Zilla Mays

The late, Zilla Mays was inducted into the NBRHOF in two categories including One of America’s First Black D.J.’s and the Posthumous Radio Pioneer Award. Mays was once a singer turned D.J. and a community leader. Mays was Georgia’s first Black D.J. and she was
only 1 of 3 in the United States.

Mays broadcasting career began at WAOK in 1954 where she was first known as The Mystery Lady until her identity was revealed and she became known as The Dream Girl. She continued to perform along with Piano Red, sometimes on-air throughout the 1950s. Her career at WAOK continued for some 40 years where she worked until her death in 1995.

Tori Bailey

I guess you could say, Tori Bailey was born into it. Bailey is presently the CEO of Muscle Shoals Broadcasting and the general manager of
the radio station her parents, Robert “Carl” Bailey and her mother, Odessa Bailey founded in 1972. The purpose of WZZA back then was to be a voice for the Black community in northwest Alabama, which it remains today under Bailey’s leadership.

Bailey was inducted into the NBRHOF in the category of African American Station Owner. She maintains the heritage through her public affairs show, “A Look at the Shoals,” which highlights
education, health, politics, and financial empowerment.

In addition to her work in radio, Bailey is serving her 3rd term as President of the NAACP Tri-County Branch and she was recently elected the first woman on the Colbert County Commission.

Black Women In Radio salutes these two trailblazers. Black Women In Radio seeks to highlight the contributions and hard work of black women in radio, especially those who have helped shape Black culture such as these two ladies.