Marietta G. Avery was a pioneer in the broadcast industry. Some may not have heard of her, but you have heard of WDKX 1039 FM, in part thanks to her. Marietta was one of the original staff members of the station that began its historic journey 41 years ago in April.Like many of us her story began in the Deep South. Mariettawas born May 12, 1949 in Anniston, Alabama. She was the daughter of the late Henry L. and Mary Garrett. Marietta attended high school in Munford, Alabama and Alabama A&M University. Upon moving north to Rochester, NY she married Roy Avery and they had two wonderful
daughters, Erikal and Melanie.
In 1974, Andrew Langston, an ambitious entrepreneur, along with his wife Gloria put together their talented team and launched radio station 1039 WDKX, the first black radio station in New York state. Marietta, then just 25 years old began her long career with the station. Over the years she oversaw all aspects of the company, including the all-important sales and marketing, human resources, administration and engineering. She never was one to seek the spotlight, she preferred being behind the scenes and in that role Marietta was the glue that kept the station together through the years. She was named General Manager in 2010. WDKX remains one of the top radio stations in Rochester and Western New York and it continues to be privately owned.
