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 in the unscoped airchecks on AircheckRadio.us, Howie’s broadcasts are a nostalgic dive into an era when AM radio reigned, blending music, wit, and community connection. His journey from LG73 to a prolific voiceover career, where he’s lent his distinctive tone to everything from Jack FM to network promos for Modern Family and Pawn Stars, is a story of reinvention and enduring impact.

Howie’s Reign at LG73

CKLG Vancouver Howard Cogan "Howie The Hitman" 1989 Courtesy California Aircheck/YouTube

CKLG hit the airwaves in 1955 at 1070 AM, moving to 730 AM in 1958, and became Vancouver’s Top 40 powerhouse by August 22, 1964. Rebranded as LG73 in the 1970s, it broadcast from 1006 Richards Street in the vibrant, slightly gritty fashion district—a locale Howie and his fellow DJs playfully referenced with quips about its “high heels and short skirts” street scene. Joining LG73 in the 1980s, Howie brought an electrifying presence that defined the station’s peak.

His evening shows were a cornerstone of Top 40 radio, a format known for its broad appeal, playing chart-topping hits across pop, rock, and early hip-hop. Howie’s rapid-fire delivery and cheeky humor shone through, whether he was promoting contests for Circle K prize packs or spinning tracks from the Beatles to Bon Jovi. Airchecks from 1989, preserved on AircheckRadio.us, capture his playful jabs at the fashion district’s nightlife, delivered with a charm that kept listeners hooked. As a Reddit user reminisced in 2022, “Howie on LG73 made Vancouver nights electric—he was our soundtrack.”

With a 50,000-watt signal upgraded in 1975, LG73’s reach extended across the Lower Mainland and occasionally to California and Alaska via AM’s nighttime skip. Howie’s shows blended Top 40 hits with local news, concert plugs for acts like Corey Hart, and listener call-ins, creating a communal vibe that made LG73 a Vancouver staple.

Defining Radio Formats

Howie was a master of the Top 40 format, which thrived on LG73 during his tenure. This format’s mix of current hits and engaging DJ banter appealed to a wide audience, particularly teens and young adults. Howie excelled at “hitting the post,” timing his talk to sync perfectly with a song’s intro, a Top 40 hallmark. His shows were peppered with jingles like “LG73, Vancouver’s Hit Music!”—his voice becoming the station’s sonic signature.

He also embraced the “Hot Hits” format, a high-energy Top 40 variant popularized in the 1980s, with tight playlists and rapid song rotation. LG73 adopted Hot Hits elements, and Howie’s punchy delivery of promos and station IDs amplified its dynamic sound. Occasionally, he dabbled in Album-Oriented Rock (AOR), slipping in tracks from bands like Rush during transitional periods, showcasing his versatility. His voice defined LG73’s Top 40 and Hot Hits eras, making him the station’s unmistakable sound.

The Fashion District’s Pulse

From 1006 Richards, LG73’s studios buzzed with creativity. Howie, alongside DJs like Fred Latremouille, Doc Harris, and Roy Hennessey, crafted a sound that captured Vancouver’s spirit. The fashion district’s blend of chic boutiques and raw street life fueled their edgy humor, with Howie’s “high heels and short skirts” line—a nod to the area’s streetwalkers—becoming a fan-favorite gag. Airchecks on AircheckRadio.us preserve this unfiltered energy, immersing listeners in 1980s radio’s raw charm.

Howie’s shows were a community hub, featuring call-in segments, concert promotions, and contests like “Name That Tune” for tickets or fast-food vouchers. As Doc Harris recalled in a 2016 Puget Sound Radio interview, “Howie had a way of making every listener feel like a friend.” His connection to Vancouver’s youth culture, from hyping gigs at the Commodore Ballroom to covering local events, solidified LG73’s cultural impact.

Transition to Voiceover Stardom

As AM radio’s dominance waned in the 1990s, with FM stations like CFOX-FM (99.3) drawing listeners with clearer sound, LG73’s Top 40 run ended on January 31, 2001. The station briefly became CJNW (all-news) before shifting to talk and sports as CHMJ. Howie, with an eye on industry shifts, transitioned to voiceover work, capitalizing on his versatile voice.

Now based in Toronto, Howard Cogan has become a voiceover powerhouse, with a career spanning radio, TV, and commercials. His distinctive, irreverent tone—described as ranging from “disaffected everyman to matter-of-fact endorsement”—has made him a sought-after talent. He’s a staple on the Jack FM network, voicing promos for stations like BIG 103 Boston and The Arch in St. Louis, where his “unabashed dismissal of sacred values” resonates with the format’s cheeky, adult-oriented vibe.

Howie’s voice has also graced network promos for cutting-edge shows like ABC’s Modern Family, FXX’s You’re the Worst, and FOX’s short-lived Grandfathered, bringing his LG73-honed energy to TV audiences. His commercial work includes Pizza Hut ads and narrations for History Channel’s Pawn Stars, as well as gritty promos for gangster and crime shows, where his commanding delivery adds intensity. While he’s kept a lower profile on specific projects, his portfolio also spans animation, movie trailers, and corporate narrations, showcasing the range he developed at LG73.

A Legacy in Airchecks and Beyond

Howie the Hitman’s LG73 era remains a high-water mark in Vancouver’s radio history. His Top 40 and Hot Hits broadcasts, infused with local flavor and bold humor, captured a city’s spirit. Airchecks on AircheckRadio.us—brimming with his voice, LG73’s jingles, and 1980s hits—transport listeners to a time when radio was a shared experience. A 2023 Reddit post sums it up: “Howie on LG73 was Vancouver’s pulse—pure nostalgia.”

From the fashion district to global airwaves, Howard Cogan’s journey reflects talent and adaptability. His voice, once LG73’s heartbeat, now resonates in Jack FM’s irreverent promos, TV show campaigns, and beyond. As one fan on X noted, Howard’s commanding presence makes him a standout in broadcasting, even if he’d quip, “One of the most recognized voices? Said no one ever.” For radio lovers, Howie’s airchecks are a reminder of when AM ruled, and a DJ could make a city feel alive.