Radio Legends

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Radio Legends

Remembering Jed the Fish

Jed The Fish: A Voice That Defined Los Angeles Radio April 14, 2025By Aircheck Radio We are deeply saddened to share the news that legendary Los Angeles radio personality Jed The Fish—born Edwin Jed Gould III—passed away this morning at the age of 69, following a brief battle with small-cell lung cancer. For generations of listeners in Southern California, Jed The Fish was more than a DJ—he was a defining voice of KROQ-FM and a pioneer of alternative radio in […]

todayApril 14, 2025 26

Radio Legends

Bob Rivers Passes Away at 68

​Bob Rivers, born on July 7, 1956, in Branford, Connecticut, was a multifaceted individual whose influence spanned radio broadcasting, music, aviation, and community service. His journey from a passionate young broadcaster to a beloved Seattle radio personality is a testament to his versatility and dedication.​ Early Life and Introduction to Radio Rivers' fascination with radio began in his youth. At 14, he launched a high school radio station, demonstrating an early passion for broadcasting. By 16, he secured his first […]

todayMarch 11, 2025 19

Paul Freeman

Radio Legends

Paul Freeman

Paul Freeman: A Voice That Shaped Los Angeles Radio Paul Freeman’s journey through the world of broadcasting epitomizes what it means to thrive as a radio personality. From his humble beginnings in Spokane, Washington, to his celebrated career that spanned four decades on Los Angeles airwaves, Freeman mastered the art of connection. He wasn’t just a DJ. He was a storyteller, a sound architect, and a voice that became inseparable from the rhythms of the city he served. His career, […]

todayMarch 10, 2025 30

SKIP-ESSICK

Radio Legends

Skip Essick: A Life on the Airwaves

Skip Essick: A Life on the Airwaves – From WGRD to Radio Leadership "Radio is the most intimate and socially personal medium in the world." — Harry von Zell For decades, Skip Essick was a familiar voice and a guiding hand behind the scenes in radio. Whether he was on-air, programming a station’s format, or leading an entire operation, his influence helped shape the way radio sounded in multiple markets. From his early days spinning records at WGRD in Grand […]

todayMarch 4, 2025 16

Radio Legends

The Maverick Who Revolutionized Radio

Gordon McLendon’s Lasting Legacy In the pantheon of radio pioneers, Gordon McLendon stands tall as a true innovator whose influence continues to shape broadcasting decades after his heyday. Known as “the Maverick of Radio,” McLendon’s career spanned the 1950s through the 1970s, leaving an indelible mark on the industry that resonates even in today’s digital age. Born in 1921 in Paris, Texas, McLendon’s journey in radio began modestly with the purchase of KNET in Palestine, Texas in 1946. However, it […]

todayFebruary 25, 2025 21

John David Spangler

Radio Legends

John David Spangler

JD Spangler: A Trailblazer in Radio Broadcasting The story of John David Spangler—known to listeners and colleagues alike simply as “JD”—is a compelling one, marked by versatility, innovation, and a deep passion for connecting with audiences. Over the course of nearly three decades, Spangler carved a name for himself as a DJ, program director, and industry leader, leaving his imprint on radio stations spanning Illinois, Indiana, and the Mid-South. From his early days in Fort Wayne’s WMEE to his high-profile […]

todayAugust 10, 2024 13

Larry Lujack

Radio Legends

The Original Superjock

Larry Lujack SuperJock  The Original Superjock Larry Lujack In American radio, few personalities have left as indelible a mark as Larry Lujack. With his sardonic wit, distinctive voice, and groundbreaking segments, Lujack redefined the role of the disc jockey, transforming the airwaves into a platform for both entertainment and authenticity. His journey from a small-town boy in Iowa to the revered “Superjock” of Chicago’s radio scene is a testament to talent, resilience, and an unyielding passion for broadcasting. Early Life […]

todayJanuary 1, 2023 38 4 3

Radio Legends

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 […]

todayAugust 11, 2022 10

allison steele wnew fm

Radio Legends

Alison Steele

The Nightbird Who Gave New York a Midnight Soul "The flutter of wings, the shadow across the moon, the sounds of the night… as the Nightbird spreads her wings and soars." If you ever tuned into the FM dial late at night in New York City during the late ‘60s and ‘70s, you know exactly who that was. Alison Steele, "The Nightbird," was more than a radio DJ—she was a storyteller, a poet, and the voice of the city after […]

todayMarch 27, 2020 61 6 8