Elton John, born Reginald Kenneth Dwight, has been one of the dominant forces in rock and popular music, especially during the 1970s. He has sold over 200 million records, making him one of the most successful artists of all time. He has more than 50 Top 40 hits including seven consecutive No. 1 U.S. albums, 56 Top 40 singles, 16 Top 10, four No. 2 hits, and nine No. 1 hits. He has won five Grammy awards and one Academy Award. His success has had a profound impact on popular music and has contributed to the continued popularity of the piano in rock and roll. In 2004, Rolling Stone ranked him #49 on their list of the 100 greatest artists of all time.

Some of the characteristics of John's musical talent include an ability to quickly craft melodies for the lyrics of songwriting partner Bernie Taupin, his former rich tenor (now baritone) voice, his classical and gospel-influenced piano, the aggressive orchestral arrangements of Paul Buckmaster among others and the on-stage showmanship, especially evident during the 1970s.

John was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. He has been heavily involved in the fight against AIDS since the late 1980s, and was knighted in 1998. In April 2008, John held a benefit concert for Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign, raising $2.5 million. Also in 2008, Elton John was ranked #3 the Billboard magazine Hot 100 Top 100 Artists list.

Steve Koranda

WLHC-FM "Life 103.1" announces a change in station management and a new morning show.

The Station Manager’s position has now been filled by Steve Koranda, who served as WLHC’s Operations and Production Manager for just over a year. A native of Minnesota, Koranda is a seasoned professional, having begun his broadcast career in 1971. He has served in a variety of capacities in the radio industry in small, medium, and major markets. He joined the WLHC staff in August 2007, moving to central North Carolina from Grand Cayman Island, where he managed a group of radio stations for four years. His production and voice work have won international recognition, and his work can be heard on radio and television across North America and the Caribbean.

Koranda is also the new host of Life 103.1’s morning show, which airs from 6:00 to 9:00 a.m. Monday through Friday. "Steve’s presence behind the microphone every morning only expands our opportunities to serve our listeners and advertisers," says Button. "We’re excited because his commitment to quality programming and his priority for service are second to none. And even more importantly, he shares our vision to be a positive influence in the communities within our listening area."

Button says the Timeless Favorites format of adult music, combined with special offerings on the weekends, including bluegrass and folk music on Saturdays and commercial-free programming on Sundays, will not change. "Our audience continues to grow, so our goal is to maintain our format’s fundamental nature while making its presentation even more meaningful to listeners throughout the Heart of Carolina."

WLHC "Life in the Heart of Carolina" 103.1 is a full-power 6,000-watt station with studios in Sanford and a tower and transmitter site in Moore County.

Mary and Alan Button receive a Certificate of Appreciation from the Stevens Center

Rob Huber from the Stevens Center in Sanford presents a certificate of appreciation to Alan and Mary Button of WLHC-FM in recognition of the station's support of the Stevens Center's 2009 Golf Tournament at Tobacco Road Golf Club.

The Stevens Center provides people with disabilities the opportunity to pursue their dreams as part of their community.