Your "Vote" Really Does Count Here!

Just had a meeting with Ron Kramer last night. I can report his book on The History of Oregon Radio is coming along nicely. An incredible undertaking in research.

Ron thought one chapter of his book would be better balanced if he received a list from pdxradio posters that have listened to Oregon radio personalities over the decades. (including Vancouver stations).

These personalities should be the best of all time. Personalities outside the Portland area are also encouraged. These lists should represent the state of Oregon.

If you're now living in another part of world but at one time lived in an area where Oregon stations were heard. You are encouraged to post your votes on personalities.

If you see a post mentioning one of your favorites. You are encouraged to post the same personality. This Is A Popularity Contest!

The rules for voting:

1. The list can be any length.

2. Along with the personalities (DJ's & News Persons) name, should be the station call letters.

3. A brief reason why this personality made your list.

4. This list should be numbered with the very best at the top.

5. You should vote only once but if you later see a personality listed that was not mentioned on your list, you can also vote for that personality later.

Let's give Ron a great response! The Polls are now open!

I'll start with a Eugene area list.

1. Gordon Scott (KASH, KEED, KUGN, and later various Portland stations) Wicked sense of humor.

2-4 Dale "Uncle Fuzzy" Reed, Wendy Ray, Fred Webb (Long-time KUGN AM morning show, moved to KATR for short time in disagreement with KUGN management) Wide-open creative personality radio at it's best.

5. John Napier (Primarily KZEL) The ultimate laid-back hippy DJ who frequently went off on political rants.

Excellent start, Randy! I'll add Chris Murray to that list of Eugene legends.
He was the PD at KEED in that glorious 2-3 year window in the early 70's. Also a gentle, unique sense of humor.
Chris did mid-days, Gordon was PM Drive and Napier did overnights.

Also worth mentioning from the same era is Ray Carnay (kar-NAY), KPNW's AM Drive newsman and way-ahead-of-his-time conservative commentator.

WOW! I'll try here and this is only a start as I'll have to give this more thought:

1. Always entertaining and fun to listen to were: Uncle Don Wright (62KGW), Barney Keep (KEX)
2. London & Engleman, Ron Leonard (KYTE) Never knew what to expect from these guys.
3. Jeffrey Clarke (KINK) Always had great insight into the music.
4. Craig Walker (KGW, K103) Always fun to listen to.
5. Tom Parker (KGAL, KRKT, KGW, K103, KPAM) Nice pipes, and always plugged in to what was going on.
6. Bob Anthony (KGW) Had a great sense of humour and timing going on to be the catalyst of the KLOVE radio network
7. Dick Sheetz (KGON) Unique voice

1. Barney Keep at KEX was the person I remember most from my childhood. One of the few reasons my father was proud I went into the business and ended up working at the station.

2. Ron Leonard at Q105 was the guy who drove management nuts but entertained the listeners and kept me on my toes.

3. Jimmy Hollister at KPAM (and KEX) because he was great to work (and I loved him) but the listeners thought he was real.

Bwana Johnny (deceased) and Vince Mertz (bean counter for Peace Heath) Mornings at KZEL early 90's. Last of the free spirits.

You have to include "Irish" Jim O'Niell of KEED in Eugene and Bobby Simon who worked at KEED. Also Skip Hathaway from KUGN.

Since I spent most of my time on the news side, I'll start with some news guys. This is probably a "down payment" as I give this some thought. No particular rank or order, by the way. These guys are all number ones.

Bill Howlett, KISN, who was the voice of news for thousands of Portland area teenagers.

John Erickson as ND at KGW. He put together the best news shop Portland has ever seen. Cheryl "Mrs. Erickson" Marshall, George Harris, Dave Paull and others.

Bob Chase, KWJJ, KEX, KPAM. Just a yeoman news guy.

Don't forget Pat Boyle, Heidi Tauber and Jim Howe...

I'm just an outsider but:

My #1 is Iris Harrison "KGON"

She is always enjoyable to listen to and can lift your spirit's on those days when your are feeling Blue with her cheerful attitude which can be and is contagious!

Thanks IRIS.....Merry Christmas

Oh, brother...where does one start?

Barney Keep (KEX)
Craig Walker (KGW, K103)

On news, I agree with Onetimeradioguy: Bill Howlett (KISN) HAS to be in the top 10 for the very reason he stated above.

John Erickson (KGW, K103) not only as an excellent newsman, but he was the perfect partner for Craig Walker. Let's not forget George McGowan, who was teamed with Sweet Lovable Ol' Barn for many years on KEX. And where do we fit Jim Howe in?? He certainly belongs...

And since I worked there in the Beautiful Music days and saw how they worked behind the scenes, I want to throw in the names of KYXI's Harry Christensen, Paul Hanson and Benny Marsh.

My list has only begun! (To be continued, no doubt!!)

Wow,Tough to name them all so I'll go with just one.
My mentor and the man who taught me to let the listener "hear you smile" Ron Leonard-KYTE

Jeff Clarke. KINK. Self-effacing humor. The guy was BORN to be on the air. Made strong connections with listeners who wanted to feel like they were being talked to. Not at. Always made me interested in what was playing. Would let his opinions slip through sometimes. I responded to that.

Robin Banks. KNRK. Bone-dry. Knew music but didn't carry one iota of snobbery. Well, actually he did. But he made everyone feel equally snobby to the point where there was noboby left to be superior over. One big " let's laugh at everyone equally - let's laugh at me first though."

Squid. KNRK. He's got style and is pretty passionate about using his shift to play around. Experiment. The bootlegs alone are something that you don't hear ANYWHERE else and his enthusiasm for them shows. That goes a long way for me. He is relaxed and makes it almost feel like he is in charge of a clinic sometimes. The method and choices seem more than a random bunch of pre-programmed cuts. There seems to be reasons and methods.

None of these jocks are mere announcers and they are more than personalities.

Richjohnson>> Chris Murray ... PD at KEED ... early 70's

Are you thinking of the late Jeff Murray, AKA Michael Powell?

Chris "Ichabod" Murray may well have achieved legend status among Eugene engineers (KZEL, KMGE/KKNU), but I don't recall him being an air personality.

Dittos for "Irish" Jim O'Niell of KEED and Skip Hathaway from KUGN/KATR. Hathaway was a pioneer in airing and promoting Country & Western music in Eugene/Springfield.

Man, the ones I really enjoy have already been mentioned.

I will single out Ron Leonard though. Love his delivery, timing and style...

Currents that I like: Bruce Murdock, Squid (really like squid), and Tara.

A graphic I'd really like to see is a timeline representation of stations, formats, and personalities over the years. That would be one huge undertaking. It might put into perspective not only the staying power of the legends, but the dizzying turnover--of personalities, formats, and call letters.

