David Norris

Shows

David Norris
Retired Radio Professional
Historical Preservationist

December 21, 2021

David Norris joined Fish and The Flint Chronicles ostensibly to discuss the preservation of some of Michigan’s cherished Civil War Battle flags. And he did just that. But soon he was talking about the incredible history of the Masonic Temple downtown, and how the Masons were winding down their occupation of the building as it is being sold.

Either one of those topics alone would have made for a heckuva show! But not content to leaving it as a really good show, we decided to make it really great show. To do that we delved in to Norris history as a DJ, executive and promoter in the Flint country music scene. That’s a big story, because at one point Flint was called “Nashville North” the biggest and most influential country and western music portal outside of Tennessee.

Norris talked his days at WKMF 1470 - which of course is now WFNT 1470!

While he was at the peak of his powers in the Flint and Genesee County country music scene he presided over a Johnny Cash show at the IMA Auditorium during his very last concert tour. During that show a fan leaped on the stage an assaulted Cash, and Cash drilled him! Talk about a genuine Flint story! Johnny’s mother in law ‘Mother’ Maybelle Carter of the Carter Family was there and Norris involvement with Johnny Cash and ‘Mother’ Mahybelle was forged right there during the on stage melee.

This is one eclectic and awesome episode of Fish and The Flint Chronicles. David Norris grabs his microphone stand and his favorite Johnny Cash and Carter Family stories and leaps in to the deep end of the Aquarium for this one!

Flint's Masonic Fellowship Lodge #236 was honored to be part of the Color Guard at McFarland Veteran's Park in downtown Flint, posting the replica battle flag of Flint's famed 10th Michigan Volunteer Infantry, formed in Flint in 1862 and active throughout the war, including Sherman's March to the Sea. (David fourth from left).

David during his radio years