January 14, 2022
Regarding “legendary figures” in our industry, which radio and/or music careers have fascinated you the most?
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R Dub, Z90/Magic 92.5: Jerry Clifton! A trailblazer like no other. Matt “MJ” Johnson, WPLW: Bill Drake and Clive Davis. Two giants that changed their respective industries. Both possessed the intestinal fortitude to achieve high achievements, and it would be interesting to learn how they grew to that point with the opportunities they were granted.
Jon Zellner, iHeartMedia: Radio: Orson Welles, Howard Stern, Ryan Seacrest. Music: The Beatles, Michael Jackson, The Eagles. Valentine, WBHT: Elvis Duran went from afternoons on Z100 to mornings and evolved into one of the biggest national morning show hosts ever. I’ve always been fan of JoJo from KIIS/LA. It blows my mind that he literally looks and sounds exactly like he did several years ago. Madonna is an icon as far as music goes. She took big risks and pushed the line constantly and always impressed and influenced an industry. Bartel. WKTU: Casey Kasem and Prince. But also in the TV world Betty White and John Madden who both had storied careers. Lee Abrams mediavisions: In radio: Todd Storz, Gordon McLendon and Bill Drake. In music: The Beatles, Yes and Pink Floyd. Buzz Knight, Buzz Knight Media: A tip of the hat to the amazing Pierre Robert from WMMR. An outstanding talent and a beautiful person! |
Orlando, WLLD: I’ve always been fascinated by Clive Davis. To be in so many legendary rooms, and the list of milestone moments, he’ll always get his flowers from me.
Alex Tear, SiriusXM: Professional radio pronouncicator Scott Shannon.
Jeff Hurley, iHeartMedia: Howard Stern is the obvious answer. But sometimes it’s obvious for a reason. He’s absolutely fascinating in every aspect of his life. Drew Heyman, WHYI: Howard Stern and my guy “AT” Alex Tear. Adam Rivers, WKCI: Avril Lavigne.
Toby Knapp, WASH: Radio: The team at Pirate Radio including Cadillac Jack, formerly of WAVA, EAGLE 106 and more. Scott Shannon and his team which signed on Z100. Randy, Marc, Tom, BJ, Jeff and the team who demolished WRBQ in a week with The Power Pig. John Lander at 93-Q in Houston and the teams at KRBE who were there, including Tom, Cubby, Sharon, Peake and more at KRBE. Billy the KIDD and Jack Tripper, aka JJ KINKAID. JJ WALKER aka SPYDER HARRISON. Of course, KID KELLY and the team who took WBHT in some coal-mining town called Scranton and made it a force in radio early in my career. Brad Hardin and the WXTB/Tampa people. Eric Chase and Nick Daley. KROQ/LA – specifically Stryker and previous AM shows back in the day. Mike Klein. Jonathan Rush and Kelly Nash. Tommy Chuck. Rob ‘tha Rona’ Kruz-Feldman-Sofastii. Stan ‘the MAN’ Priest. Shitty PD. Finally… my brother-in-arms-and-life, Kane. Music: The legendary Bobbi Silver. Andrea ‘The QUEEN’ Ganis. Charlie Walk. Lee Leipsner. Rick Rubin. Joe Daddio and Joe “The KING” Riccitelli. David Ravikoff. Samantha Brenner. U2. Van Halen. The Foo Fighters. Bruce Hornsby. Sting. *NSYNC. Oh, and Steve Jobs… for daring enough to make the one thing which changed everything. |
Mike O’Donnell, WKRZ: If we’re talking broadcasting in general, I’ve always been fascinated by David Letterman and his brand of humor. He was always consistent and entertaining. Radio-wise, Dale Dorman from KISS 108 was my inspiration for getting into radio. Also, Matty In The Morning from KISS 108. I grew up listening to both of those talents which had a great impact on me.
Guy Zapoleon, Zapoleon Consulting: I’ve been blessed to be in the business for almost 50 years working with so many legends of radio and in the music business. However, the KHJ triumvirate of Bill Drake Ron Jacobs and Betty Breneman are still the greatest team in radio history and they are the reason I’m in the business today. Drake was the greatest radio consultant ever, and KHJ was such an influential and legendary Pop station. Joey Brooks, WKSS: Dale Dorman, great personality who used to be on KISS 108 in Boston. Listened to him all the time and he helped generate my interest in radio. He also helped me get on the air at KISS 108. Josh Wolff, WAEB: I’ve always managed to admire anyone who manages to adapt to changes over time and stays relevant and continues to put out great content year after year. Erik Bradley, B96: Mariah Carey. Garth Brooks. Irving Azoff. Babyface. Clive Davis. |
Buster Satterfield, WIOQ: Howard Stern, Jerry Clifton and Eminem.
Rick Vaughn, KENZ: Number one would be Wolfman Jack. Right behind him is The Greaseman. I was hypnotized by the way that guy told a story and wrote a music-bed. Other than Howard Stern, I can’t think of anyone who could just captivate you with a story all by himself. One of the most captivating talents I’ve ever heard.
Brian Mack, WXXL: My (personal) legends/icons: Tom Poleman, Linda Byrd, Guy Zapoleon, Dave Foxx/John Frost/Jeff Berlin/Eric Chase (creatives), Kevin Metheny, John Ivey, Elvis Duran, Paul ‘Cubby’ Bryant, Dale Dorman. Legends In General (I’ve never met): Howard Stern, Harry Harrison, Cousin Brucey. 
Next Week’s Question Of The Week:
What is the coolest promo item you’ve received in the past year, and what is your favorite promo item of all-time?
e-Mail your responses to: jodorisio@deanemediasolutions.com or bburke@deanemediasolutions.com