The name of the departed Mike Phillips belongs here, for his KISN Good-guyness but even more for the KGW glory days that flourished under his twinkling eye. And the late Gordon Miller, whose warm-cocoa production voice gave mid-70's Portland radio a distinctive classiness in an era when other markets sounded pushy and artificial. And the not-departed (except to Arizona) Bill Minckler, whose programming legacy includes golden eras of KGW, KINK, and K103.

And I'm going to put another name out there: Lars. His first name alone generates an instant opinion; can anyone else say the same? Great, great newsman who could have gone anywhere and done anything in TV but chose instead of stick with radio as the vehicle for his bulldog mind and titanic work ethic. You can disagree, as I do, with practically his every utterance, but you have to respect him for what he is...a historic icon of Oregon radio. Just wish he was on the other side.

A book on Oregon radio must also include the smaller markets. Wild Bill O'Brien morning guy at KRKT for years,funny, off the wall, sly devil. Debby Baker from KFAT,huge fan appeal. R.L. Garrigus legendary KICE newsman. And "Radio" Ray Pietz, one of the brightest sharpest most creative minds in radio at this time. These people all could have worked in larger markets and been great, but they worked the smaller markets for choice of lifestyle.

Ted Rogers (many Portland Stations)
Dave Stone

Dittos on "Radio" Ray Pietz, ex-KATR, KZAM, KQDQ, KLOO, KFAT. I don't know what he's doing now. His "Bright Lights" entertainment reports on KZAM were particularly creative, thematic, and went well beyond a simple list of of upcoming events.

Ol Barn at KEX
Mike O'Brien-Kisn
London-Engelman-KYTE
Pattee at Kisn
Fenwick KGW_(talk)
Dick Novack- Kpoj
George Goode Kpfm
Bob McAnulty kpfm-kwjj-kliq
Ron Ugly Thompson kisn
Uncle Don Kgw
Lyle Arthur(news) kgw

Alan Budwill & Kent Phillips from "Kent & Alan" on KMJK...Magic 107.
Cosmic John...Afternnons on KMJK.

Bill Howlett/KISN (news) most distinguished voice and delivery . . . ever.

Ron Ugly Thompson/KISN (air personaility) Sure wish I had this guy's talent.

both easy choices -- really.

Michael O'Brien/KISN/KPAM/KLSC/K-LOVE/KB101

kinda hard to imagine growing up without him being on the air.

Sports:

Scott Lynn/KEX uber-professional

Mike Parker/KFXX/KEX/OSU uber-underrated

of course, Bill Shonely (no comment needed)

Bob Mc Nabb is a classic News Anchor. Among the current crop of personalities with staying power and name recognition are Mike Chase and Rick Emerson. Both know how to put on a show.

Agreed on Lars. These days he drives me nuts, but does it well!

6. Pat Pattee As a kid, he was the voice of radio and the voice of god. Listening with a crystal set after the parents went to bed.

5. Lars. (I hate his act -- but he's a very well received original.)

4. Dave Allen (Borum). A Rogue Valley legend and as Ron Kramer's predecessor in Ashland, the teacher and mentor of a generation of Oregon broadcasters.

3. Les Sarnoff. The un-jock on the un-station. Redefined what a jock should sound like in Portland.

2. Barney Keep. He was a generation too soon for me, but the voice of a Portland Radio generation.

1. Craig Walker & John Erickson. The ultimate Portland radio Morning show. Relatable and Reliable. As much a fixture in Portland as the Benson Bubblers and The Rose Festival.

>> "Michael O'Brien/KISN/KPAM/KLSC/K-LOVE/KB101

Correction, Michael O'Brien was not at K-Love. You're thinking of Bryan O'Neal.

Now consider yourself "O'Brien-ized."

Didn't Melinda Coats do news with Napier at KZEL? She's my favorite newsperson along with John Erickson.

Bob_clarke, I forgot about Jamie Bates and Melinda Coats, Eugene's first all-female morning team in the early '70s. Bates won some personality of the year award during that time. She has correctly said that Melinda should have shared equally in that award.

Randy, ahem, wasnt michael obrien at a station that called itself The Love Station . . . Very briefly anyway? I believe it was just before k103 as it is known today surfaced . . . Right?

"K-103 plays love songs." I don't recall if O'Brien was there or not, but I'll give you the benefit of the doubt. "K-103, the Love Song Station." I do remember hearing "Laid-Back Lenny" Jim Liniger (sp?) doing a mid-day shift on the first day on the air.

Perhaps you're thinking of "Love Songs...Nothing but Love Songs" as K103's first format?

yes that's it! I'd say with an 80% confidency level that O'brien did a TV or Print ad for that station.

I agree with everyone on the list so far. I'm sure I'll have more, but right now I want to add the name of Jack Hurd, talk show host on KLIQ, KGAR and KKEY. He was a bit over the top for some back then ('60's, 70's) but in many ways was way ahead of his time.

My BAD! Forgot Stoner!

I'm posting from Prague at the moment (it's a long story) and can't help noticing how much Czech radio sounds stylistically like Mexican radio. Go figure....

Ron "Ugly" Thompson,KISN 91derful, he broke all the Top 40 Rules On Air, a real rebel.

Steve O`Shea. Art Smart. Sully Roddy.

Al Priddy - KEX
A trail blazer.

Anybody have old talk breaks From "ugly"? I would love to hear some.

www.live365.com/stations/skeptical2

T.L. Fuller, long time KSLM news voice, must get credit for Salem's and Oregon great news director/anchors/reporters/broadcasters. His career covered 20 years + on Oregon radio.

Other voices in this league would be PAUL HANSEN, now at KUGN, and the retired JIM HOWE from KEX.

Another voice that has been on the radio since I was a kid - DAN NIMS of KUGN, he was a jock on KBZY in 1968-69...are there any others that have been on the radio and still are today, that have that staying power?

Board contributors might want to take another look at the actual request made in the first post!!!

Such As:

These personalities should be the best of all time.

If you see a post mentioning one of your favorites. You are encouraged to post the same personality. This Is A Popularity Contest!

The rules for voting:

1. The list can be any length.

2. Along with the personalities (DJ's & News Persons) name, should be the station call letters.

3. A brief reason why this personality made your list.

4. This list should be numbered with the very best at the top.

5. You should vote only once but if you later see a personality listed that was not mentioned on your list, you can also vote for that personality later.

Randy in Eugene..
Of course you're correct: Jeff Murray was the Eugene legend.
Jim O'Neal certainly deserves mention, but the greatness he created at KEED in the 60's.. he helped destroy in the early 70's when he was GM.

Wannabe: Do you know the wherabouts of Garrigus? I only heard about the guy during his Bend days, but I think I went to high school with him (Hillsboro class of '71).

And as for the best newsguy Portland's ever seen: All due respect to Howlett, Howe, Salisbury, Christiansen, etc... but it's cleary John Erickson.
I wouldn't be doing what I do in all the places I've done it had I not been hired, encouraged, scoulded, challenged, rewarded and yeah, fired, by John.

