Blog masonry

Ellis B. Feaster

Ellis B. Feaster: The Voice of Faith and Keeper of Radio’s Soul In an industry where voices flicker and fade, Ellis B. Feaster’s resonates with enduring warmth, blending Christian faith, infectious energy, and an archivist’s zeal for radio’s golden era. For over four decades, Feaster has woven a remarkable career across 13 markets, from Long Island’s suburban airwaves to Orlando’s vibrant morning drive. As the longtime host of Z88.3 FM’s morning show, he infuses Central Florida with positivity, while his […]

September 8, 2025 16

Radio Eras

Bobby Ocean: Voice of California’s Boss Radio

In the electrifying world of 1970s and 1980s Top 40 radio, where disc jockeys were the unsung heroes scripting the daily drama of American pop culture, Bobby Ocean stood out as a master storyteller. With a velvet-smooth delivery that could pivot from playful banter to poignant reflection in a heartbeat, Ocean didn't just play the hits—he made them feel personal. Born Ernest Raymond Lenhart on November 12, 1944, in a modest Midwestern family of seven siblings, Ocean's path to […]

September 8, 2025 10

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Radio Eras

Chris Larko’s Radio Odyssey

The Little Guy with a Big Dream: Chris Larko’s Radio Odyssey On the gritty south side of Fort Wayne, Indiana, where perseverance was as common as the hum of factory shifts, Christopher “Chris” Larko came of age with scant resources but an unquenchable thirst for the airwaves. Nurtured in a single-parent household by his devoted mother, Roberta Louise (Brodbeck) Larko, following his father's departure, Chris navigated the challenges of a modest upbringing. Yet, amid the constraints, he discovered a boundless […]

August 25, 2025 50 7

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Radio Legends

The Wild Ride of Bill Hennes

A Radio Icon's Decades-Long Journey Through the Airwaves In the pantheon of radio personalities who shaped the sound of Top 40 and beyond, few names evoke the raw energy and programming prowess quite like Bill Hennes. Known on-air as "Wild Willy" or "Wild Willy Mitchell," Hennes embodied the rebellious spirit of rock 'n' roll radio in the 1960s and '70s, transitioning from a high-octane DJ to a visionary program director and consultant. His career, spanning over six decades, took him […]

August 24, 2025 45 5

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Radio Legends

Ronald Lee Gregory

Fort Wayne’s Radio Legend and Voice of Connection Dead at Age 77 On August 22, 2025, Fort Wayne, Indiana, bid farewell to Ronald Lee Gregory, a radio icon whose warm voice, quick wit, and genuine love for broadcasting touched countless lives. Passing at age 77, Gregory left behind a 45-year legacy that defined Midwest radio. Known for his versatility—wearing hats as a host, mentor, ham radio enthusiast, and station owner—Gregory’s journey from a college DJ to a beloved “WOWO Legend” […]

August 24, 2025 68 7

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Radio History

Art Vuolo: Radio’s Best Friend

In the kaleidoscope of radio broadcasting, where voices crackle through the airwaves and personalities shape cultural moments, one man has stood quietly behind the scenes, camera in hand, preserving the heartbeat of an industry. Art Vuolo, Jr., affectionately dubbed “Radio’s Best Friend,” has spent over five decades capturing the essence of radio through his lens, amassing an unparalleled archive of video airchecks, radio conventions, and special events. His contributions extend far beyond mere documentation; Vuolo has woven himself into the […]

August 17, 2025 38 13

Radio Legends

Maxanne Sartori Rocked Boston and Beyond

In the buzzing world of Boston radio during the 1970s, one DJ stood out not just for her killer playlists but for her sheer guts and ear for the next big thing. Maxanne Sartori, with her infectious love for rock 'n' roll, turned afternoons on WBCN into must-listen hours, helping launch careers and proving women belonged behind the console. Her story is one of passion meeting opportunity, and it's still inspiring folks in the booth today. Sartori's radio journey kicked […]

August 17, 2025 36

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Radio Legends

The Saga of Ed Christian

The Saga of Ed Christian: A Radio Pioneer’s Enduring Legacy In American radio broadcasting, few names resonate as powerfully as Ed Christian. As the founder, chairman, president, and CEO of Saga Communications, Christian’s career spanned over five decades, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. His journey from a teenage disc jockey to a titan of radio was marked by a relentless commitment to localism, innovative programming, and a leadership style that blended iconoclasm with compassion. Christian’s passing on […]

August 8, 2025 13 1

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Radio History

WLS-AM: The Rock of Chicago

Pull up a chair, grab a coffee (or a slice of deep dish, if you’re into that sort of thing), and let’s talk about WLS-AM. For those of you too young to remember the glory days of Top 40 radio in Chicago, WLS was the “Rock of Chicago” for over two decades starting in the 1960s. It had legendary DJs, unforgettable stunts, and a format that many people turned to for their daily dose of new music. Today, we’re going to dive into […]

July 26, 2025 131 113