Bios Page – Texas Radio Hall Of Fame (2024)

TRHOF 2023 Nominees

Many of the bios that appear on this ballot are presented in the passionate “voices” of the individuals who made the nominations...exactly as they were submitted. The enthusiasm expressed in this copy reflects the opinion of the nominator and no additional advocacy by other parties is implied. In like manner, the varying lengths of the individual bios are due to the length of the original submissions. The information displayed here is what was submitted by the nominator in support of the nominee.

Skip Bishop’s love and fascination with radio began sometime around birth. The Southern Virginia kid spent his weekends peddling his Schwinn from one local radio station to another, knocking on doors, asking for old Billboards and requesting if he could sit in a could “watch the disc jockey”. He’d peddle home with a basket full of outdated traded magazines a duplicate copies of singles.

As a teen the family migrated to Alabama, where he landed his earliest radio gigs, branding himself with off beat creative showmanship and an encyclopedic knowledge of hit singles, artists, radio programmers, charts and formatic diversity.

After U-Hauling his way through the Southeast, his last radio position brought him to Bryan- College Station Texas as the corporate programmer for the 19 station chain, Broadcast Properties, Inc.

To Skip, Texas was different. Radio was more diverse and earthy. The artistic margins were wider and the on air characters were more colorful and clearly drawn. It’s in Texas where Bishop said he 'set himself on fire'.

To have him accept the position, the company allowed him to design, build and launch a station from the ground up. There were no restrictions. From an FCC approved construction permit, KKYS was born, with a curious, dynamic mix of Urban, Dance and Top40 tracks and some of the most aggressive non-stop stunting ever, designed to pulverize the competition.

KKYS started getting national attention from music companies because, if a new single was working in Texas, the company would spread it chain wide. One record company executive was quoted as saying “this peanut of a radio station in who-knows-where, Texas is breaking artists like eggs in a diner."

It was in Bryan-College Station that Skip discovered his soon to be life long friend, Donna Oldner, who became (on air) Donna Biante and then the Texas legend Donna McKenzie.

"I heard this amazing voice on a campus station and thought it was a nationally syndicated show. It was an eclectic jazz/blues mix with the presence of an angel pontificating about the music…..I was stunned to find out it was originating locally from a 9 volt battery". Bishop convinced Donna that “it won’t hurt to play Madonna singles” and together their on air antics were legendary. Programming offers from larger chains and bigger markets started rolling in but Skip stuck to Texas.

In 1985, RCA Records Exec Butch Waugh made Skip and offer he couldn’t refuse. “You’re not leaving radio, you’re going to be deeper into radio than you ever imagined. You’re just on the wrong side of the desk."

That proved to be true. He accepted the position as the RCA Texas rep and was transplanted to Houston where he had a front row seat in one of the biggest battle grounds and collective combined shares of Top 40 Radio …."with KKBQ, KRBE, And Energy hurling European Alt-Dance records at each other like scud missiles".

The diversity of Texas Radio gave Bishop the opportunity to do what he did best…break the rules. He had Pop tracks on Rock radio and vice versa. What were national priorities for RCA were eight months old in Texas. It didn’t take long before the labels corporate suits realized that records were breaking fast and furiously out of The Lone Star State and Skip got the call (again from exec Butch Waugh) to get to New York where he eventually became Sr Vice President of Promotion at the Label.

After a stint as Executive Senior VP of MCA/Universal in Los Angeles, Bishop returned to New York to launch his mega successful music marketing and promotion firm, Bishop Bait and Tackle.

But again Waugh called (who had landed in Nashville with Sony) and Skip became Sr VP of Promotion at Sony/Nashville. His career continue to roll into the Presidency at Warner distributed HitShop Records, Followed by a still thriving stint as CEO Of Studio2Bee Ent. Inc in Partnership with Monday Morning Intel Publications, again as always, positions he shares with his 37 year biz pattern Butch Waugh.

To Skip, it was always about his stint in Texas Radio and the diversely unbridled music scene. “It was there that I figured out that artistic freedom is limitless and rewarded. There, art will always have deep indigenous roots and bright stars”.

Bill Branch was a radio engineer who took bits and pieces of World War I surplus electronics and built Fort Worth’s very first radio station, KFJZ. While KDKA and WRR and other stations may lay claim to radio broadcasting’s firsts, Branch’s efforts to make a go of KFJZ date back to 1917.

He constructed a studio and transmitter behind his house in the Poly section of Fort Worth. Branch owned KFJZ until 1926, but also helped get competitor WBAP on the air in 1922 by building its first transmitter.

Branch spent most of the 1930s in Mexico constructing transmitters for several “border blasters,” and, sadly, was electrocuted March 15, 1946 while assembling 150,000-watter XELO (later known as XEROK.)

John Breland is known to wear many hats, whether as Business Owner, Account Manager, Director of Non-Traditional Revenue or community leader. He is active on The Houston Livestock & Rodeo Speakers Committee, Pasadena Show & Rodeo, and Fort Bend County Fair Association Mutton Bustin' Committee; his charity work includes volunteering with the Snowdrop Foundation and the Media Classic Golf Tournament. And there's more! He currently serves as president of The Coastal Conservation Association, Greater Sugarland Chapter.

John holds a Bachelor of Arts and Communications from Northwestern State University. After several stops as entrepreneur and business owner, he found his true calling in the Radio industry, John was a key person on my Cox Media staff; he has had a big impact on his clients through being smart, creative, intuitive and dependable. He's willing to put out great effort to ensure successful outcomes and his clients trust him to follow through on commitments. He recently retired after 22 years with Cox Media Group. John enjoys golf with his friends, and with his wife Lynda, enjoys fishing, cooking the catch, and as cheerleaders for the LSU Tigers. For all who know and work with John, his reputation is secure as the "get it done" guy; and you can expect to be greeted with a big smile, a handshake, a funny story, or perhaps a welcome hug.

John Breland, aka, Bubba is so very passionate about broadcasting along with super-serving his clients. John retired from Cox Media Group in 2022 after holding two titles, Account Manager & Non Traditional Revenue Manager. He was always going the extra mile for his clients and colleagues from attending graduations, helping to move to that next home and driving across town to help change a tire. His previous sales positions include Account Manager at KRBE, KLDE and prior to that he was a the GM for KTQQ Lake Charles, LA.

John is very involved in the community to include volunteer for the Snowdrop Foundation which has raised just under $6Million since the 2006 inception. He is a Lifetime Member of the Pasadena Livestock Show & Rodeo, Ft Bend County Fair Association. John is an active member of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. He currently serves as President of the Greater Sugar Land CCA Chapter.

John loves to fish with his wife, Lynda. They both are superfans of LSU!

KILT-FM

Jay Britt began her radio career at AOR station KBZB in 1969 where her husband, Jerry Britt, was program director. When a flu epidemic struck the town and the KBZB staff was decimated, Jerry needed a substitute for the evening shift in a hurry, especially since he was already covering two air shifts himself. Jay had never been on radio, and was reluctant and nervous, but she assumed the air name of “Honey Bee” and sat down to do the evening shift with Jerry instructing her on how to run the board. She was a natural, just being herself , and soon, to her great surprise, she had a big audience!

Jay was considered a pioneer in her field at the time, being one of only three women in FM rock radio working in the United States. She continued to do the night shift on KBZB until 1974, when the station owners decided to change format to all sports. Jay, who by now was quite a skilled DJ, wanted to continue as an air talent and sent out a bunch of audition tapes and got offers from several stations, even including one in Hawaii, and one from AOR KILT FM 100, who needed a news person. She was nervous about doing news, but news director Jim Carola loved her voice, and convinced her to give it a try on the morning shift, so she and Jerry moved the family to Houston. When we met for the first time, I explained to her that I did not want a traditional news person because the “hard news” that most stations were doing at the time was a kind of a downer that early in the morning for hippie rock and rollers like us, and that I liked to chime in during news casts to keep it light. She responded by opening the news cast just reading a few headlines from the wire services, and then doing what might be called “feature news”, which included stories such as UFO sightings, worm farms, stories quoting the National Enquirer tabloid, and her favorite magazine, “Progressive Grocer”.