Rich, nice post!

I, too, greatly admire John Erickson, but for a much different reason. When I was a 20-year old part-timer on KING-AM, I sounded, well, (how do I put this honestly?) just VERY inexperienced, (because I was!), but John didn't belittle me, instead treated me like any other KING personality. That is true professionalism. He sounded great then, and continues to today.

And, Terry, yes this thread has meandered off the original post, but that happens here, and probably is due to the nature of our ad hoc, ad-lib, and ad-anything industry.

Just coming up for air here, and it's too close to bedtime (the one downside to morning drive) for a post that does justice to this thread. Those are mighty kind words from some folks, and I want to say thanks, very sincerely...about the KGW days: that was an awfully good news department, full of amazingly versatile people who loved their work and all I did was take my pick of the very best people in the market, and let them flourish. Never had to go outside Portland. I still can't believe I had the great fortune to have Mike Beard, George Harris, Lyle Arthur, Lew Frederick, Rita Griffin, and some others all on the same staff. Not to mention the future Mrs. E., whose scanner-ears and flawless reflexes are part of why KGW-TV owns this market.

As for you RJ--I sit in the parking lot before going up the stairs there on Macadam at 4 AM and hear you filing from every godforsaken war zone on this planet, and I think: this dude's big time. Absolutely major league. I am daily blown away by your work on Fox. That last thing that happened was not my decision or desire; but it was pivotal in my deciding that life in a big office is wrong for me, and it enabled you to burn a trail where no Portlander has ever gone.

Info on where "Radio Ray" is today. One of the good guys of radio.


http://www.kgal.com/staff.asp

Michael O'Brien was definitely at K103 for a short period, however he left the station when he found out they hired Craig Walker. I don't recall if KKCW was the "Love Song Station" when he was there or not. I believe Scott Tom was behind the mike while Craig sat out his no compete clause.

My all time favorites are:
Pat Pattee
Tiger Tom Murphy
The Real Don Steele
Dave "Records" Stone
Tom Michaels (What a relaxing style he had)
Uncle Don Wright (loved his groaners)
Craig Walker, Steve Loid
News: John Erickson, Bill Howlett,Jim Howe of KEX.

Sports: Darell Aune, Mike Parker, Bill Shoneley.

Can't forget legendary weekender Craig Adams

Nobody has mentioned the big BA!

Responding to the question of longevity, I believe Roger Hart was on KEX in the late '50s and I still hear him occasionally.

He is still on KKAD! I forgot about Whitey Koker.

Michael O'Brien
Roger Hart


Herb

Roger Hart was on KEX in the late 50's/early 60's. At the time, he went under the name Roger Ferrier. He was Roger Ferrier in 1962 at KEX.

RichJohnson, Garrigus is still in Bend. Not sure which station. Of course, the legendary KICE is no longer, but that's another story for another thread. I ran into him last fall at oab. What an incredible talent, what a great human being.

I had forgotten about some of these folks..glad they were posted...

T.L. Fuller..(I took over for him when he went to the lottery)
Alan and Kent..(I loved Alan and Kent was my boss at the Oregon News Network)
Don Wright..(He drove me crazy working with him on the weekends at KEX but was so fun)

And, ah the memories of working for Ron Samuels at KSKD. I still have my station jacket with the stupid beaver on it.

And, finally, Dexter Erickson..one of my former students who made the big time!!!

Being "out of market", plus KYMN being the only Oregon station that I ever listened to "a lot", I will be going with DJs who I listened a great deal to in other markets. Of the half dozen or so, I would have to go with:
(1) Robin Mitchell - KYMN, KGAL, KASH, KEED, KLLB-FM (KB101), KWJJ-FM - he was always a great DJ, who knew exactly how to make his style fit into the radio station he was working for, and, even when he was in management, he could do a fabulous airshift at any hour of the day with very little notice.
(2) The Real Don Steele - KISN - one of the top ten DJs of all time worldwide, in almost everyone's opinion, including me. His KISN work proves that he didn't need the Drake formatics to be great.

Dancin' Danny Wright from KMJK (Magic 107)circa 1980. He was sooo bright, tight, funny, and a master of phone drop-ins.

As I read through this thread I am finding that aside from reading the names here or discovering old cassette recordings of these legends, I’ve not had the privilege of personally listening to these greats. It would see that in your honorable opinions there have not been many worthy talents since sometime in the late 70's.

I would be curios to know the opinions of those who frequent this place the favorites from each decade (70’s, 80’s and 90’s) to current or if the favorites would transcend each decade?

I offer this as my 35yr old from Eugene perspective of the favorites from my memory. I am sure that some of you can help with station work history for the talents I can still hear in my head. (Yes I admit I hear voices)

Morning Shows Warden and Goodman, Clark and Kanner?, Bwana and Joan Murry, the first “Waking Crew” on Power 104.7 Eric Stephens, Morgan Scott, and Schmoo, Jon Michaels and Amy King on KKNU.

Stand out Talent(s)
Greg Charles
Greg “The Hammer” Valentine
Doc’ Shankle
Doc Winston
Mark and X-Ray
Eric Stephens
Rob Halloway
Bob Bosche
“Kidd” Marconi
Wingnutt
Denis and Storm
Debbie Starr

RL Garrigus is working for The Bend Radio Group cluster. (102.9, 100.7, 940AM, 94.1 and the new 92.7) He is amazing. Great guy as well.

Irish Jim O'neal deceased
Bob Bosche living in Colorado Springs
John Naiper deceased
Bowana Johnny deceased

Thes are guys I have worked with over the years that have to be on the list.

I can't believe that Iris Harrison is not at or near the top of this list! One of the best one on one communicators ever! Also The Big BA needs
to be here. Mike Tanner KUPL, KISN, John Willams
KGW , KISN, Steve Lloid KGW, KISN, Ron Leonard
KWJJ KISN, Gloria Johnson, KGON Mike Turner, KGON
Bob Brooks (The 1st PD of KGON and still going strong as Entercom's Prod. Manager ) and Craig Adams KISN (the man I always counted on when nobody else could be there)

Also the greatest PD's: Robin Mitchell,
Bill Minckler, and Ken Benson

Thanks, Mr. Harlow, Great list! John Williams, (always will remember him as "Johnnny" Williams from KTAC Tacoma, and Ron Leonard are among the best!

Bob Bosche (mentioned not too far above), is one of the nicest guys you will ever meet in this biz.

For those north of Eugene, Bob Bosche was the longtime #1 afternoon personality at KUGN-FM during it's country heyday. The words, smooth and congeinal come to mind regarding his on-air presence.

Ugh...just another excuse for people to reminisce about jocks they heard when they grew up. Is that all this board is any more? "blah blah blah The Reele Don Steele"..."blah blah blah Bwana Johnny". Man, what century is this? I've never heard such a bunch of self-involved porch-sitters in my life! Grab a corncob pipe, buy a rocker, and quit boring those of us with teeth, with your Grampa Simpson stories about "back when radio was radio, and you were paid in turnips".

