Special to the Tri-State Defender

Flashback: It’s 1949 and over at Manassas High School, teacher and WDIA disc jockey A.C. Williams has an idea – form a group called the Teen Town Singers.

The idea took root and last Saturday (June 19) the Teen Towners gathered at the home of Maeola Killebrew, at 3663 Graves Road, for their annual Spring Fling.

The Teen Towners, composed mostly of local high school students, could be heard every Saturday at 10 a.m., on WDIA. The group also performed at high schools and at the two yearly WDIA-sponsored musical events, the “Goodwill Revue” and the “Starlight Revue.”

There are Teen Town Singers who span the 60-year history of the group. Allene McGuire, a retired teacher, was one of the original members.  Former City Council member Fred Davis came aboard in the early ’50s. Then there are some who were active during the ’70s until the radio broadcast ended.  

Some of the Teen Towners became professional musicians and singers such as Frances Kelly, Marvelle Thomas, Carla Thomas, Percy Wiggins, Spencer Wiggins and Tina Bryant.  Another member, Mark Stansbury, presently hosts a Sunday evening gospel show on WDIA.  

Teen Towners have excelled in all walks of life, and most cite the positive effect that being a member of the group has had on their lives.

Although the Saturday broadcasts ended years ago, the group is still together and works on projects as well as sponsors social events. This year, the group awarded a $1,000 scholarship to a Manassas High School graduating senior, LaTerria Brown, who will attend Lane College this fall.  It also presented a $250 scholarship in honor of A.C. Williams to the Salem Gilfield Baptist Church. The scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior.

Today, the Teen Towners’ primary goal is to maintain the legacy of the group by encouraging and assisting young people – especially those interested in music – to continue their education beyond high school.  

And along the way they enjoy each other and sing whenever possible.

The Teen Town Singers celebrated 60 years of service during their annual Spring Fling last Saturday. (Photo by Mark Stansbury)

There would have been no Teen Town Singers without the inspiration of its founder, the late A.C. Williams, a longtime Manassas High School teacher and WDIA disc jockey. (Photo by M.J. Branch)