She quickly became an expert at finding wacky, off the wall stories, and letting me ask questions during the news. We were very lucky dogs because we had a ball just being ourselves and the audience ate it up. Some times I would ask her a question that would stump her, and the phones would go nuts with callers who knew the answer, and Jay would thank our "Vast and Unpaid Research Department“ for chiming in with the answer. The listeners loved being invited to be part of the show and eventually we had some "contracts" printed up, and we would mail one out to anyone who called to answer any question we had. The "contracts" were printed on heavy stock with flowery print, proclaiming the holder to be a Bonafide member of Jolly and Jay's "Vast and Unpaid Research Department." People would proudly display their "contracts" on office walls or on the refrigerator at home.

"Jolly and Jay” enjoyed good ratings until 1981. Jay was starting to get tired of the early morning hours, and was getting uncomfortable about being in the public eye all the time as she was really a very private person. Remember, she would have never been on radio at all if it hadn’t been for that flu epidemic in Odessa! When KILT-FM switched formats to Country, she decided to retire from radio, and eventually moved to the small town of Fredericksburg, where she and Jerry enjoyed quiet small town life for many years. She passed away from diabetes complications in 2016.

KUKA, KVAR, KMFM, KLVL, KQQK, KSAH

Known to his thousands of fans as Alberto Alegre Calvo, he was a mainstay of Spanish-language radio in the Lone Star State for more than four decades. I met Albert Calvo at the Radio TV Film Department at San Antonio College at the time he and I started in radio in September of 1977. As a teenager he spun the tunes at the Home Room parties of his Jr High followed by emceeing events as a student of Thomas Jefferson High School. He was a night jock on KUKA’s Top Teen Tunes at night. Followed by stints at KVAR-FM, the first Tejano FM station in San Antonio then KVAR-AM. He also worked at KHFM La M Grande. All in San Antonio.

As most radio people did he left San Antonio to work in El Paso, Houston, Corpus Christi. He and his sister Olga Calvo hosted a popular show entertaining listeners as ‘2 Tons of Fun’ for many years. He returned in 2001 to San Antonio as the morning host on KSAH Norteno AM 720 and 104.1 FM and remained there through several station ownerships up until his death at the age of 60 in October of 2018. Calvo accumulated a mantle full of trophies, plaques and certificates of achievement from record companies and several radio stations for his many innovations, accomplishments, professionalism and most importantly popularity with his listeners. Over the course of his career, Mr. Calvo helped introduce the public to such notable performers as Selena, La Mafia, and Emilio Navaira and many more. While on KSAH he created The On-Air Flea Market and the Job-Line hour which provided many opportunities for people seeking work and for employers seeking help. One of his biggest accomplishments was being the only Texas Hispanic Air Personality to win the coveted NAB Marconi Award in 2009 for Spanish Format Personality of the Year.

In 2012 he created the Alegre Awards to honor worthy individuals he felt were not being recognized for their achievements. It started with a conversation with Radio Hall of Famer Johnny Shannon who told Albert he was celebrating his 50th year in broadcasting and Albert asked if anyone was throwing him a party or commemorating his work in the radio business. When Johnny said no, Albert immediately created an Awards ceremony which started in his backyard and Johnny Shannon received the first Alegre Award. The ceremony grew to become such a success that by 2017 it was held at the Arneson River Theatre at La Villita. Albert also hosted the Tejano Music Awards twice.

Besides being a radio personality, emcee and producer, Albert was also an artist and sculptor whose backyard has many of his creations like an outline of The Alamo as an archway and a mural honoring many musical artists, San Antonio politicians and the San Antonio Spurs.

From Robert Earl Keen/Texas Monthly: Steve Coffman started playing “The Road Goes On Forever & The Party Never Ends” The song was an instant hit with Coffman’s listeners and Keen’s cult following had begun. Coffman was a true Pioneer & Texas Broadcasting Great, who never ever gave up on his “Texas Mix” format, a unique mix of blues, southern and classic rock, country, Texas country, a little zydeco and throw in some reggae and that was his “Texas Mix”.

“Texas Music” & “Texas Country” would not be what it is today without Steve Coffman’s dedication to the artists. Steve launched and supported dozens of “Texas Music” artists throughout his thirty year career in radio. Beginning in Dallas Radio (KAFM) during the 70’s, spinning the original Outlaw Country - Waylon, Willie and the Boys, San Antonio Radio in the 80’s KZEP, KFAN then onto KRIO, KENS, a short stop at KISS then onto KGUL-FM, KYKM-FM, KHLT-AM /KTXM-FM, and KTXN.

Texas House of Representatives: Coffman spent his life sharing his deep love of music with friends and fans across Texas, and in doing so, he became to be a vital contributor to the state's rich musical history.

Steve had a giant on-air personality and a radio delivery that was like listening to your best friend. His passion for his unique and special blend of music - The Texas Mix - fueled what is known currently as Texas Music and a catalyst for the success of many Texas artists in the format of today.

Steve’s radio career was cut way too short by cancer in 2006.However, His Legacy, voice and format continues today with an online internet radio station at: “Steve Coffman’s Texas Radio Lives @ Tunein.com”

Raoul Cortez is a true pioneer of Spanish language radio and television in the United States. Born in Veracruz, Mexico, in 1905, he came to San Antonio at an early age to seek his fortune, working first as a reporter for La Prensa newspaper and also as a salesman for the Pearl Brewing Company.

In the 1930s and 40s Cortez owned and operated a Theatrical Agency that introduced top Mexican and Latin American entertainers to the U.S. In 1940 he began buying airtime on KMAC Radio and producing Spanish variety hours for the station. In 1944 Cortez applied for a license to open his own radio station. To get around wartime restrictions on foreign language media, he stated that part of the station’s purpose was to mobilize the Mexican-American community behind the war effort.

In 1946 KCOR-AM went on the air…. the first full-time Spanish language radio station in the country owned and operated by a Hispanic. It is still on the air today with the same call letters that bear a portion of his last name. Cortez also formed the "Sombrero" radio network…a chain of stations across the country that banded together in order to improve and promote radio broadcasts.

In 1955 Cortez expanded his broadcasting operations to include television when he launched KCOR-TV Channel 41. This was the first television station aimed solely at the Hispanic market, as well as the first UHF station.

Cortez passed away in 1971. In 1981 the City of San Antonio named the Raoul A. Cortez Branch Library in recognition of his accomplishments. In 2006 the National Association of Broadcasters gave its Spirit of Broadcasting Award jointly to Cortez and his son-in-law, Emilio Nicolas. In 2007 the professional publication, Radio Ink, created the Medallas de Cortez Hispanic Radio Award to recognize outstanding achievement and leadership in Hispanic radio. Inducted into the San Antonio Radio Hall of Fame 2015.

Mr. Cortez is included in an exhibit recently opened at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History entitled “American Enterprise” … the story of innovation in American business history.

Radio Ink is pleased to announce the finalists for the prestigious 2023 Medallas de Cortez awards, recognizing excellence in Hispanic radio programming, sales, and management.The awards are named in honor of Raoul Cortez, who in 1946 founded KCOR/San Antonio, the first Spanish-language radio station in the United States. Finalists are selected by an independent panel of judges following nominations by their peers.

Manuel was one of the early pioneers of Spanish language radio, the Conjunto Tejano format and DJ’s talking in Spanglish (Bi-Lingual) in the United States. Spanish-language broadcasting began in the early days of commercial radio, but only as a part-time service not as full-time radio stations. Dávila would help change that forever.