Some of the jocks mentioned are still working today Anonymable. Which is remarkable considering what has happened to this industry in the last 10 years.

These guys set a standard that was pretty high. Some are still able to make it happen today because they have that one key element....Talent!!

One of the finest-sounding people ever on the radio in Oregon: April Baer at OPB. Interesting, natural, clearly opinionated yet likeable.

Anonymable, why would it irritate you so much that some on this board (65 posts to be exact) enjoy reminiscing? Do you think you will never be old enough to do the same? And if you don't like it, don't read the thread. (You know, the thread with scores of extremely successful and talented broadcasters posting...check some of the names.)

IMHO, this is a big part of why PDXRadio continues to thrive. Ever read through the history section here Anonymable? That's a treat for anyone having any interest at all in radio at any level. So much good stuff, and it's there for the reading gratis.

(Thanks everyone, I don't often comment there because I was either very young, or didn't exist yet, but it's an excellent view of waves past!)

As for current stuff, it happens here when it's warranted. IMHO, it's just not often warranted!

(Again, see the history pages for why this is exactly!)

That's it... back to the topic at hand.

Top news person of all time RL Garrigus Bend Radio Group. He's a regional treasure and he has his own day!

Anonymable goes by "Heywood Jablomi"?

Very fitting.

It’s been eight years since I lived in Oregon, and 10 since I worked at a radio station, but now that I’m in Washington, D.C., I drop in here a couple of times a year when I have some time to kill. It seems this site is reserved for the real pros/veterans of Oregon radio, so please pardon the intrusion…

As a kid growing up in Eugene in the late 60s/early 70s I thought Jeff Murray was so cool. He even had a pizza named for him at the venerable Mazzi’s—the KEED Jeff Murray Special—warm peanut butter, cold jelly, on pizza dough.

Clark and Kanner on KZEL used to crack me up. Kanner actually hired me as a stringer while I was at UofO.
Gary Palmatier (the “wasted potato?”), John Napier, and Barry Corkery, early KZEL legends introduced me to FM rock that wasn’t played on KASH or KEED.
David Jeremy Beecher, (Eugene’s 1600 KASH?), made me want to be a DJ when I grew up
Doctor Don Shankle, (Eugene’s 93.1 KSND), had great pipes and projected a kind heart
Bill Barrett, KKNU, wins lots of awards so I wonder why he’s not on this list
Hal Weyemier, KPNW 60s and 70s sportscaster—one of the last to recreate baseball games via phone reports with sound effects and a crowd noise loop.
Fred, Fuzzy, and Wendy’s morning show on KUGN AM
Dennis Nakata and Storm Kennedy, KMGE, truly related to their listeners, lots of P-1s
…and don’t hate me for this, but when “Kid” Marconi was at KKNU in the mid-90s, he created a ton of buzz for a nighttime guy, had loyal listeners, and his phone gags and drops were fun to listen to.

last one to do baseball recreation...Mike Stone when we worked at KEED-Eugene....Stoney in the news booth with miniature baseball bat in hand...hitting it with a pencil...smack.."its a hit to centerfield"..this was after Hal Waynmeir and Bud Sobel. I'm in the studio handling crowd noise and the spots. Great times drinking beer with Rich Johnson, Stoney, Jim McCurdy, Andy Manuel....keeping the Sheriff away from "Irsih Jim". And working for practically nothing...just enough to pay rent! The good old days.....and some of us are still at it!
Paul Walker...you're just a kid.

Thanks for the correction, Dan. I knew this was the domain of the true professionals, and not wannabe hacks like me.

With all due respect to Iris Harrison, Marty Party, Dick Sheetz, Gloria Johnson, Charlie Busch, Glynn Shannon, Bill Prescott, Al Scott, and countless others...

Bob Anchetta IS the best rock DJ to ever grace the airwaves of Portland, Oregon. No contest.

He is a true original. No one else like the Big B.A., that's for sure.

"He is a true original."

As could be said of you, old friend!

Well, what a nice thing to say. Thank you, Joel. But I am burnt to a fine crisp. Got about two brain cells left, and one of 'em is saying to the other, "Hey -- where's the flashlight?"

Jeff,

Your 2 brain cells are far more entertaining to listen to than 90% of the others out there.

I'm currently tweaking my antenna in South Salem for KZEL.

Jeffrey...I wish I could get KZEL where I am at...I was a long time listener of KINK in the valley and always enjoyed your show...thanks for all of the great years...

Albordj:
I don't know where you live, but KZEL can be heard fairly well from the Portland area (I get it fine in Hillsboro). A few things are important:

1. You should be far enough from the Portland FM towers so that your tuner is not overloaded.

2. An outside FM antenna is a must.

3. Use a decent quality tuner.

4. Don't use a signal "booster", most of these will just overload and create a jumble of signals, if you are fairly close to other transmitters.

See the thread "96.1KZEL goes HD!" for more detail on antennas and tuners that I use. Yes, I have heard Jeffrey in HD!

The basalt in the gorge kinda kills most signals...but thanks for the advice

It's the price I pay for living in one of the most beautiful places in Oregon

I've got to get a better receiver I guess.

K242AB 96.3(KRKT) kills KZEL here where I am in S. Salem.

........Author: Markandrews
Friday, December 08, 2006 - 10:45 am


On news, I agree with Onetimeradioguy: Bill Howlett (KISN) HAS to be in the top 10 for the very reason he stated above........



When Bill Howlett spoke, God stopped what he was doing to listen! He was one of my instructors in radio school and I was the DJ on duty at KLIQ that he followed the night before he died. A great broadcaster and about the nicest guy I've ever met.

Barney Keep and Russ Conrad from KEX were the two guys who really inspired me to get into the business. Always entertaining and always real.

John Harper (KARO) He may not be well known, but he was an outstanding air talent and knew his news. He left Portland to run WXYT in Detroit, before going on to own and operate WMEL Radio in Melbourne, Florida, where I had the pleasure to work for/with him again.

Bill Anderson (KPOJ broadcasts of Portland Buckaroos hockey..and whatever other stations he called the games on) was another guy who connected with his listeners both on and off the air. He really got me interested in becoming a hockey broadcaster.

Darrel Aune (KEX) No one better at college football and basketball. Who could ever forget his call of the punt block in Seattle that led to the Beavers upset of UW in '85?

Bob Robertson (KEX) Voice of OSU Beaver football and Portland Beavers baseball. One of the all-time greats.

Oh yes, of course. How could I forget Bwana Johnny (Name a station, he was probably on it!). He gave me my first on-air gig over the phone without so much as an air check. Would more often than not show up 5 to 10 minutes late for his shift, sit down, crack the mic and sound like he'd been preparing for hours. A true legend.

Outsider, is the Bob Robertson you mentioned above the same Bob Robertson who has been doing WSU Cougar games for the past few decades? Didn't know he had an Oregon connection.

