Tom “Cat” Reeder, inducted into the Disc Jockey Hall of Fame in 1990, worked for no pay on his first job in 1956 as an air talent/gofer at WARL in Arlington, VA. Subsequent gigs included stints at WABB in Mobile, AL and WKCW in Warrenton, VA. Ownership of two station followed at WYAL in Scotland Neck, NC and WARI in Abbeville, AL, which Reeder terms as his “best memories.” Time at WDON in Wheaton, MD followed prior to his reign as Music Director and morning personality at WKCW (Big K).

Reeder managed artist Clyde Beavers with whom he co-owned Kash Records; founded Tom-Cat Publishing Company and emceed shows around the country, including the National Championship Country Music Contest in Warrenton for more than 20 years where people like Patsy Cline, Jimmy Dean and Roy Clark were winners prior to becoming stars.

For more than 30 years, Reeder has used as his sign-off signature line: “I hope you live as long as you want, and never want as long as you live. Bye-bye, darlin’.” In addition, he’s had the same theme music since 1964. A song called “Tomcattin,” it was written by Tom Brumley and recorded for Reeder by Buck Owens. Reeder uses it to open and close his show.