He was born in San Antonio in 1913. As a young man Dávila enjoyed boxing and working in the gym. José Luis Dávila always took care of his little brother Lito. José was working in radio and wanted Lito to leave boxing and join him. Lito went with his brother. This decision would start Manuel’s radio career and change his life for the better. In 1928 there were no Spanish language stations in San Antonio, so Manuel and his brother, José, began broadcasting in Spanish by buying one-hour slots on English-language stations. They quickly found bias against Mexican-American broadcasters not only from Anglos, but also from Hispanics who believed that one should be from Mexico in order to broadcast in Spanish.

Then KCOR became the first licensed radio station in the United States to broadcast in Spanish. There format was strictly music from Mexico. Very few if any local or regional artist could get air play.

Around 1954 Manuel started working at Dr. Ben and Mona Parker’s radio station in Pleasanton, Texas, KBOP. Manuel bought a couple of hours in the afternoon and was soon followed by Willie Nelson who did the evening shift.

Manuel Dávila continued to work in San Antonio radio until 1966 at various radio stations KIWW, KEXX, KUKA. Manuel’s sons Manuel Jr., Richard and Roy were right by his side. The boys would start a program called “The Teens Choice.” Along the way he decided to apply for his own station. He applied in 1961. Five years later in 1966 the application was granted. He began broadcasting Tex-Mex music on KEDA, nicknamed “La Tejañita” the first Conjunto/Tejano music station in the country. He described the music as “Country & Western in Spanish.”

When the day came for KEDA radio to broadcast live Manuel said “Keda San Antonio está en el aire.”

The first song played on KEDA was by Los Paisanos ‘La Del Moño Colorado.’

The station's competitors called it the "cantina station" because of its accordion-driven South Texas music, although Dávila insisted that the station was "all about familia and respect and giving newcomers a break." The local nature of the radio station raised skepticism at first, but the major labels that originally bypassed it eventually started calling.

In 1977 KEDA would become “Radio Jalapeño" with slogans “Con música caliente” and “The University of Jalapeño.” Manuel throughout his radio career alway played local regional artist such as Narciso Martínez, Don Santiago Jiménez Sr., Beto Villa, Lydia Mendoza, Isidro Lopez, Tony De La Rosa, Conjunto Bernal, Freddie Martínez, Sunny Ozuna, The Royal Jesters, Valerio Longoria, Ruben Naranjo, Little Joe Hernandez, Flaco Jiménez, Los Aguilares, Los Paisanos, The Latin Breed and later newcomers Grupo Mazz, La Mafia, La Tropa F, Selena, Emilio, and just to name a few. By word of mouth all the artist knew to get their music to Manuel and he would give them AirPlay. Manuel gave everyone a chance.

About his career path Dávila said, "All I ever wanted to do was play country music in Spanish. I had to show everybody that a Mexican-American could run a station successfully playing Mexican-American music." Dávila created the "Jalapeño Network" by adding KCCT in Corpus Christi.

KEDA maintained a connection to its roots through community-service programming. These efforts included the reading of obituaries on the air as well as fundraisers for those who could not afford to bury their loved ones, medical expenses, organ transplants, bar b-q-plate sales and blood drives just to name a few.

The family, under patriarch Davila, helped make the careers of many of Texas and San Antonio’s successful musicians and supported the advancement of a variety of genres—from Conjunto, Tejano to the West Side Sound—significant to the Alamo City. After his death in 1997, Dávila’s widow continued to operate KEDA into 2011 when the station was sold to Jerry Benavides owner of Claro Communications. At that time, KEDA was the longest-running and last remaining, family-owned, independent radio station in San Antonio.

Jerry said “He was honored to carry on the tradition of KEDA.”

Manuel was LULAC Council #2 El Rey Feo 1972.

After his death, Manuel G. Dávila began to receive recognition for his contributions to San Antonio radio and his role in starting Spanish-language Tejano radio. He was inducted into the Conjunto Music Hall of Fame in 1997, the Tejano R.O.O.T.S. Hall of Fame 2008, and the Texas Conjunto Hall of Fame in 2015. In 1998 he was honored with a Radio Pioneer Award from Pura Vida Music Awards. In 2017 inducted into SAN ANTONIO RADIO HALL OF FAME.

Texas Monthly came out with a list of 12 Texas non musicians who influenced and changed Texas Music forever. Two were from San Antonio, Texas. Joseph Anthony ‘Joe Anthony’ Yannuzzi from KMAC & KISS and Manuel Gonzales Dávila from KEDA Manuel G. Dávila was a man of God, a family man and a radio man but to me he was Dad.

I have hundreds of stories of my dad and I. Here’s one.

When I was 6 years old I went with my dad to Mission County Park. Which to me meant music, see the horses and maybe a Charro next door, get some snap-it’s and to just be with my dad on a adventure. We left the park and up the street we stopped at like a kiddie park and I got to ride the ponies. I thought that was the coolest thing. As we were driving home I kept asking my dad what the name of the place were I rode the ponies. My dad knew that I would keep asking to go back if I knew the name of the place. So he said “it’s a secret.” I sat back for a minute then said “dad when can we go to secret?” The look on my dad’s face...Priceless. Later learned the kiddie park was named ‘Sunshine Amusem*nt Park.’

Manuel Davila, Sr. was one of the early pioneers of Spanish language radio and the Tejano format in the United States. Spanish-language broadcasting began in the early days of commercial radio, but only as a part-time service not as full-time radio stations. Davila would help change that forever.

He was born in San Antonio in 1913 and became involved in radio as a teenager. In 1928 there were no Spanish language stations in San Antonio, so Manuel and his brother, José, began broadcasting in Spanish by buying one-hour slots on English-language stations. They quickly found bias against Mexican-American broadcasters not only from Anglos, but also from Hispanics who believed that one should be from Mexico in order to broadcast in Spanish.

Manuel Davila continued to work in San Antonio radio until 1961, when he decided to buy his own station. In 1966, he began broadcasting Tex-Mex music on KEDA, nicknamed "Radio Jalapeño", the first Tejano music station in the country.

About his career path Davila said, "All I ever wanted to do was play country music in Spanish. I had to show everybody that a Mexican-American could run a station successfully playing Mexican-American music." Davila created the "Jalapeño Network" by adding three Spanish stations in Corpus Christi …Spanish Christian, classic rock, and international Spanish music.

After his death in 1997, Davila’s widow continued to operate KEDA into 2011 when the station was sold to Claro Communications. At that time, KEDA was the longest-running and last remaining, family-owned, independent radio station in San Antonio.

After his death, Manuel Davila began to receive recognition for his contributions to San Antonio radio and his role in starting Spanish-language Tejano radio. He was inducted into the Conjunto Music Hall of Fame in 1997, the Tejano Roots Hall of Fame in 2008, and the Texas Conjunto Hall of Fame in 2015. In 1998 he was honored with a Radio Pioneer Award from Pura Vida Music Awards. Inducted into the San Antonio Radio Hall of Fame 2016.

Why should YOU nominate Patti Diaz? (I am.)

How about almost 30 years on the radio in El Paso Texas! All at one station, then two, well, now six.

KPRR - Power 102. Started part time, then co-host of the morning show, then APD, then PD.

KHEY - 96.3 KHEY Country - PD and Afternoon Drive.

She's gone from part time on air to Director of Operations/VP of Programming iHeartRadio El Paso. Now oversees all 6 stations in the cluster!

She's also a big part of the community, on the board of Mike Dee's Big Adventure which is a non-profit that promotes independent living for young people with disabilities. El Paso Times "52 under 40", Fort Bliss "Women In Business" Outstanding Service Award and more!

Dave Dillon is a seasoned radio executive who has served in a variety of management roles. Throughout his career, he has been known for his strategic vision, strong leadership, and dedication to creating high-quality programming and content for listeners and advertisers.