BTW, agree with Bwana. How many remember him for a short period on KJR in Seattle as "Father Duffy"? (wanna say '74)

I don't think Bob Robertson did OSU games ... he was the PxP guy for the Washington Huskies for a few years before going to Pullman. He is also the voice of the Spokane Indians baseball team.

Brianl, I think you are correct.

Robertson just celebrated his 40th year as the Cougs play by play man. And, if I may add, he and former coach Jim Waldon make one of the most entertaining radio announcing teams ever! (One of those "turn down the tv, listen to the radio" events whenever the Cougs are on. I believe Portlanders can hear the games on 1080 AM.

In no particular order:

Charlie Martin (KYXI, KSGO)

Jerry Dimmitt (KLIQ, KGON, KYXI, KXL, KKEY, KVAN, KXYQ)

Tim Freed (KPFM, KPAM, KISN, KGAR, KGW)

The Real Don Steele (KISN)

Bob Anchetta/The Big BA (KVAN, KAAR, KGON)

Pat Patee (KVAN, KISN, KAAR)

Bill Prescott (KGON, KUFO, KNRK)

Paul, Mr. Robertson is a pure pleasure to listen to. I got to spend some time with him when he was in town with the Spokane Indians back when the Portland Rockies were still here (I was the stadium PA guy for the Rockies at the time) ... and those five days were great. I showed up to Civic Stadium HOURS early just to pick his brain, he made all sorts of time for a young Sparky such as myself with stories and tips from a true professional. He is in the College Football Hall of Fame broadcast wing and he sure belongs there.

Jim Walden ... well, he's a better color analyst than he was a coach, that's for sure!

Paul, I remember Bwana as Father Duffy at KJR. He was there for about 10-minutes. T'was in 1974.
I also remember that Mike Phillips was at KING in 1975 for about 15-minutes.

And Brianl, believe it or not I use to run the board for the Cougar network (too long ago to admit here), but whenever we had technical problems, (which seemed like a lot), he was always calm and collected, a true pro. "Let's take timeout on this COUGAR football broadcast!", and remember "always be a good sport, and be a good sport in all ways!"

Mysterydj, wasn't this about the same time the late Mr. Phillips was at KGW? Perhaps he was just helping out at KING? I don't recall him ever being a regular part of the lineup at the Big-11.

That's what I was thinking at the time. That maybe it was a one-shot fill-in situation.
I remember being surprised to hear him and wondering if he was the same Mike Phillips I'd heard a few years earlier at KFRC. Of course he was! The Big 11. That takes me back. I remember Andy Barber saying the station was nick-named after him.

I remember that Barber comment as well. He must have been talking about his shoe size...or...well I guess we'll never know.

Regardless, Andy Barber and Larry Lujack are in my two-member radio Hall of Fame! Amazing radio talent the likes of which we may never hear again.

Rsb569: Question: You mentioned Jerry Dimmitt on KGON. Was that 1520 AM?

Added stations for personalities on your list above:
Bob Ancheta/The Big BA (KVAN, KQIV, KGON, KQFM, KAAR, KMJK, KKRH, KINK)

Bill Prescott (KASH, KRCK, KBDF, KPNW, KZEL, KGON, KUFO, KNRK)

I'm not aware of The Dimmitt working for any version of KGON. If it was the first, he wasn't more than 20 at the time. It's more likely that he was on KLIQ-FM at some point. That would at least be one of the right frequencies. You can add KQFM to BA's resume.

I'm only posting so I could be the 100th post on this thread. Yes I do have too much time to waste.

actually, you're only the 99th poster, I'm the 100th!

Damn Skep! I canceled my earlier post so I could be the 100th!! But when I did, the thread wouldn't go to the end! So I started pdxradio on another window but You beat me to it!!!!

Skep...I secretly wanted to be the 99th anyway knowing that Craig would fall for my evil plan. HAHAHAHAAHAHA!!

I am such a sicko!!

...and these are the "professionals"!

DJ's are "kids" at heart. Who wants to grow up? And Radio is "Never, Never Land".

I may grow older, but I'll never grow up!

And unfortunately as I grow older I'm growing out too!

Paul, I was fortunate enough to have Andy barber as a mentor. We both lived in Bellevue, WA and I spent many a memorable day with him at his home listening to air checks of KHJ and KFRC. He was also kind enough to critique my air checks when I was working at a little 10-watt FM at Bellevue High School. Later, several of the KING and KOL
jocks came to my house (actually my parent's house since I was 16 or 17 at the time) and we spent hours upon hours listening to some of the greats of 1960s and 1970s radio.

Mysterydj, I guess we can talk about Andy Barber because he did work in Portland for awhile!

You and I sound like we are of the same era and locale, although Seattle jocks never came to my house! KJR may have been more entertaining, but I always loved the tight sound of KING.

Barber was one of a kind. He gave out his home phone number on the air! He ran for political office (or threatened to), and remember he kept saying he was going to go over Snoqualmie Falls in barrel! Don't know if that ever happened. The Barber Boogie Line was patterned after "Boogie Check" on WLS with random calls (I don't believe with a delay.)

Last I heard Andy is alive and well still doing radio in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

http://star103fm.com/info/andybarberbioandpic.html

I had the fortune of a small amount of Andy Barber's teaching at KYTE.The thing I remember most was when automation was first starting to be used(I'm guessing for the AM side)how pissed off it made him.I walked in when he was getting ready to record his show and he told me"I'm going to do a 4 hr show in 7 minutes watch".He then proceeded to do his breaks with whatever came in to his mind.Such as "KYTE and the cow jumped over the moon"."KYTE and its dark outside".When done in less than 7 minutes he put the tape on the machine and said "That's how I feel about automation".So as you can tell Jocks have been hating VT for a long time.

It was the FM KYTE that was voicetracked but some jocks(including Andy Barber)dropped in live comments during certain hours.

The mentions of Jerry Dimmit above reminded me that I really enjoyed listening to him on KKEY back in the early 90s.

A quick Googling seems to imply that he fell off the face of the earth around 98.

Anybody know if he's still around, what he's up to, and if his brother(?) still has the pizza place up in (Longview, Battleground, somewhere in SW Washington)?

Yep. Andy is alive and "well" in Tulsa. I use the quotes because to hang with Andy was occasionally a truely weird experience. I also remember him taking listener calls on his "home" phone. It was actually a seperate number from his real home number and didn't ring, it had a flashing light instead. There were times when he was supposedly cruising the streets of Seattle in the KING Kruiser, when he was actually calling from home! I'll always be greatful to Andy Barber
(and other Seattle jox) who generously gave their time to a young wannabe sprout of a dj.

