On Friday night at Gotham Hall in New York City, the 2019 class was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame. Jim Rome was first to receive his honor, saying that his best work is still ahead of him and that he has “deep, deep gratitude … I’ve always had people around me who are better than me … who told me what I needed to hear, not what I wanted to hear.”
Next up was Joe Madison, who thanked Sharon “Sherry” Madison, his wife and executive producer. He told a story about when he dies and goes to heaven, “I will ask God, is Sherry here [or will she be]? Because if she’s not, it certainly can’t be heaven.”
Actor Christian Slater then introduced Sean “Hollywood” Hamilton via a video message, saying, “This man was a huge influence on me … thank you for being a part of my life.” Hamilton first thanked all the other inductees and ultimately said, “I want to dedicate this to my love of my life, my incredible wife Marina.”
Harry Harrison commented, “I always loved radio … to be a part of it is very exciting. I appreciate this” and received a standing ovation.
Kevin Ryder and Gene “Bean” Baxter shared sentimental remarks on the heels of Bean’s last day on air on November 7. Ryder said, “I’m here because Bean chose me as his partner … he would’ve been here with whoever his partner was and I’m happy it was me.” Bean added, “I could’ve been on the radio with anyone but there wouldn’t be magic. The universe brought us together. We were so darn lucky that happened.”
Connie Selleca then introduced her husband John Tesh. She generously thanked all their radio partners and talked about being in a family business. Tesh shared that he was diagnosed with cancer in 2015 but stated he’s cancer-free because of his “faith in divine healing.” He went on to express his gratitude for his family and for the honor of being in the Radio Hall of Fame.
Dr. Ruth Westheimer talked about radio being the best medium, “even better than TV.” And while “it’s nice to have become a celebrity … I see it as passing on correct information about human sexuality,” she said.
Jimmy Fallon entertained attendees with a comedic, heartfelt introduction of his friend Ryan Seacrest. Seacrest said, “we truly do [radio] because it’s in our blood. We do it because it’s something we can’t live without … I never imagined this room, these legends, this career.”
L-R: Jim Rome, Sean “Hollywood” Hamilton, Ryan Seacrest, Dr. Ruth Westheimer, Joe Madison, Kevin Ryder and Gene “Bean” Baxter, Josh Tesh and Harry Harrison (Photo: Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Radio Hall of Fame)
