Most of us have never heard of John Laws. But he was apparently Wally Crouter, Lloyd Robertson and Lisa LaFlamme combined into one. There's a good reason most Canadians don't know his name. 

John Laws was such a huge star on Australian radio for some 70 years that when he died this week at age 90, the country gave him a state funeral. Let that sink in for a moment. A state funeral. But somehow, this guy, who was affectionately known by some as "Golden Tonsils," was awarded that honour.

It's a remarkable piece of radio history most of us have never heard of. But the power this man had over the Island nation almost seemed to exceed those of the politicians elected to govern it. One small comment from him on his radio show led to the mistrial of a child killer - along with a $50,000 fine. Now THAT's a powerful radio voice.

In an era where the medium no longer has much influence, I thought it would be interesting to at least mention the life of a man almost none of us ever knew, but who used his pulpit to both help and hurt people and get very, very, rich doing it. His packed state funeral on Wednesday was attended by a slew of dignitaries and members of his audience. 

"The 90-minute service left no empty seat. Attempting to list every attendee would have been impossible and unfair, for many came quietly and without title. Their presence mattered just as deeply as that of any dignitary from a former Prime Minister, Hollywood Actor, Governor of the State, and assorted clergy."

I can't think of a single radio personality in either the U.S. or Canada who could get that kind of send-off. Pretty amazing. 

Goodbye World – This was John Laws