David Menconi recently penned a piece about Triangle legend Paul Montgomery, known familiarly as Uncle Paul, for Walter Magazine. Montgomery hosted the beloved WRAL-TV children’s program “Time for Uncle Paul” from 1961 to 1981. Menconi has a Capitol Broadcasting tie as well. A music writer for 28 years at the News & Observer, Menconi now contributes to WRAL.com’s Out and About as well as providing in depth, behind the music content for 95.7FM That Station.
In “Talent, Taste & Joy,” Menconi goes beyond Uncle Paul’s popularity as television icon to his multi-faceted musical talents:
At one time, many American cities had a similar show on the big local television station, with a beloved host who came to feel like a member of the family. But Montgomery was unique, with an off-camera life as a musician that was legendary on multiple fronts.
Menconi traces Montgomery’s beginnings in Rockingham County growing up playing old-time and country music to his move to Raleigh to attend the Governor Morehead School for the Blind where he became friends with classmate turned legendary musician Doc Watson. And then on to his time with Capitol Broadcasting and his time as a jazz musician.
Read the full article:
Links:
- 95.7 That Station: David Menconi’s North Carolina Backtracks
- CBC History: Paul Montgomery
- CBC History Uncle Paul Show
- Walter Magazine