China Smith… Wow!

China Smith: The Voice That Defined an Era in Radio

China Smith, born Wayne Thomas Rorabacher in 1943 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, was a radio personality whose voice and style left an indelible mark on the broadcasting industry. With a career spanning over three decades and multiple major markets, Smith’s journey from the Midwest to the bright lights of Los Angeles is a story of reinvention, innovation, and enduring connection with listeners. Smith’s radio career began in 1970 at WGRD in Grand Rapids. Known then as Wayne Thomas, he quickly gained attention for his energetic delivery and ability to blend polished production with a lively DJ persona. But his ambitions extended far beyond Michigan. Later that year, he made the leap to KCBQ in San Diego, where he adopted the name “China Smith.” This transformation marked a turning point in his career, as he began to craft the unique on-air identity that would define him for years to come.

At KCBQ, Smith polished his performance style and found his rhythm as a Top 40 DJ. His unscoped airchecks from this period—preserved and streamed today by Aircheck Radio—capture the raw energy and charisma that made him a rising star.

Breaking Through: Seattle and Los Angeles

By 1971, Smith had moved to KING in Seattle, where he continued to refine his craft. However, it was Los Angeles that would become his true home and the backdrop for his most significant achievements. Over the next three decades, Smith became a fixture on L.A.’s airwaves, working at nearly every major station in the market. His résumé included stints at KDAY, KRLA, KROQ, KMET, KLOS, KWST (K-WEST), KMGG (Magic 106), KUTE, KTWV (The Wave), and KCBS-FM (Arrow 93).

Smith’s time at KWST in the early 1980s was particularly memorable. His evening show became a standout program in the competitive Los Angeles market. Known for his eclectic music selections and engaging personality, Smith had an uncanny ability to connect with listeners on a personal level. Fans tuned in nightly to hear his distinctive voice and enjoy his seamless blend of music and commentary. Smith wasn’t just a DJ; he was an innovator who understood how to push boundaries while staying true to his audience. His syndicated program Fusion 40 showcased his forward-thinking approach by blending jazz, New Adult Contemporary, and World Beat music into a format that resonated with listeners around the globe. Broadcast across four continents during its five-year run, Fusion 40 introduced audiences to new sounds and artists while solidifying Smith’s reputation as a trailblazer in radio programming.

Preserving History: Aircheck Radio

Today, China Smith’s legacy lives on through preserved airchecks that capture his work at stations like KCBQ and KWST. These recordings are available on Aircheck Radio’s streaming repository—a nonprofit platform dedicated to preserving unscoped airchecks from radio’s golden era. The platform allows fans and historians alike to experience Smith’s broadcasts as they originally aired, complete with music, commercials, and live interactions.

A Lasting Legacy

On August 22, 2005, China Smith passed away in Los Angeles at the age of 62. Though he is no longer with us, his influence continues to resonate within the broadcasting community. From his early days in Grand Rapids to his reign as one of Los Angeles’ premier radio personalities, Smith’s career is a testament to the power of personality-driven radio.

For those who grew up listening to him or have discovered his work through platforms like Aircheck Radio, China Smith remains an enduring symbol of what makes radio special: its ability to entertain, connect, and inspire. His story reminds us of an era when DJs were more than voices—they were trusted companions who brought music and joy into people’s lives every day.