His extensive experience in the radio industry has given him a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing radio stations and all formats. He is widely respected as a thought leader and innovator in the field.

Dillon is best known for his work as founding program director at KODA-FM, Sunny 99.1 in Houston. He oversaw the conception, programming, music, strategic positioning and imaging. Sunny debuted in 1991. By 1994, Sunny 99.1 was Houston’s number one rated station in the desirable adult demos as well as 12+.

Dillon was promoted to Vice President of Programming for SFX Broadcasting in 1995. In that role he worked with many stations in the growing SFX portfolio. Markets included Dallas with KTXQ and KRRW. KRRW was re-formatted to adult contemporary as KBFB, B97.9. He also worked with the managers and programmers at SFX owned stations in San Diego, Jackson, MS, Jacksonville, FL, Richmond, VA, Hartford, CT and Providence, RI among others.

Following the sale of SFX Broadcasting to Capstar Broadcasting Corp. (for about $2.5 Billion) He joined Capstar as one of their programming vice presidents. While remaining based in Texas, he oversaw the Southern Star stations. Eventually, he added the Pacific Star division on a temporary basis.

As Capstar was moving toward their merger with Chancellor to form AMFM, which would become a merger partner with Clear Channel, Dillon became Vice President of Radio Programming for Journal Broadcast Group. He worked with all 38 stations in their portfolio.

Also in his career, Dave was a program director in Atlanta, Denver, Jacksonville, Pittsburgh, and Richmond among others. He actually spent three tours in Richmond, one as PD at WEZS for EZ Communications; One with oversight responsibilities with SFX and a third as a Station Manager for three brands owned by an independent operator.

KTCK 1310/96.7 ‘The Ticket’ Dallas

George Dunham, Craig Miller, and Gordon Keith have been entertaining listeners for more than 20 years in morning drive on the Ticket. “The Musers” are five-time finalists for the prestigious national Marconi Award for best radio program in a major market, and have been named Best DFW Radio Show by the Dallas Morning News, Dallas Observer, and the American Women in Radio/Television. They are the longest-running morning show (with the same crew) in Dallas-Fort Worth, and have been the top rated show in the market since 1995.

Thanks to annual events like the Dunham & Miller Open golf tournament (benefiting Special Olympics), Craig Miller’s Swing for Hope golf tournament (benefiting Captain Hope’s Kids), George Dunham’s “Jub Jam” (benefiting the Senior Source), and Gordon Keith’s Clay Shoot (benefiting Big Brothers and Big Sisters of North Texas), they've raised over $1 million dollars for charity.

The accomplished award-winning veteran, Kandi Eastman joined the Majic family in 1994 after having renowned success as a station manager and music director at WRBB, Boston’s top-rated college station and on-air positions at Boston’s WILD, Raleigh NC’s WQOK and Norfolk, VA's WOWI. To date, Kandi has received considerable recognition and has earned numerous honors and awards for her contributions in the radio industry and for her efforts in improving and inspiring the Houston community. She has received such recognition from the likes of the City of Houston’s Mayor, the U.S. Congresswoman Representative of Texas and through features in such magazines as Essence and Today’s Black Woman.

Rudy has been in Texas Radio for over 40 years and is in the Country Radio Hall of Fame. He has the top rated show in Abilene, TX.

ESPN 97.5, KILT (Sports Radio 610)

For John Granato and Lance Zierlein, known better as “John & Lance”, either gentleman is worthy on his own merits, but having worked together as a duo for 20 of their 26 years in Houston radio, they belong together.

Their pairing was the handiwork of the late great Dickie Rosenfeld. Dickie partnered John and Lance to anchor morning drive for Star 610 - the first all-sports radio station in Houston. The call letters were KILT-AM. These two hosts brought a new era of sports talk to Houston...they were knowledgeable, entertaining, and fun. They weren’t “above the listeners” with their sports acumen, connections, and access. Rather, they bonded with the listeners in a way that brought them closer to the action and into the conversation.

John and Lance were, and still are, remarkable. The content of their weekday morning show became water cooler chatter in offices and “did you hear John & Lance today?” discussions over a beer with buddies. I know all too well, because in those early days, I worked for the competition and they made my job selling much harder.

The John & Lance Show, also called “The Bench” over the years, helped propel Star 610 (later dubbed SportsRadio 610) to greater heights as it welcomed in a new generation of sports talk listeners. From the beginning, John & Lance created events for their listeners to gather around. A golf tournament in their first year sold out in a few days. An on-air idea to go to a ballgame turned into hundreds of listeners joining them in a left field section of the Astrodome to cheer on the Astros. Then there was “slap fest” in which two listeners, who happened to be brothers, made an on-air challenge to slap each other (You had to be there!) It became a legendary event in a prominent Houston sports bar that was filled to capacity. Furniture store owner and Houston hero, Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale, was there as a celebrity judge and threw one dollar bills into the crowd to their great delight.

The events were terrific, but the glue was the consistency of their weekday morning show. They are authentic. They share their true opinions on teams, players, and ownership. They’ve been “called to the carpet” for this on occasion by station management and the local pro sports teams...but that’s okay because they want to be honest with their listeners.

Now, they can be homers, too. John often predicts at the beginning of the football season that he can see the Texans going undefeated. This is only slightly in jest. Lance no doubt has had a man crush on Hakeem Olajuwon for years, and now has great affection for new Texans Head Coach DeMeco Ryans. He likes the way he talks, walks, carries himself...even the way he dresses. It’s these things that further connect them with their audience.

Longtime listeners will ask John and/or Lance about their wives, their kids, or the TV shows they're streaming. They can talk sports with us, make us laugh, and keep us entertained on virtually any topic. Their consistency and connection keep the audience coming back again and again.

JOHN GRANATO

• SportsRadio 610 KILT AM 1997 2007
• 1560 The Game KGOW AM 2007 2015
• ESPN 97.5 KFNC FM 2015 Present

Other:

• TV Sportscaster, Green Bay and Lafayette
• TV Host of Sports Night Live, Houston Ch. 51
• Houston Texans Original Sideline Reporter 2002 2006
• Original staff that started 1560 The Game, KGOW AM
• Ran for President” in 2012
• Sang National Anthem before Rice Owls Baseball game
• Gave away 975 beers to listeners in 2022 (not easy!)
• Coached youth sports teams (football, baseball)
• Emcee for many charities, foundations and organizations

LANCE ZIERLEIN

• Super Talk Radio 700 - Intern with Barry Warner 1996 1997
• SportsRadio 610 KILT AM 1997 2007
• 1560 The Game KGOW 2007 2011
• Sports Talk 790 KBME 2011 2017
• ESPN 97.5 KFNC 2017 Present

Other:

• Texans Pre-game Host 2002 2006
• Sports Blogger Houston Chronicle 2006 2013
• NFL Draft Analyst and Contributor, NFL Network 2014-Present

KRLY, KIKK & KASE

Garry began his radio career at age 16 in a high school radio club at a 500 watt station in Tullahoma, Tennessee. Following high school he served in the U.S. Military for six years, including deployment to the Vietnam War.

Following the war, he worked at several radio stations throughout the south and eventually ended up a WBT Charlotte. From there he began his Texas radio career.

In 1975, he was hired by Southern Broadcasting to work mid-days at KULF Houston. In 1978, he went to work for ABC radio KAUM. In 1980, he began his country career, mornings at KIKK. In 1990, after a terrific run of 10 years at KIKK, he was offered afternoons at KASE Austin where he had an 18-year run.

His career expanded into voice work where he did voice overs for Foleys, Texas Ford Dealers, Exxon, Shell oil and many others. He had the opportunity to work with such greats as John Garren, Rick Scalar, Nick Trigony, Ron Rogers and Dusty Black.

Throughout his career, Garry worked at award-winning stations - CMA Stations of the Year, Billboard Station of the Year and many more.