In addition to KYTE, Andy's other Oregon stops include KMJK and PD at KASH in Eugene. Here is Andy on KING/Seattle (8/76). Andy gave me this aircheck years ago. Andy mentions roller skating on the King Dome. I don't know if that took place, but I do know he did roller skate on the Astrodome in Houston. The aircheck is pretty good quality because it is right off of the KING aircheck skimmer. Enjoy!

http://www.divshare.com/download/38532-cbf

Steven, Now THAT air check REALLY brought back memories. The original "You Package."
I loved them at KING, but always thought they were an even better fit at 62KGW. The last time
I spoke with Andy was when he was PD at KASH in Eugene. I was PD at a competitor at the time.
The odds were against him...trying to program
Rock on an AM. We've exchanged a couple of e-mails in the past few years.

Steve, excellent aircheck! That was what 70's Top40 was all about! And Andy was probably the only jock on the planet who could scream over the intro of Harry Chapin's Cat's In The Cradle and get away with it!

Here are some more Andy Barber airchecks. If you want to hear super high energy, download the 10Q aircheck!

KREM 12/75
http://www.divshare.com/download/38548-0e8
10Q Los Angeles 1978
http://www.divshare.com/download/29917-191
KWST Los Angeles 3/82
http://www.divshare.com/download/38549-1be
KWST 10/81
http://www.divshare.com/download/38552-79d

Paul...Here's the Larry Lujack WCFL format change aircheck.
http://www.divshare.com/download/29951-afc

Steve...Thanks so much for letting me REAL radio again. He was really terrific. Listen to that pace...The FUN...Why is radio so damn BORING today?

letting me HEAR (sorry)

I can't believe nobody has mentioned my all-time favorite morning DJ, Bob Miller.

IMHO it's Uncle Don,Craig Walker,Barney Keep on top....and maybe Bob Miller. The rest get a nod and a pat on the back

Gotta throw in Ted Rogers name again. He followed Barney Keep for years doing mid-days. Ted wrote many of Barney's bits and gave him suggestions for other bits.

Also many times after the morning show is off the air the numbers dip for the mid-day person. Not in Ted's case. He received a nice bonus check from a Westinghouse exec. for keeping the same numbers as Barney Keep's until noon.

Bob Miller is great, but did he ever do a music show in pdx?

...for a couple of decades on KEX.

Steve, thanks for the aircheck links. As soon as I have some time I'll dig in! (I think I may have heard the Lujack CFL format change, but it's been years!)

Craig and Semoochie, I'm not sure whether it was AM or FM. I assumed it was the FM because he mentioned to me a time when he and some others got stoned in the studio, and then he barfed on the board!

I'll have Ron ask him.

Steve N., had a few minutes to listen to Andy Barber on KREM Spokane (12/75). Don't know the specifics, but I think this might have been a "holding" spot for Andy until the appropriate KING Seattle position opened up. Nonetheless, while a little subdued 'check, you can still hear his creativity and energy. But, as an admitted jingle freak, KREM's (I believe PAMS jingles, also used at KFRC during this era), were fantastic! KREM sounded great in '75!

Seems to me, King Broadcasting had a company policy in the 70's of starting full-time jocks in Spokane before moving them to Portland or Seattle.

That was an amazing farm system King Broadcasting had going!

As a former KING employee in Seattle, not sure if it was "company policy" to put people in Spokane first, probably more just a smart way to promote jocks. With that having been said, there were many KING jocks that "did time" at KREM. In addition to Barber, how about Bruce Murdock (by way of KGW), Rob Conrad, and for the life of me can't remember the others. But many also moved from KGW to KING...(Gary Lockwood, Joe Cooper, Phil Harper, (Murdock reference again), Dan Foley (though not sure he worked at KGW), and others that I can't remember (no offense...)

Another memory, that I have mentioned on this site before, is during vacations it was common for KGW jocks to come up to KING to fill in. I remember Bob Anthony, Tom Parker, Glynne Shannon, and maybe even Mike Phillips and others doing some fill on KING! Were they just filling, or perhaps auditioning? We may never know!

This list is from my failing memory banks:
1) Barney Keep
2) Craig Walker
3) John Williams
4) Dave Stone
5) Bob Anchetta
6) Mike O'Brien
7) Lars Larson
8) Steve Lloid
9) Iris Harrison
10) Dave McKay
11) Glynn Shannon
12) Craig Adams

These are the folks that guided my musical journey over the years. Each and every one has a special place in my dejay hall of fame. If I didn't list your name, then I have not had the pleasure of hearing you work. My loss, not yours.

Also I would like to nominate Cyn Bolsta as best "Traffic reporter / fill-in dejay" in Portland radio.

Nice list...although as a Seattleite never ever heard Barney Keep. Someone tell me about him. What was his magic?

"7) Lars Larson"

Lars Larson?

7) Lars Larson
For News not music. (sorry)

btw Lars actually influenced my musical journey by turning me on to a very funny guy named Bob Rivers.

Paul...Check out Archive #8 on this page.

http://pdxradio.com/pdxhist.htm

"Nice list...although as a Seattleite never ever heard Barney Keep. Someone tell me about him. What was his magic"

Glad to oblige. Now, I'll miss some things since I replaced Jimmy Hollister (who replaced Barney) on KEX mornings, but the long and short of it is this:

Barney spoke to his listeners. He didn't try to be cute. He just tried to be Barney. When you are just being yourself on the air...there is no reason to re-invent yourself. When I was PD at KEX, Barney used to drop by the station every now and again after he retired. One day he was sitting in my office while I was perusing the latest book. I was telling him about this demo, that cume, why I felt THIS happened, and why I felt THAT happened, yada yada. He kind of chuckled and said to me; "If you're serving the listeners..if you're giving them what they want..if you're speaking directly to them, then the rest of that crap kind of takes care of itself, doesn't it?". That was the Barney Keep I knew.

Paul -

Dan Foley did, indeed, spend some time at 62KGW, although I don't recall if it was middays or early evenings that he hid while in Portland. I came to know him in his days doings nights at the old KPAM-FM 97.1

And Bob, thanks for sharing that story...that was certainly the gospel according to S.L.O.B. (Sweet Lovable Ol' Barn!)

I must step in here and put an end to the ludicrous mentioning of me on these lists lately. Dave Aujus list is great, except for position number 12! All above number 12 are, or were full time air personalities in the Portland. A weekend/fill-in guy shouldn't be on any list.

Then there's the other aspect of this thread. I started it! I'm the reporter here and should not be part of the story. There are SO many more full time personalities over the decades that deserve a mention.

Paul Oscar Anderson, Hal Raymond, Fenwick!!!!!!
Dick Sainte, Sammy Taylor, Bob Anthony, Dick Klinger, Russ Conrad, Dick Novack, and all the Roger W Morgans! Plus...Bob McAnulty, The morning news guy on KYXI that had the balls of steel voice (name escapes me)....also! Tom Michaels, Noonan, Sam Holman, John Williams,
Murphy, Steele...still thinking.oh..Mike Rivers (what a super aft drive jock he was)

"The morning news guy on KYXI that had the balls of steel voice (name escapes me)..."

