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This topic was inspired by a letter from a reader to Newsday, a N.Y. paper, about the voices he remembers growing up with. Back in the days when radio was the only way to hear new music, he recalls it was the voices between the songs that were as memorable as the great Top 40 tunes.
My list of those who inspired and made me laugh not surprisingly revolves around CHUM, which was my first go-to station. Guys like Brian Skinner and Bob McAdorey were early influences, as was the great Steve O'Brien on CKFH, who many here likely won't recall because he wasn't there long. But God, was he funny.
Once CFTR became a true rock station, Jim Brady was great and the fact I got to work with him later was a real thrill. B.C.'s Gill Harris, who called himself "Doc Holiday" when he was on 680 was incredible. And they may not be the first names to come to mind when it comes to fun DJs, but Sandy Hoyt and R.O, Horning Jr. did some great stuff on the Super 680.
And of course, there were the guys who played it a bit more straight, like John Donabie.
Out of town, Oogie Pringle on WNBC was amazing when the sun went down and after all the great radio he gave us, I was sad to hear he took his own life many years ago - truly, the tragic clown.
The Real Bob James on WGAR was not only one of the best ever, but I've since met him and am proud to call this genius a friend.
And who could not like the late Dan Ingram?
Who would be on your influence list?
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Charlie Van Dyke has my voice of choice. I love how he sounded in the 90s and 90s.
Dan Williamson was also a favourite during the CKFM and early Mix era.
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Montreal:
CKGM: George Morris (aka Buddy G), CFOX: Roger Scott, CHOM: Doug Pringle, CJAD: Dave Patrick and George Balcon.
Buffalo WKBW : Joey Reynolds
Last edited by Bristol (September 30, 2024 2:26 pm)
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I too enjoyed Jim Brady on CFTR Other favourites on TR were Mike Marshall and Keith O'Bryan. Big fan of John Mahjor, Jim Van Horne, Jay Nelson and Roger Ashby on CHUM. On WLS liked John Landecker and when in Florida had to listen to WAPE and The Greaseman, Doug Tacht. Only heard Peter Garland on CKSL London for about six months, but he was a great morning man, as was Don Percy on CKY in Winnipeg.
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I have to say I'm not familiar with Keith O'Bryan. I wonder if he was there after I left. Do you know approx. what year that was?
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RadioActive wrote:
I have to say I'm not familiar with Keith O'Bryan. I wonder if he was there after I left. Do you know approx. what year that was?
Searching online newspaper archives, I see The Brantford Expositor did a feature on him and his CFTR gig and that's dated February 13, 1974 - they mention Keith is age 22 there.
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paterson1 wrote:
I too enjoyed Jim Brady on CFTR Other favourites on TR were Mike Marshall and Keith O'Bryan. Big fan of John Mahjor, Jim Van Horne, Jay Nelson and Roger Ashby on CHUM. On WLS liked John Landecker and when in Florida had to listen to WAPE and The Greaseman, Doug Tacht. Only heard Peter Garland on CKSL London for about six months, but he was a great morning man, as was Don Percy on CKY in Winnipeg.
As a kid in Montreal Donny Burns and Steve Shannon were among my favourites...both would later do stints in Toronto.
In southern Ontario the big names for me were John Majhor (another one taken away too young) and John Rhode.
Don Daynard was another stellar talent to listen to.
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Tom Rivers and Mike Cooper always made radio sound like it would be a fun way to make a living.
PJ
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Fast-talking Jack Armstrong "Sunday, Sunday, Sunday at Niagara Airport Drag Strip, Stone, Woods & Cook vs. K. S. Pitman".
The most words that could fit a 30 second spot"