Known as the “Daytime Diva with the Voice”, Haze is still one of the most recognizable voices in Black Radio today and heard for over 40 years in the Dallas/Ft Worth radio market. An integral part of the Midday scene on 105.7 KRNB, she’s also the host of talk show “Community Conversations” and the quarterly event “Meetings in the Ladies Room” that has drawn thousands of women. A successful Motivational Speaker and Voice over actor, she was the President of the National Black Programmer’s Coalition and voted Promotion Person of the Year for Mercury Records. She was the midday personality on Radio One’s 94.5 KSOC and half of the Joe Soto and Lynne Haze Morning Show on KRNB as well as a previous midday air personality for KKDA, the legendary Urban station and on ABC Radio. She won Air Personality of the Year from NBPC and has won many local awards for her work for organizations that benefit the community and especially children. She has thousands of social media followers on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

The female singer in B.B. King’s band in the early 1950s

Released records as a solo singer in the 1950s as Gladys Hill, including several on the Peaco*ck label, including “Don’t Touch My Bowl” and “Prison Bound”, on Golden Eagle Records as Jannie Williams “I’ve Been True” (1963), and on Crazy Cajun Records as Grandma Gee Gee.

Became a DJ at KZEY in Tyler, Texas in late 1950s.

Moving to KYOK in Houston, became the original “Dizzy Lizzy” 1959-1961.

Moving over to KCOH Radio, became known as “Gee Gee” (later Grandma Gee Gee) 1961 - 1970s.

Chuck Lay began his career in Texas Radio in 1953, but his love of music and its powerful effect on people began much earlier. Born in 1930, in Center Ridge, Arkansas, his musical introduction was singing in church and listening to his mother play piano. Moving later to Texas and graduating from Port Neches High School. Then 4 years with the 71st Army Band/Jazz Band in Panama. Playing trumpet, trombone, standup bass, and singing, receiving an honorable discharge.

He then did a semester at The University of Houston. Still not sure pursuing a career in music as a singer/song writer would be a path he should follow, he received a call from a high school friend, Lee Hazelwood. Lee was living in California and suggested they both enroll in The Frederick H. Speare Radio & Television School in Hollywood. They did. Going to school in the mornings & job hunting in the afternoons. But fate intervened and he received another call, he was going to be a father. Home to Texas. Although he never finished radio school, he came home and jumped right into a new found love, Radio.

Buddy was a broadcaster, a studio man, certainly not an engineer, but his years in radio in Texas had prepared him for this task. While KSBJ was still a dream kept alive by the faithful, Buddy was learning.

His many duties included:

• Visiting churches, etc with updates and support for the upcoming station.
• Preparing FCC applications and supporting documents.
• Locating property for the tower, size and power strength.
• Cleaning that property, bush whacking, logging trees, building wooden roads.
• Meeting with town people and city leaders of Plum Grove and Humble.
• Getting needed equipment for control room, station, etc.

Buddy was not alone. He and others believed Texas needed a new station, a new voice, “Something Better Jesus”. He also believed Christian Stations should set the example by the way they serve their communities and ascertainment is a vital part of that effort. KSBJ continues to listen to that voice thru community services such as:

• Sharathon where every year the community of listeners celebrates KBSJ with music and testimonies and outpouring of support to keep their station alive!
• Brown Bag concerts
• Major concerts
• Blood Drives
• Christmas Giving Tree
• Buddy Prayer Bear, Buddy in mascot form, has YouTube videos for children. He also makes appearances at special events, visits YMCAs, Texas Children’s, and various churches. Small Buddy Bears are given out to individual children for love and comfort. Loving Houston: Helping Churches Serve Local Schools
• KSBJ Prayer & Care Line
• KSBJ on the Street Events
• KSBJ Community Impact Awards
• Liftoff Houston Entrepreneur Competition
• and many more...

AWARDS

• SWNRB Pioneer Award- Buddy Holiday-July 29, 1995
• Christian Music Broadcaster
• Major Market Radio Station of the Year by The Gospel Music Association (for many years and again a finalist this year
• Numerous CMB, GMA, and Community Impact Awards

Buddy had a very personal relationship with his listeners. Sharing his faith, music, jokes, and “Good news” during the morning rush hours. Many listeners would say they listened to be encouraged, giving hope to a new day, and many listened for the closing words of every show, “This is Buddy…and I love you…”. For many this would be the only time those words were heard.

Buddy retired from KSBJ July 31, 2001. But continued as a consultant helping other radio stations with Sharathons and getting them on the air. One station being KLBT in Beaumont. He authored a book, To God Be The Glory, The Story of KSBJ.

He also enjoyed his time on Lake Livingston. He and his wife, Gloria, hosted several fishing trips and cookouts for the KSBJ staff. Spending time with his children and grandchildren was another source of great joy.

In 2006 Buddy was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. He went on the air to let his listeners know. A phone line was set up so people could leave messages. It was very humbling, but uplifting to know so many were praying for him. Buddy passed away in 2017. His impact on the radio audiences in Texas started years ago, but the rippling effect is now beyond measure. Generations of families have been touched through his efforts and the community outreach of KSBJ.

To God Be The Glory...and God Bless Texas!

Why does “Huff” belong in the Texas Radio Hall Of Fame? Let me count the ways!

#1 – Music Director at KPLX at the AGE OF 21 The youngest MD in the format at that point!

#2 – Morning show producer for TXRHOF members Harmon and Evans at KPLX!

#3 – 12 years at KSCS Dallas! MD/APD/PD working with TXRHOF members Terry Dorsey and Hawkeye.

#4 – 2008 Radio Ink Top Country Programmer of the year!

#5 – 2010 KSCS was the ACM Country Music Station of The Year

#6 – 6 years at KILT MD/APD/PD

#7 – Did you know he is the ONLY person who ever programmed a country station both in Dallas and Houston? Ever?

#8 – Brought KILT its FIRST EVER ACM Country Station of The Year in 2020!

#9 – KILT became the MOST LISTENED TO Country station in the Country, first time in 40 years, under Huff’s leadership!

#10 – Launched “95-7 The Spot.” Huff designed the playlist, imaging, even the logo – and The Spot’s launch on New Year’s 2017 was one of the decade’s most successful format flips in a PPM market. The Spot has been the top-rated station in its cluster ever since. 6 years now!

#11 - Huff has been involved in numerous charities over the years, from St Jude Radiothons at KPLX to supporting the Houston Food Bank and Lone Survivor Foundation at KILT.

#12 – Huff is an avid supporter of Texas music! He was an early champion of acts including the Eli Young Band, Cody Johnson, and Parker McCollum.

#13 – If you watched Game Of Thrones, Huff is our “Bran”. In addition to being a noted historian of Texas radio, Huff has become widely regarded in the industry as “the ratings historian.” What started as clipping newspaper articles about ratings in high school turned into the largest private collection of radio ratings data, covering every rated market in the US and Canada dating back to the first radio listening research published in 1927. It’s a collection so exhaustive, even the folks at Nielsen call him when they have historical questions. It’s just a small way Huff tries to give back to the industry that has given so much to him.

#14 – He’s now Senior Radio Analyst for Country Aircheck, and now writes about and champions the industry he’s loved for decades!

By means of this letter, I would like to introduce you to Dallas Huston from Brownwood, Texas, and recommend him for induction into the Texas Radio Hall of Fame.

While in high school, Dallas discovered the inside workings of radio through his contact with Jack Wallace, a well-known disc jockey at KBWD radio and later in Austin. Dallas began by pulling records, answering the phone, and taking requests with Wallace. His first time on the air was shortly afterward, during an election return where he was given the job of reading the returns. When he was introduced, Jim Pruett, 2003 Texas Hall of Fame inductee, gave him the air name of “Dallas”, which is the name he is known by today and became a familiar radio personality throughout Texas radio.