Benny Marsh?

Harry Christensen...

Jeff Douglas KINK starter. made me interested in the mellow music as well as jazz. Remember the group Camel the album Snowgoose. He seemed very knowlegeableabout music jazz and accoustic. Would love to hear him again. Distiguished voice.Surprised kink's website didn't mention him on Kink history. Automation there worked well. Never noticed glitches if at all. IMHO,KINK was at its best then.

Lets See...my nominees would be

Ted Rogers (various)
Jim Howe (KEX)
Mike Parker (KFXX/OSU)
Steve Noganuma (Q105/Magic)
Dave Paull (various)
John Erickson (KKCW)
Craig Walker (KKCW)
Jeff Davis (various)
Bob Miller (KEX/KPAM)
Iris Harrison (KGON)

Craig,
I must diagree with you. Your love and knowlegde
of the Portland Radio Market is enough to put you on my list. Also you helped me find lots of hard to find original(or stereo) versions of songs for KISN. You cared more than many of the full-timers. Also the Christmas Music you helped
put on KISN-FM was the best!!

Thank you Bob Harlow

Craig's Christmas shows were the BEST.
That is why he is on my list.

Jeff Douglas continues to be a staple on OPB.

Thanks Bob & Dave but this thread is not about Record Knowledge or Programming. It's about Air Personalities.

Is Harry Christensen still around?

All the kisn jocks 59-64 Ihave lots Bay area jocks Don Steele KISN KEWB Many from the midsixties Big Daddy TOM Donahue Tom Saunders Russ the Moose.One guy in El PASO Steve Crasno funny guy used a lot of drops with old movie chracters and played what was coined as The Brown SOUND KINT or Xelo/Xrok there.He died of cancer about the same time as Mike Phillips I have loads but to keep it Oregon, Ill say Jim Hollister heard him at KMPX CIRCA66 he and another guy did remote broadcast from the Avilon Ballroom inSF.

I am glad to see Jeff Douglas mentioned. I didn't dare post a "vote" for him here as he was a PD, not a jock, but I do believe he deserves credit for experimenting boldly with the new station (from some mushy soft-rock to amazingly radical protest-folk) in order to find its "groove," which ultimately of course became legend over a couple following decades. But it was interesting from day one.

Whether this experimentation was mandated, merely encouraged, or slid surreptitiously under corporate radar, I have no way of knowing, though semoochie confirmed what was aired in the early days bore only token conformance to their playlist promo flyers, which were generated "somewhere upstairs."

Despite his limited opportunity for personal expression on the automated station, he counts as a unique personality on the local 'waves; his "aw shucks" tone was neither corny nor faux-rustic. (Of course, having an initial staff of only two--just Jeff and a sales guy--KINK was unavoidably All Jeff Douglas All The Time, so an understated approach was essential.)

The "Kink-a-lodeon" was a cranky electromechanical box with limited logic, requiring close attention. He seemed to be tethered to it (I dropped in one droning Sunday to find him sitting by the lobby switchboard op, restlessly watching her little TV), and my guess is he probably loathed the thing.

(Of course, at the same time, a few blocks deeper downtown, Dave Calhoun operated KBOO at least 50% of its hours on-air, initially equipped with only a single turntable, microphone, Ampex 601, and an unreliable air-link to Seattle's KRAB. He sometimes played his portable clavichord to fill gaps in the schedule--which has probably never occurred anywhere else. He let me play classical records on weekend afternoons after I got my Third, so he could go do his laundry or just see some sunlight. He deeply impressed upon me the obligations of responsibility, public service, and programming diversity in broadcasting; the town's other media never grasped or appreciated the serious thoughtfulness which went into the ten-watter. Regrettably, he does not care to be reminded of the station today.)

Did Jeff Douglas Host KINK's "Sunday Night Feature" an early 70s folk music program?

I remember Jeff Douglas hosting all the early features such as Album Preview, Focus and later, the Morning Show. I think hosting morning drive would qualify him as an air personality or at least a jock.

I nominate Bill Barrett at KKNU. Without a doubt one of the most talented I've ever had the pleasure of working with. Honourable mention to Paul "Boom-Boom" Cannon at KBDF in Eugene in the early 1980's.
I've worked in major markets with some major talents, but these guys in Eugene are major talents
in a medium market.

Bill is the BEST air-talent in Eugene. No contest. Could be considered the best in the state as well. He's also one of the nicest guys in the world. The things he has done to make the world a better place, are things that people never hear about and what sets him apart.

Question: Bill Howlett after Kisn according to what some people were saying was at KLIQ. What did he do? How long a time was he out of a gig after KISN? Since he was on KISN for its entire time was being at another stn a let down to him? Loved his news delivery w/ reverb and the whole bit. It was Bill who informed me about Cuba USSR
The Congo.

PMJ he give PDX radio a lot of class. His career,travels all around good nature and fun. While living in the Bay Area Id listen to him on KEX with Ellen I later would IM or email him a good chap IMHO

Before KISN, Bill Howlett was the host of "Uncle Bill's Bandstand" on KVAN. It seems to me that right after KISN went off the air, he was at KWJJ. He also engineered for KKEY at the time of his death.

Everyone remembers Bill for his delivery & Walter Winchell sound....but did you know that Bill was a VERY talented artist? His cartoon art was as good as anything you would see in a Dark Horse magazine. Plus....Bill was one of the greatest guys I ever worked with. He had a great sense of humor & his memory & stories of the early Kisn days were classic. I loved Bill Howlett.

So from what we've just learned about Bill Howlett and what I have on file, here's Bill's station history: KUIK, KVAN, KLIQ, KISN, KWJJ, KLIQ & KKEY.

In a world of every AM radio host running to one side or the other i love that Mark and Dave stay away from the hate and bring us whatever story is entertaining and thought provoking. i dont care if they have the best voices or the perfect delivery in todays world it is about content and relationships........... im all about these guys.

RSB, I have the answer to your question. When Jerry Dimmitt was doing a talk show at KYXI, he occasionally read the news on KGON. That's straight from the horse's mouth although it was relayed to me by a third party.

So, where is Jerry Dimmit now? The last I knew, he was in Spokane on 1510 but that was a few years ago.

Thanks, Semoochie.

Jimbo, Jerry "retired" from radio several years ago when KXYQ-AM flipped from talk. He still lives in Vancouver and has moved on to other things. As far as I know he has never worked in Spokane. Rick Miller and Jim Bickel did however.

I heard Rick Miller on KXLY. I don't know if he was ever on KGA.

RSB569,
My BAD. You are correct. So is Semoochie. It was Rick Miller I was thinking of in Spokane. I realized it after I posted above and then it hit me that I had the wrong person.
I heard him afternoons on KGA when I was driving to Milton Freewater a few years ago...actually, 5-6 years ago. He disappeared once when I went there and I haven't heard about him since.

