In Memoriam

Alex Ward, a legendary Memphis DJ who helped our film festival  through its various incarnations including the Memphis Film Festival, the Mid-South Nostalgia Festival and, most recently, at the Flashback Film and TV Festival, suddenly passed away on August 20th. I'm told his death was the result of a cancerous tumor. I believe he was in his late 70's. 

Alex's career in radio spanned nearly six decades. He first came on the scene about 1967 over Memphis station WHBQ. It wasn't  long before he became a household name in the MidSouth by creating and  hosting the "Pig and Whistle Oldies Show" showcasing his knowledge of the musical hits so many listeners grew up with. He also took his show outside the studio to class reunions, corporate parties, anniversaries, and weddings. 

His involvement with our festival went back more than 20 years when he hosted "sock hops" where our attendees listened and danced to his playlists and personal requests. Alex's friendship with Memphis entertainer Rob Haynes led us to bring Rob and his band to our festival several times where he wowed audiences with his singing, piano and guitar playing.  

In more recent years, Alex could be  heard over Memphis stations KTQR, KVPI and on Sirius XM where he hosted  its "Pink and Black Days." We will be eternally grateful to Alex for all he did for us and for his historic contributions to the preservation of music history. Our sincere condolences go out to his family and  friends.

- Ray Nielsen