Dallas had always loved listening to ballgames, which was the part of radio that truly appealed to him. His dreams were almost derailed before they started. In the early 60’s he was severely injured in a car wreck. The most serious injury was to his head but the one that concerned him was the trauma to his voice box. It reduced his voice to nothing more than a whisper. When his voice finally recovered, he had the voice heard now which he is known for, different from the one he had before. He is definitely an overcomer.

Dallas has held several positions in radio including disc jockey, Sports Director, News Director, and Program Director, but nothing compared to his love of broadcasting ballgames. He began broadcasting Little League and Golden Gloves boxing matches. He also did some basketball, but what he really wanted was football. In 1963 he joined the broadcast crew for the Brownwood Lions and his dream job began, as he became the Voice of the Lions. A few months later, in 1964, he was given the opportunity to become the radio voice of Howard Payne University sports. He was quite busy as he did play by play for both Brownwood High School for 58 year and Howard Payne University for 57 years, announcing football, basketball, and baseball until retiring in 2021 for health reasons. He continues to host a Sunday morning radio show on KOXE where he shares stories of Christian athletes in the world of sports. He continues to write a weekly column for BrownwoodNews.com.

Dallas loves to tell people that he is one of the richest men in the world, even though he has little money. His riches lie in his relationship with Jesus Christ and the work that the Lord has allowed him to do for his community thru radio broadcasting for almost 6 decades and recently as pastor of Center City Baptist Church and leader of his weekly Men’s Monday Night Bible Study. He has served on the Board of Directors of Good Samaritan Ministries and the Central Texas Pregnancy Care Center in Brownwood. The enclosed biography will provide information on the many awards he has received through work in the community and in radio.

Dallas and his wife, Linda have four children, eleven grandchildren, and five great grandchildren.

Dallas was a Brownwood Dallas high school senior when he started working at KBWD, 1380 in Brownwood. He quickly became the sports director, and started calling Brownwood High School, and Howard Payne College (now University) football back in the early 60s.

Dallas' folksy delivery has enamored fans to this day, and he still calls the games. Dallas was the inaugural winner of the Lone Star Conference Jake Trussell Award, for the top broadcaster, an award he won three more times. He was also featured in Texas Monthly back in the 90s. He was inducted into the Big Country Hall of Fame in 2007. The Abliene Reporter News did a feature on Dallas back in 2010, which is available here: http://www.reporternews.com/sports/gofridaynight/the-voice-of-a-legend When it comes to deserving broadcasters, Dallas Huston belongs in the Hall of Fame.

We can all agree that 93Q Houston (KKBQ), from the years 1983 to 1990, was a legendary station? Yes.

We agree that John Lander and Ron Parker surely deserve to be in the Texas Radio HOF. Which they are. Each representing morning and afternoon drive of that legendary station. Well, it’s time to get Middays in the Hall!

Chris’ words about 93Q...

“I was the only daypart beating KKBQ and was offered a job to join the enemy. After realizing that KRBE forgot to sign my non-compete, I went across the street into what was at first a hostile environment but then friendly once I settled in. I enjoyed working with Bill Richards, John Cook, John Lander, Ron Parker, Joe Kelly, Bob King, Frank Childs and so many more. While at 93Q, I was able to fly to L.A. for the Playboy Playmate of the Year Press Party, broadcast multiple years from the beach in Galveston (including the KISS concert/riot) and had a heck of a lot of fun. So much fun, in fact, it gave me the opportunity to spend a month in rehab at one point.”

Hired away after 4 years from KRBE Houston, Chris also spent time at KHFI and KLBJ Austin before that!

Chris started in Edmond OK, and has also worked in San Diego, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and currently in Rochester NY since 2001.

The man, the voice, the legend. 😉 (He’d love that!)

Mark was “that kid” racing home from school everyday to hear “Roger Wwwwwwww... Garrett” sign on afternoons at 104 KRBE The Super Rock. Then that dream took flight at KACC/Alvin Community College!

In the late 80’s Bill Richards hired Mark to be Creative Director and Voice of 93Q/KKBQ Houston! During that time he was also the voice of Astroworld, Channel 2 and numerous night clubs in Houston including the Legendary Club 6400! He pioneered the live radio weekend club broadcasts, even consulting his good friend Joel Folger as he launched his in Dallas.

He then branched out at KKBQ to be Morning Show Producer for TXRHOF member John Lander and the Q Morning Zoo!

In 1991, he got his first PD/Morning job at Power Hits K-106/KIOC in Beaumont. They took the market by storm, applying major market radio techniques to the smaller market, quickly taking the station to #1. Through his connections in that community, & countless charity events, they named a street after him.

In 2003, he headed back to radio in San Antonio. Programming KSRX (K-ROCK) for CBS, and that morphed into one of the most successful JACK FM’s in the country. He stayed there until late 2014 as the VP of Programming of JACK FM, KTFM, KTSA, ESPN, and 3 Spanish Stations.

Mark also spent roughly 10 years at RCA as the regional director of promotion, based in Dallas. He helped break records for *NSYNC, Christina Aguilera, The Foo Fighters, Tyrese, ZZ TOP, Dave Mathew’s Band, and more.

During his radio days he always invested in the community including The Single Parents Banquet in Beaumont, Hundreds of “Rock & Jock” Softball & Basketball Games to raise money for local High Schools, 24 hour broadcasts every year to fill up 18 wheelers with canned food items for local food pantries, stayed underwater for 24 hours, raising money for DARE, on the Mayor’s council to prevent teenage drug abuse, played tennis match against an ABC TV anchor (televised) to raise money for charity, ran a half marathon to raise for the San Antonio Food Bank and many more.

And let’s take a moment to recognize “The Voice”. We talked about Club 6400 but also Netwerk, Avalon, City Streets and Club A. Other clients include Channel 2 Houston, KSAT San Antonio, KQXY Beaumont, ESPN San Antonio, Club MTV Tour, Pitbull/Enrique Tour, Air & Style with Shawn White at Rose Bowl in LA, "Salvage Dawgs", "The Brave" (NBC), "Stranger Things" (Netflix), "Superior Donuts" (CBS), "The Americans" (FX), Team Mobile, Tito’s Vodka and many more.

Oh yea, and BTW, Mark is going into the San Antonio Radio Hall of Fame in August.

Mary started her love of all things radio at the age of 17 when she enrolled in the Radio Television Film (RTF) Department at San Antonio College (SAC). While at SAC, she worked full-time in Traffic at KENS-TV but decided that radio was still her first love. Her professors included the legendary Jean Longwith and Don Couser and she and she was one of only two women in the entire RTF Department in the Fall of 1967. She graduated from SAC with an Associates of Fine Arts with a concentration in RTF.

In 1973 after returning from overseas with her Military Spouse, she was hired as Traffic and Continuity director for Waterman Broadcasting where she worked with the legendary Bruce Hathaway, Ricci Ware and even John Quinones (ABC News). It was during her time at Waterman that she decided that she wanted to spread her wings and try sales, so after 10 years there she was hired by Jack Roth and Mark Grubbs as an account manager for KONO-FM and KITY-FM. She had found her calling!

She continued her career in sales at KISS-FM and when KISS changed formats in 1987 to oldies and eventually went dark, she moved to the San Antonio Light but after 2 years there she realized that she missed Radio too much.

In the fall of 1991 Adams Communications bought KISS and flipped it back to Rock and the rest is history. Mary was offered a sales position with KISS and she has been selling it ever since. She will celebrate her 26th year with Cox in November of 2018. She currently sells for all 7 of the stations in the cluster – KONO AM/FM, KCYY-FM, KKYX-AM/FM, KISS-FM, KTKX-FM and KSMG-FM.