It seems that after Miller left KGA he fell off the face of the earth. Or perhaps he "retired" too.

I'm getting on this kind of late, so probably no new names. I haven't lived in the Portland area for many years, so my picks come from listening to an 8-transistor AM radio when I was a kid in the late 50s / early 60s.

From KISN -- Pat Pattee for sure. (And a slow, painful death to the blankety-blank who canned his "Nightwatch" show.) He had the DJ patter down -- in character for the time, but still original. And you just knew he played whatever he damn well pleased. Anybody remember "Weather-wise we prophesize" with the "little drippy droopy droplets of H20?" Seems to me "here's the word from the weather bird" Theophilous Thistle was also his creation. I used to stay up late (with said transistor hidden under the pillow) for the R&B feature single of the night, a segment he called the Blues Spectacular. Don't know who else would have played Bobby "Blue" Bland on KISN at the time.

You could probably do a whole section on guys who honed their skills in PDX and then moved on to big-time markets. At KISN that would (of course) include Good Guys Don Steele (extra credit if you find out who Tina Delgado was) and Addie Bobkins. Both gone now, but not forgotten, here or in LA.

And, yeah, Bill Howlett was great.

I think someone nominated Fenwick for talk, but no mention of his "Music I Like" program on KGW.

Barney Keep. We'd stay glued to the radio in January listening for snow closures. With that and the school lunch menu, it was the closest thing to a radio community bulletin board at the time. And while you're on KEX, don't forget Bob Blackburn, who took over Portland Beaver broadcast duties (including away games by wire re-creation) from Rollie Truitt. "That's our boy, Bob Blackburn" also had his own music show with custom theme rendered by jazzy vocal group. And, shortly after moving out of state, I met a jazz afficionado who picked up Art Smart's "Nightside" on 1190 from California's Central Valley.

Finally, don't forget Bob Hazen, the ubiquitous head of The Benjamin Franklin savings and loan -- probably at the opposite end of the DJ sophistication curve from Pat Pattee. I remember listening to his 15-minute morning show on KXL when he squeaked, "And now, here's Doc Severinson to sing, 'Sunny.'"

"Doc Severinsen to SING"?

You make joke, right?

No joke. I heard it with my own ears.

And to think that Doc was a local boy (orig from Scappoose, and I should have spelled his name with an "sen").

Carl H. "Doc" Severinsen is a native of Arlington, Oregon. And, he does make his horn "sing." His recording of "Sunny" is tremendous!

add a guy named "shane' to the list...worked at KGA doing late night-all night on the 50kw blow-torch back in the late 60's. Only decent all night station you could pick up in Ashalnd...great live spots for the "rockaway".
Another pair of classics to the list....Don Sherwood and his newsman Aaron Edwards...early to mid 60's in the Bay Area (KSFO/KNBR?)...and also Hap Harper...the guy that pioneered airborne traffic reports...based out of San Carlos!
(now what did I do with my wheelchair.......)
Barrett...major talent who didn't want to move...can't blame him either. Ask how his grades were at St. Catherine's.

He was broadcast in PDX as I remember as a youth and I always loved listeneing to the late Bob Smith (A.K.A. Wolfman Jack) on the air! A Voice that has always stood out to me as a great broadcast talent.....a very unique style that was most enjoyable to listen to!

He may not have been local but hey.....he was great none the less!

Uncle Don Wright
Gloria Johnson (incredibly versatile!)
Jeff Clarke
John Erickson
Bob Ancheta
Steve Loid

Roy Dittman from KBZY

It's sports, but I nominate The Schonz. At his peak, he was one of the best! In the 70's and 80's there was a treasure-trove of NBA PBP announcers on the west coast...Chick Hearn (Lakers), Bill King (Warriors), Schonely (Blazers), and former Portlander Bob Blackburn (Sonics). Wow!

Let me add my vote (belatedly) for Phil Harper; I was reminded of him in the KISN&KGW1972 airchecks.

A tribute page at http://www.psrba.org/Harper/PhilHarper.htm includes some choice outtakes from a recent year.

Big B.A.....Rollie Truitt from another era, Russ McDonald (so creative)

Three names from the news side of things:

Rebecca Webb. An NPR-calibre broadcast journalist who would fit right in hosting All Things Considered, or anything else she chooses, but she chooses instead to make KINK an adult powerhouse in morning drive.

Dave Paull. Part of the "Super 62" news team, a gifted newswriter and impressively smooth anchor, and yet, what impressed me the most was his street reporting. For such a mild-mannered fellow, the guy is fearless on the street. We always tried to do enterprise stories with real-person audio and natural sound, and his stuff always amazed me.

Mike Beard. The legendary Beardo. Hard-boiled newsman with roots in the unglorious trenches, like AP bureau and TV assignment desk work, and yet he turned in the most eloquent job of adlibbing a breaking story under pressure that I've ever heard. You hear parts of his March 27, 1980 Mt. St. Helens report replayed on volcano anniversaries and written up in history books. KGW-TV even put it in their 50th anniversary special. Margie Boule did a column on it and put up the audio on her web site a couple of years ago. Ignore the nervous anchor. Beardo's incredible.

I had one more Andy Barber aircheck in my collection. This is a KULF/Houston station composite. London & Engleman in the morning too.

http://www.divshare.com/download/158569-d20

Here's one of my favorite radio stories...

During my 26+ years as a Program Director, I thought I'd seen it all. One day a guy sends me
a resume but no air check. Under RADIO EXPERIENCE on the resume he listed the following: KFRC in San Francisco, KHJ in Los Angeles, WABC in NYC and WLS in Chicago. Naturally I was intrigued, so I asked WHY in the world he'd want to work in Eugene after working at those big stations, he said "Oh, I didn't work at those stations, I LISTENED to them." THAT was his radio experience. Doesn't come across so funny in print, but it was hilarious in person.

Maybe, he listened intently. Actually, someone exposed to a higher quality of radio is more likely to understand how it's supposed to sound than a person who didn't have that advantage. I must admit however that the advantage is somewhat on the order of the Monty Python sketch where a 1-legged person would have an advantage over a person with no legs.

Here's a KJR composite with Danny Wright (post KMJK days) along with Gary Lockwood, Bob Case & Scott Forrest (1981).
http://www.divshare.com/download/281389-234

Here's a couple more airchecks for the people on this board that are into Seattle area airchecks.
Sky Walker on KPLZ (1983)
http://www.divshare.com/download/281408-e37

Charlie Brown KJR 1980 / Gary Lockwood KING 1975
http://www.divshare.com/download/178657-fe3

Steve, once again you have come through!

KPLZ sounded very good in '83, and continued to grow to finally beat KUBE in the late 80's. Sky never sounded better. He became a good friend and mentor. A perfect blend of "natural & energy" was Sky. I believe he is doing VO in Denver, last I heard.

I'll check out your KJR checks tomorrow!

Thanks, Steve!