WGNL has been hosting a benefit every Thursday night to raise money to support one of its disc jockeys who was seriously injured in a shooting Jan. 4.
Melvin Bacon, 49, known to many as “Casper, the Friendly Host,” DJs on the station as well as at area clubs and private events. Local DJs are asked to come to Joe’s Place on Thursdays to help and honor Bacon.
“Every Thursday night all the proceeds go straight to him to help him out,” Hughes said. “He just came out of (intensive care), and he’s going to be home soon.”
Bacon remains hospitalized at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson.
Bacon’s right leg has been amputated, said Hughes. He described Bacon as a gentle man who “never did anything to anyone.”
Hughes said Bacon told him he is looking forward to returning to his position as a DJ.
“He’s well-known and well-liked around here; we really miss him,” Hughes said. “We are going to get him a new leg before he leaves.”
Hughes said he has been personally affected by Bacon’s temporary absence from the music scene. He said they have worked together for a long time.
“Sometimes, I’m up there on stage, and out of habit I look over to the DJ booth where he always was,” Hughes said. “It’s strange he’s not there.”
Hughes said they have raised as much as $600 on one night to support Bacon. He said donations can also be brought to the radio station.
“He’s been DJing around here since the ’70s,” Hughes said. “He started at WGNL about 20 years ago. It’s not even just Greenwood; he was popular throughout this entire area.”
Joe Brown, the owner of Joe’s Place, said he is more than happy to support Bacon.
“He is the best DJ we’ve ever had,” Brown said. “And he’s been around doing it for years.”
Bacon was shot in the leg with a shotgun after returning from The 50 Yard Line, where he DJs several times a week.
Bacon told police he received a call from a friend at Snowden-Jones Apartments and headed to the complex. As he approached a building, a man holding a shotgun demanded all his money.
According to police reports, when Bacon refused, the man shot him.
Rodney Davis, 18, was arrested without incident shortly after and investigation and charged with aggravated assault. Jessica Purnell, 19, was charged as an accessory to attempted armed robbery and aggravated assault.
Purnell and Davis were still incarcerated in the Leflore County Jail this morning.