She has been a member of the prestigious Cox Presidents Circle for four out of the past seven years - which is awarded for excellence and high achievement in sales. Mary also mentors College students at SAC and The University of the Incarnate Word (Communications Departments) and is a regular guest lecturer at both schools. She has also been on the board of the Alliance for Women in Media (formerly American Women in Radio and Television) for over 25 years currently serving as Co-President of the San Antonio Affiliate – the San Antonio Media Alliance.

Mary retired from Cox Radio - San Antonio, returned to work in sales at Alpha Media. And retired again.

Walt "Baby" Love worked part-time in radio while serving in the US Army 82nd Airborn Division Paratrooper Special Ops 1960-1967. In 1968, he was hired for his first full-time radio airshift at KYOK in Houston and given the name "Charlie Brown". In 1969, he was hired by Bill Young to do nights at KILT-AM, and given the name Walt “Baby" Love by Young. He had a very successful career at KILT for over 3 years.

Due to his instant popularity and high ratings in Houston, he caught the attention of many of the country’s top radio programmers. Some of his many successful tenures included RKO Radio, with stints at CKLW Detroit, WOR and WNBC New York, 93 KHJ and KGFJ Los Angeles.

In 1981 Walt became the first Urban Radio News Editor for Radio & Records, with a 21-year career at the industry publication.

In 1982, his first nationally syndicated radio show “The Countdown With Walt Baby Love” began and continued through 1995.

In 1995, Walt started a new weekly syndicated radio show titled “Gospel Traxx”, which is heard worldwide. The program celebrated its 25th anniversary on the air in 2020.

In 2022, he was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame.

Even after all these years, Walt attributes much of his success to his beginnings in Houston at KYOK and KILT Radio.

• KNOK, Fort Worth
• KBOX, Dallas both on weekends
• KFJZ Fort Worth 1960-1962
• American Forces Network, Europe, Frankfurt Berlin one year, back to KFJZ, 1964-1967
• WFAA 570-820, 1967-1969
• KPRC, 1969-1970
• KXYZ 1971-1974
• KULF 1974-1976
• KPRC weekends 1977-1983
• KQUE, 1983-1997
• KBME 2007-2009
• Sight Into Sound Radio KUHT Channel 8-5 audio only 2008-2023

Eddie Martiny is the Region President/Market Manager for iHeart Media. Under his supervision, iHeartMedia Houston has consistently outpaced the market in ratings and revenue for the past ten years. He landed in Texas in 1999 following radio and print sales in Louisiana for Guaranty Broadcast and LSU sports. Eddie sits on the board of St. Jude Children's Research hospital - facilitating events that have supported the cause with millions of dollars. He is a proud graduate of Louisiana State University with a BA in Advertising.

Gary had deep East Texas roots that would be the foundation of his career. By the age of 14, schoolmates would ask Gary to call their girlfriends on the phone with special “dedications. ” He would play requested songs for them from his records or tape collection. After all, he had “the voice.”

A holder of the FCC First Class Radiotelephone License, Gary was a true “old school” broadcaster with the personality and dedication to a career spanning over five decades. The majority of his life was dedicated to East Texas radio, where his home and heart was. Gary was one of the original air staff of KYKX in Longview, which was the foundation of the Osburn-Reynolds group, and one of the first country music FM stations in the nation. During his early years at KYKX, he worked with and alongside Hall of Fame Members Dick Osburn, Rusty Reynolds and Larry “Wilson” Gunter. He was on staff when KYKX was awarded “Small Market Radio Station of the Year” by the Country Music Association and was personally named 1995 East Texas Radio Personality of the Year. He was with KYKX during the inaugural Big Bass Classic. He was a fixture at the first and subsequent years of the Great East Texas Balloon Race. Gary was an avid participant in the annual “Toys for Tots” campaign. Individually, Gary and a single sponsor raised $60,000 in one night for a young man with medical issues.

He received an Addy Award in 1988 from the East Texas Ad Federation, as well as multiple accolades for his commercial production, plus many station and community focused promotional activities. He further was recognized for his unending 30 year support of the Gregg County Fair.

Whether raising money playing donkey basketball or sitting atop a cold metal seat in a charity dunking booth, Gary loved East Texas. When not at KYKX, he worked with JR Curtis, Jr at KFRO, and with Waller Broadcasting who owned KOOI, KEBE, KLJT, KKUS and other East Texas radio properties. Heard most often as a mid-day or afternoon air personality, Gary served in multiple leadership roles as production director, music director and program director. His on air persona was augmented by an irreverent “sidekick” named, “Little Dummy,” that would often say things to evoke humor and even mild controversy that Gary himself was often cleared of, since “Little Dummy” was the actual culprit.

His entrepreneurial spirit was evidenced in Gary’s ownership of his own production company, Mason Productions. His final radio stint was as a sales professional for QXFM (KZQX-FM) and KDOK in Kilgore, Texas. Over the decades Gary met, introduced and became friends with multiple country music stars and talent, including Merle Haggard, Charley Pride, Dottie West, Larry Gatlin, Mark Chestnut, T. Graham Brown, Reba McIntire, Kenny Rogers, Travis Tritt, T.G. Shephard, Willie Nelson, and many others. Gary Ayco*ck, aka "Gary Mason", was the quintessential radio personality and community minded professional representing the highest standards and foremost responsibilities of the radio industry.

Gary was an enthusiastic supporter of the Texas Broadcast Museum in Kilgore.

Sadly Gary left us in the spring of 2018. He was loved by all he worked with, and cherished by his community and is a most deserving nominee of the Texas Radio Hall of Fame.

Linda has been a programmer, air talent, leader, voice and presence in Texas radio since 1981. Starting her career at Alvin Community College/KACC then the rest was history!

Here’s what I call “the laundry list” for Linda:

• KILT AM/FM, KLTY, KUFO, KSCS, KVIL
• National Air Personality for ABC Radio Network, Westwood One and Local Radio Networks
• National MD and fill in host for Bob Kingsley’s Country Top 40
• Host of The American Christian Music Review since 1994, nationally syndicated by USRN
• Current host of “The Countdown” a Top 30 Country Countdown show by KRS Productions
• Her voiceover career started in 1987 with KSBJ and, since then, she has done voiceovers for SONY, Walt Disney World, Mr’s Field’s Cookies, Johnson & Johnson, Sam’s Club, American Heart Assoc., Century 21, TCBY, Coca Cola, Sprint, Walmart, Geico, WFAA TV and WOOD TV and many more.

From Linda herself...“I've had opportunities to go everywhere from New York to L.A. to Miami to Seattle and I've never wanted to be anywhere but Texas. I'm a fifth generation Texican, and there is no place like home.”

Linda O’Brian has been a leader, a fierce music supporter, an inspiration for women and one of the kindest people you will ever meet in our business.

KNUZ, KFMK, KKBQ, KNUZ, KFMK, KLDE, 93Q, KTRH/KKRW & KVST

Sean O'Neel was born in 1957 in Jacksonville, Florida. In 1972, while still in high school, he got his first radio job at WPXE in Starke, Florida. Following high school he attended the University of Florida and worked at radio stations in Jacksonville and Gainesville, Mobile (AL), and Denver (CO) before moving to Houston.

His Houston radio stations include:

• 1230 KNUZ 1979-1984 (Production Director/Air Personality)
• 98FM KFMK 1984-1989 (Creative Director/Air Personality)
• Oldies 94.5 KLDE 1989-1992 (Creative Director/Air Personality)
• KKBQ 93Q 1992-2000 (Creative Director/Air Personality)
• KKRW Arrow 93.7 2000 (Imaging Director)
• News Radio 740 KTRH 2000 (Commercial Production staffer)
• KVST KStar Country 2001-2002 (Conroe – Program Director, Air Personality)

Sean is the recipient of the Houston Association of Radio Broadcasters awards for Station Produced commercials/promos 1986 and 1987. From 2002-2020 he worked as a voice talent/audio producer for Bill Young Productions in Sugar Land. He is also a co-founder of Smash Mountain Records.

