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Before independent producer and television and radio personality Robert Watkins begins broadcasting from his new radio station, he wants to change its call letters to honor his late father.
Watkins, known to friends, business associates and the public as R.J. Watkins, plans to launch WHPR 88.1 FM in early April from his new Studio 95 headquarters in Highland Park. But first, he wants to change WHPR to WILL.
"We want to change it in memory of my father, Willie Watkins," he said.
A longtime Detroit businessman, the senior Watkins was slain in a bungled robbery at his eastside grocery store Aug. 25.
Watkins was awarded the radio license in December. It will play jazz, rhythm and blues, blues and contemporary music.
Studio 95 is the new radio, recording and television studio, concert hall and office complex Watkins is developing at Woodward Avenue and Midland Street in Highland Park.
Watkins, CEO and president of Highland Park-based Late Night Entertainment Inc., began renovating a 12,420-square-foot warehouse and building new facilities in November.
The studios have been completed and work is continuing on the 2,000-seat concert hall and parking. Watkins has five full-time-management employees and a production crew that works on contract. He expects to...