Graves Succeeds ‘Dollar Bill’ At WDXB
• Big day at iHeartMedia Country WDXB (102.5 The Bull)/Birmingham, AL, as morning legend “Dollar” Bill Lawson announced his retirement, effective Friday, April 21, closing out a remarkable 50-year career. Lawson (left), the 2019 recipient of the CRS Tom Rivers Humanitarian Award and a 2023 Country Radio Hall of Fame inductee, originally broke the news on-air on April 3.
“I have loved every minute of every day serving the Alabama community, but it’s time to step away,” said Lawson, whose career began in 1973 and has been part of the Bull family since the station launched in 2002, initially paired with the late Patti Wheeler, and for the past 14 years with Madison Reeves. He added, “My wife Mary retired a few years back and I’m excited to spend more time with her, our kids and grandkids.”
“Bill Lawson is not the gold standard, he is the standard,” said Dino Conard, Program Director of 102.5 The Bull. “Over his 50 years in Alabama radio, Bill has raised $5 million for St. Jude, helped with countless other charities and been a friend everyone he meets. Our lives are enriched because of Dollar Bill and all he has accomplished.”
Market President Ronnie Bloodworth remarked, “If you have ever spent five minutes with Bill you either laughed or found out just how passionate he was for helping the children of St. Jude or The Children’s Hospital. Being in radio, we have a responsibility to entertain and serve our communities. Bill did both for over 50 years. Thank you, Bill, for being that guy we all hope to be.”
• Shortly thereafter, 102.5 The Bull introduced Lawson’s successor — major market veteran Spencer Graves (right), who debuts Monday, April 24. “Spencer is an incredible talent and integral to the future success of 102.5 the Bull,” said PD Dino Conard. “He is well-liked and respected by listeners, clients and country artists alike. Alabama, let’s ride!”
Graves most recently co-hosted the morning show on iHeartMedia sister WUBL (94.9 The Bull)/Atlantauntil late 2021. Earlier stops include mornings on Hubbard Radio Adult Hits WARH (106.5 The Arch)/St. Louis, and six years at WSTW/Wilmington, DE. Graves got his start in Roanoke, VA at the age of 17, and has worked in Texas, California and Pennsylvania. Prior to joining WSTW in 2009, Graves was working in San Diego as an Internet Marketing Manager and a broadcaster with the San Diego Gulls minor league hockey team.
“I’m honored to be given the chance to propel several iconic brands within radio and iHeartMedia and I look forward to taking the reigns at 102.5 the Bull,” Graves said. “Starting as a 17-year-old kid, from the middle of nowhere Virginia, I’ve been fortunate to be on air all over the US. With that said, nothing makes me more excited than being a part of these big changes.”
