Chris Larko’s Radio Odyssey

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 44 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 33 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 38 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 18 8

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 23

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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 9 1

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Radio Legends

Stereo Quad Suzy Waud

Stereo Quad Suzy Waud: The Voice That Rocked Ohio’s Airwaves In the vibrant mosaic of Midwest radio history, few personalities shine as brightly as Suzy Waud, the irrepressible “Stereo Quad Suzy Waud,” whose voice defined an era of Top 40 radio in Columbus, Ohio, and beyond. From her debut in 1980 at WXGT 92X (now WCOL-FM) to her triumphant return to the airwaves in 2023 on Pure Rock 105.5 WXTQ in Athens, Waud’s career is a testament to the power […]

July 2, 2025 62 2

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Radio Legends

Howie the Hitman

Howie the Hitman: From LG73’s Vancouver Airwaves to a Distinctive Voiceover Legacy By Morgan Rugby In the pulsating heart of Vancouver’s fashion district, where DJs jested that “the heels were high and the skirts were short,” CKLG AM 730—known as LG73—stood as a Top 40 titan from the 1960s to the 1990s. At its forefront was Howard Cogan, “Howie the Hitman,” whose bold voice and irreverent humor made him a radio icon in Vancouver. For enthusiasts like me, who revel […]

May 26, 2025 36 1

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 […]

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