Send us Fan Mail

The John Bonsignor Interview with Councilman Cam Crawford (Part 7)

Personalities and Politics (A): Henry Brown, Russell Fry, & Alan Clemmons

In Part 7 of our continuing series, John Bonsignor and Horry County Councilman Cam Crawford take a step back for a wide-ranging, personal look at the people who helped shape modern politics along the Grand Strand.

This episode is a journey through relationships, reputations, and the individuals behind the headlines — told by those who worked alongside them, learned from them, and in many cases, helped build the political landscape we see today.

At the center of the conversation is Henry E. Brown Jr., the widely respected former congressman whose deep connection to Horry County made him a lasting and popular figure. Crawford reflects on his time serving as an aide to Brown, offering insight into both the man and the leadership style that earned him such strong local support.

We also look at the rise of Russell Fry — from his early days as a grassroots activist in Horry County politics to his emergence on the national stage.

And we revisit the career of Alan Clemmons, a longtime State Representative and former South Carolina Republican Party Chairman, whose influence on state and local politics remains significant.

In addition, we recognize Joanne Weigand, a longtime founding activist in the Republican Party whose work at the grassroots level helped build and sustain the party’s presence in the region over many years.

Along the way, the conversation expands to include a number of other notable figures — from former Myrtle Beach City Clerk Joan Grove to former Congressman Tom Rice — each contributing to a broader portrait of an era defined by strong personalities and evolving political dynamics.

Part 7 is less about events and more about people — the relationships, the stories, and the moments that don’t always make it into the official record, but help explain how politics really works at the local and regional level.

A conversation of memory, insight, and perspective — from those who were there.

Theme song is Produced by Danya Vodovoz, link to my song https://youtu.be/NRxduUMZcdw