall of Trinity United Methodist Church prior to the service. Burial will follow the service in the Garden of Memories. The family is at the home.
On March 27, 2023, the Association of Beach and Shag Club DJs (ABSCDJS) shared the following post: " We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing or our fellow DJ Billy Layton. Our sincere condolences go out to his wife Nina Carol and his family as we keep them in our thoughts and prayers."
We send our prayers and condolences to his family and friends and we've included a link below to his online guest book if you'd like to send your condolences to the family.
Obituary:
Billy Ray Layton, age 75, a resident of Washington, NC, died Sunday March 26, 2023, surrounded by friends and family at ECU Medical Center in Greenville, NC. The family will receive friends from 7:00PM until 9:00 PM Thursday March 30, 2023, at Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington. Mr. Layton was born in Pitt County on June 16, 1947, to the late Wesley Layton and Frances Merritt Layton. On May 2, 2015, he married Nina Carol Rhodes. Mr. Layton loved being a DJ, listening to beach music, and going fishing. He was a lifelong member of the Eastern North Carolina Shag Club, a member of the Staton House Fire Department for over 20 years, and the DJ Association in Myrtle Beach.
Survivors include his wife, Nina Carol Layton of the home, three children, Richard L. Layton of Greenville, Renea L. McGehee and husband Gary of Biscoe, Tanya L. McGrady of Albemarle, ten grandchildren, Carley J. Williams, Hunter Pierce Layton, Caleb Scott Suggs, Leya Grace Suggs, Joshua David Layton, Hannah Diane Anderson, Jason Anderson, Meghan Anderson, Kayleigh Gaskins, Riley Gaskins, a brother, Glen Layton, two step sons, Jon Ramsey and Larkin of Kinston, Jason Ramsey and wife Rachel of Raleigh, and six step grandchildren, Jaylin, Payton, Caleb, Isla, Owen, and Cole. He is preceded in death by a grandchild, Weston Orr, a step granddaughter, Jessica Ramsey, and a brother, Wesley Layton. Condolences may be addressed to the family online by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Layton family.
On March 13, 2023 the National Shag Championships announced the 2023 results on their Facebook page and we've included that list for you below. Congratulations to the winners!
On Sunday, March 5, 2023 the Band of Oz among so many friends and fans throughout the industry shared the sad news of the passing of Scott Fine. The bands post reads: "It’s with a heavy heart and through tears that I post about one of our Band of Oz Family. Scott Fine passed today, as we get more information we will keep everyone informed. Prayers for Cody, his mom and the rest of the Family. What a great voice, entertainer and Friend. In case you didn’t know, he loved every single one of you!"
We send our thoughts and prayers to Scott's family as well as his Band of Oz family. From all of the memories, comments and posts made throughout social media you can see just how much Scott meant to so many within the beach music community. Below you will find funeral information as well as the band's original post.
Scott's Obituary: Daniel Scott Fine, 40, of Little River, SC passed away at his residence on Sunday, March 5, 2023. A native of Alamance County, he was the husband of Cody Fine, who survives of Little River, SC and the son of the late Paul Daniel Fine and Christine Fine, who survives of Graham, NC. He was a musician and entertainer. He was well known in the beach music industry, playing with The Classics, The Attractions, The Band of Oz, and The Young Guns. He loved cooking and catering for others. He loved time spent with his friends.
A graveside service will be conducted at Cedar Cliff United Methodist Church Cemetery, Graham, NC on Monday, March 13, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. by Rev. Jimmy Wooten. Immediately following the graveside service, the family will receive friends in the Club House of The Challenge Golf Course, 1179 Challenge Drive, Graham, NC. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, Memorial Processing Center, P.O. Box 5216, Glen Allen, VA 23058-5216.Rich & Thompson Funeral Home and Crematory in Graham is assisting the family.
The Band of Oz has welcomed three new members to their lineup. In a Facebook post on Tuesday, February 28, 2023 the band posted: "Help us welcome these seasoned and incredible musicians to the Band of Oz family! Doug Winstead, Tim Clark and Jody Bundy. We are having so much fun and the energy is contagious. You gotta check our calendar at www.bandofoz.com and come see for yourself!"
We've watched several videos of the band that include the new members and we're looking forward to catching a live show soon. We've included the band's original post below along with a post from Tim and Doug from their pages about their new venture.
On Tuesday, February 21, 2023, the Holiday Band announced a new member to their lineup. Their release reads: "THE HOLIDAY BAND welcomes STEVE EDMUNDS to the group!! Steve is a soulful singer and a multi instrumentalist. He will be playing keyboards and singing lead and backing vocals. Steve has been a member of the beach music community for quite some time. He has played with The Castaways and Hip Pocket. He recently had a beach music hit with Gary Lowder with a duet release of the Hall And Oates song Kiss On My List. Steve is also a producer and songwriter. The Holiday Band is excited to join forces with Steve and continue to play the music we love."
Conratulations to Steve and the band and we hope to see you on the road very soon!
