A Tribute To 3 Radio Personalities
Follow CBSDFW.COM: Facebook | Twitter
This past week, three radio personalities that have been favorites of mine for years made headlines.
First, Shotgun Tom Kelly of CBS Radio's K-EARTH 101 (KRTH-FM) Los Angeles. Kelly has been a longtime Southern California DJ going back to AM Radio in San Diego on 50,000 watt KCBQ 1170 and KGB Radio. His high energy and enthusiasm on the air always kept your attention. He is credited for coining the phrase, "You better believe it, Baby!!". He also was awarded a Hollywood Star in 2013. A couple of weeks ago, it was announced that Kelly, currently the afternoon drive guy on KRTH, would be stepping down after a 22 year run and transition to being a K-EARTH 101 "Ambassador". He will still make on-air appearance but also do personal appearances and charitable projects. I first heard him in 1976 in San Diego and as a budding DJ then, I thought, "I want to sound like this guy!". You can read more at www.kearth.cbslocal.com
Second, Charlie Tuna, another longtime disc jockey going back to the Boss Radio KHJ/Los Angeles days with legendary morning man Robert W. Morgan, announced he was leaving K-EARTH 101 to concentrate on his weekly syndicated show that primarily features the greatest hits of all times from particular eras in rock n' roll. Charlie was a midday KHJ boss jock in the 70's and had this beautiful resonant Midwestern voice that radio programmers love (because they have no accent). He was probably the top midday DJ in the US in the 70's and was known for the line, "If you want to catch Charlie Tuna, get a big hook!". Charlie was also the morning man for KBIG-FM/Los Angeles. At K-EARTH, he was one of the weekend personalities. I have an autographed picture of Charlie in my CBS11 office. An honor to have it.
Thirdly, Michelle Lee, who was am on-air personality with 100.3 KILT-FM/Houston (a CBS Radio owned station with a country music format) and someone I worked with at KTFW-FM in Fort Worth when it was Country Legends 921FM, passed away on Monday, August 31, at age 43. Michelle was a long time country music DJ in Abilene, Corpus Christi, Austin, Waco, Fort Worth, and then Houston. I first met Michelle in March 2008 when she was doing middays at KTFW and I had come on board for weekends. For a guy that had not been on the air since 1974, things had changed quite a bit in radio and Michelle taught me so much to get up to speed. She was a good friend to me. I loved being able to do remotes with her on weekends. Our families would have dinner every so often along with afternoon man Dave Dumas and his wife Anne. She always had a smile on her face and rarely did you see her mad or angry (and if you did, head for the hills!). I shall miss her greatly.
Three great radio personalities who touched thousands of people they spoke to. As life goes, all good things come to an end at some point. But I know I have will always have great memories Shotgun, Charlie, and Michelle.