Skip Essick: A Life on the Airwaves

“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 Rapids to his leadership roles at powerhouse stations like WHAS in Louisville and KMJ in Fresno, Essick’s career was a testament to both talent and adaptability. His story is one that resonates with many in the broadcasting world—especially those who remember when radio was king.

A Young Man with a Mic: The Early Years

Like many radio legends, Skip Essick didn’t start in a major market. Born Edward  Essick, is journey began in Lima, Ohio, in the late 1960s. Small-market radio was often where young broadcasters cut their teeth, learning the ropes in an industry that demanded quick thinking and personality. It was a time when DJs had to do it all—announce the records, cue up commercials, take requests from listeners, and sometimes even read the news.

At a local station in Lima, Essick first got behind the mic on 94 WCIT and discovered the thrill of connecting with an audience from humble studios prior to a move to the 9th floor of Cook Tower. It was clear early on that he had a knack for it. His voice was engaging, his delivery smooth, and he had the ability to make listeners feel like they were part of something special. But he wasn’t just interested in being a DJ—he wanted to understand the bigger picture of radio. How do stations build their brand? What makes a format work? These questions would shape his career trajectory.

The WGRD Years: Finding His Groove in Grand Rapids

By the time he landed at WGRD in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Essick was quickly moving up in the radio world. In the late 1960s and early ‘70s, WGRD was a dominant Top 40 station, catering to a young, music-hungry audience. Grand Rapids might not have been a major market like Detroit or Chicago, but it had a fiercely loyal radio listenership, and WGRD was the station that had everyone tuning in.

At WGRD, Essick wasn’t just another voice on the air—he was helping shape the station’s sound and personality. This was the era when Top 40 radio was more than just playing the hits—it was about energy, creativity, and making listeners feel like they were part of a movement. From on-air promotions to engaging contests and even live events, WGRD thrived on making radio an experience rather than just background noise.

Skip Essick was part of that magic, working alongside a team of on-air talents who knew how to make an impact. He wasn’t just a DJ; he was thinking about programming, branding, and how a station could stay ahead of the competition. And that ambition eventually led him to his next big move.

WHAS Louisville: Stepping into a Bigger Role

After his successful run in Michigan, Essick moved into a larger market and took on a more programming-focused role at WHAS in Louisville, Kentucky. WHAS was (and still is) one of the most historic and influential AM radio stations in the country, known for its news, talk, and music programming.

At WHAS, Essick’s role expanded from being just an on-air personality to someone involved in shaping the station’s sound and strategy. His programming work became more about big-picture thinking—balancing the needs of advertisers, keeping ratings strong, and ensuring the content remained fresh and engaging. He had an eye for what made a station work and was able to help WHAS navigate the shifting tides of radio, particularly as FM stations were starting to take over much of the music audience.

The experience at WHAS helped Essick build a reputation as a smart programmer and leader, someone who understood both the art and business of radio.

The Big Move to KMJ in Fresno: Taking the Lead

Essick’s career reached its peak when he took the reins as Program Director at KMJ in Fresno, California. Unlike his earlier stints at music-focused stations, KMJ was a news/talk powerhouse. At a time when the industry was shifting away from music on AM and moving toward talk radio and personality-driven content, KMJ was a station that had a strong identity and a loyal audience.

Under Essick’s leadership, KMJ thrived. He was responsible for making sure the station remained relevant, engaging, and profitable in a rapidly changing media landscape. The rise of digital media and satellite radio meant that traditional AM stations had to adapt quickly—and KMJ did just that.

Skip Essick’s leadership wasn’t just about numbers and ratings; he had a passion for mentoring the next generation of broadcasters. Many of those who worked with him at KMJ describe him as a steady, insightful leader who understood that good radio wasn’t just about the right playlist or the biggest-name hosts—it was about making real connections with listeners.

Retirement and a Lasting Legacy

After decades in radio, Skip Essick finally stepped away from the business, leaving behind a long and respected career. His journey from a small-market DJ to a respected program director in major markets is one that many broadcasters dream about. He lived through the golden era of radio—from the high-energy Top 40 days of the ‘60s and ‘70s, through the rise of FM dominance in the ‘80s, to the shift toward news/talk formats in the ‘90s and beyond.

Even in retirement, Essick’s impact on radio remains. Those who worked with him, listened to him, and followed in his footsteps still remember the energy and passion he brought to the industry.

“The best radio personalities aren’t just talking—they’re having a conversation with you, even if you’re the only one in the room.” — Skip Essick

A Radio Man Through and Through

Skip Essick’s story is a reminder of what great radio is all about. It’s about personality, connection, and storytelling. Whether he was playing records at WGRD, shaping formats at WHAS, or leading KMJ through the modern era, he remained dedicated to the power of radio.

For those who remember tuning in to his shows or working alongside him, Essick will always be more than just a radio guy—he’s a legend in the industry. His career stands as proof that even as technology changes, great radio is timeless.