Sean's notable Voice credits include:

• Longtime association with Gallery Furniture and Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale
• Bob Dylan tour and record sales TV and radio voice for 20+ years
• Simon and Garfunkel Reunion Tour
• WWE Hell In A Cell radio/TV
• Poltergeist 25th Anniversary motion picture Trailer
• Pizza Hut regional radio
• Ace Comic Con TV multiple major markets
• Narrator of international True Crime program, “The Decoder”
• Narrator of multiple Waste Management instructional mechanical, driver, and safety videos
• Voice of final Don Rickles tour
• Voice of final George Carlin tour
• Voice of final Luciano Pavarotti NYC performance ad
• Voice of all rides at Kemah Boardwalk, Galveston Pleasure Pier, and Aquarium Restaurants in Denver and Downtown Houston

KWTX-FM

In Waco Texas everyone knows "The Lama" (John Oakes). He did something that in radio is unheard of: he worked for the same radio station for 35 years. (That just doesn't happen!)

John started working at KWTX-FM in 1980 and became a Waco institution during his time there, the last 25 of which were in afternoon drive with double digit ratings. He also served as APD and MD for most of his tenure.

He started at KWTX-FM in November of 1980 and left in May of 2015. He hosted a hometown countdown show that would give Casey Kasem a run for his money. I had the privilege of working with him for a couple of years at KWTX. He was a perfectionist that would make anything he was involved with come out perfect.

John was not only one of the most talented Air Personalities I ever worked with but he was very generous man as well. He was involved in many local charities including St Jude.

You may not know much about the Waco market, but "The Lama" is a legend in Waco.

Charlie was bitten by the radio bug while serving in the US Air Force. He worked part time at WNUE Fort Walton Beach Fla. After his discharge, Parker went to work at KONO/KITY as a copy writer in 1977. He soon moved to the programming department and did fill in and overnights on both stations until he was lured to WDOQ Daytona Beach in 1981. Later that year Charlie returned home to San Antonio to KCCW afternoons. He later served time at KLLS and mornings at KKYX with Bill Cody. Parker also work at KRIO part time with John Barger and Lee Woods and at KTSA.

In 1992 he went to WOAI and the Ticket 760 doing sports, news, fill-in talk shows and was soon know as the utility man for his versatility and ability to gamer good ratings. In 1995 he found his permanent home as morning drive talk show host on the 50 thousand watt 1200 WOAJ. Over 25 years has gone by and Charlie is still pulling in the numbers with listeners in 38 states, parts of Mexico and Canada and worldwide on I Heart Media's streaming service.

Charlie has a unique style of common sense observations with strong opinions which have kept him at the top, or close to it, in the money demos for over a quarter of a century. As all radio folks do, Charlie has donated thousands of hours to his community and local charities. Parker is a humble man without a big ego but with a big heart.

Charlie tried to retire last year but management pulled him back in and made it worth delaying his retirement. He does two commentaries on the morning show San Antonio’s first news with Charlie Parker. He also continues on with client endorsem*nts and personal appearances.

Tom left us a few years ago, but for many years he was a fixture in East Texas radio His first radio job was in 1947, on the air in Jacksonville at KEBE. Here, he started promoting entertainers at The Louisiana Hay Ride in Shreveport. Among them were Hank Williams, Kitty Wells and Slim Whitman.

In the early 1950s, he found himself in Gladewater at KSIJ. He and his wife, Billie continued to promote Louisiana Hay Ride artists in East Texas, including Jim Reeves, Johnny Horton, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Elvis Presley, Floyd Cramer, Roger Miller, Willie Nelson, The Big Bopper and many, many more. Before Elvis became a national sensation, when he performed in East Texas, he would spend the night sleeping on Tom and Billie’s couch. He couldn’t afford a hotel room! It was indeed a different era.

In 1959, Tom and his friend Jim Reeves purchased KGRI in Henderson. Upon the untimely death of Reeves, Tom stayed on and became immersed in the community of Henderson. It was exactly what a small town radio station is all about.

When I was a kid, my aunt had a radio program on Saturday mornings on KGRI. It was about Rusk County History. When I would visit her, she would take me to the radio station. That’s where I first met Tom. My aunt worked in the County Court House. When I visited her, usually for a week every summer, she would drop me off at the radio station on her way to work. Tom befriended me and I would watch him spin “hillbilly” records until she’d pick me up for lunch. I learned a lot about radio from these visits. I’m sure they cemented my lifelong interest in broadcasting.

In 2001, Tom joined with “The Ranch,” KKUS radio, in Tyler. He became an instant legend spinning tales of his early days of being around a litany of country music stars. He continued to delight fans for 15 years, until his health took its toll. His last broadcast was in July of 2016.

Tom will long be remembered for recognizing amazing talent, sharing what he loved with his fans, helping build the careers of many country music legends, and most of all for spicing up East Texas radio with his colorful and authentic commentaries. I’m proud to have called him my friend.

David Rancken is a multi-time Edward R. Murrow Award winning afternoon drive anchor for 1080 KRLD in Dallas, Texas. This year, his daypart also won the TAB’s Best Newscast Award.

He started his career in Texas radio 37 years ago in Houston as the afternoon newsman at KLTR, (K-Lite 93.7 FM), where he spent 6 years at Houston’s Lite Rock station.

After that, he started a 12 year stint at Houston’s Sunny 99.1 (KODA FM), where the station reached #1. David started out doing overnights, while working simultaneously at Houston’s All-News TV station, KNWS-TV. He moved to the morning show with Texas Radio Hall of Famers Weaver Morrow and Dana Tyson for the next 8 years as producer, then news director at KODA. He also did fill-in work at Contemporary Christian station KSBJ.

In 2005, the career path took David up I-45 to Dallas-Fort Worth as the news director at the legendary KVIL. CBS Radio also named David as an anchor in afternoon drive, then middays for the nationally recognized Edward R. Murrow winning station, the equally legendary, 1080 KRLD. At the same time, David provided news for Hudson & Harrigan, then Rowdy Yates at KILT FM.

In May of 2013, CBS Radio moved David down to work with the Texas Radio Hall of Famer, Jody Dean at KLUV. He and the KRLD team also won the national Edward R. Murrow Award in 2021 for their coverage of the George Floyd riots in Dallas

Frank has 30+ years of experience in Texas radio. Frank has been with KLTY -Dallas since 1991. He is a devoted husband to wife Patti, and father of Ryan & Hope. At times he has taken the KLTY Morning Show to #1 beating...yes...Kidd Kraddick, Ron Chapman etc. Reed has been with KLTY since November 1991, and hosted morning show “Frank, Starlene & Hudson in the Morning” with Starlene Stringer and John Hudson. Their cume numers are staggering. They are the largest Christian station in the world. He began his radio career in August 1969 at WFIV in Kissimmee, Florida. Before joining KLTY, Reed worked at WNBC New York with Howard Stern and Don Imus and Christian station WWDJ.

He has also hosted the Sunday Morning 94.9 Keep the Faith for decades. Life can be difficult at times, sometimes all you need is a little reminder that God IS there and He IS in control...and you are NOT alone. Frank retired this year.

Tom Richards has been a member of the Houston media community since 1981, when he joined the KLEF-FM air staff. Since then, he has demonstrated his on-air versatility, working in a variety of formats: classical, adult contemporary, classic rock, jazz, and blues. In additional to his on-air work, Richards has served in a variety of management roles, including General Manager, Station Manager, Operations Manager, and Program Director.

Currently, Richards is the Executive Director of Houston Media Source, a nonprofit corporation that operates the city’s public access radio and television stations, while providing media production classes to members of the community.

He maintains his on-air chops with shifts on KPFT-FM, guest hosting the Blues Brunch and Howlin’ the Blues.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Houston Media Source

• Executive Director. Manage HMS-TV and HMS Radio, Houston’s public access television and radio stations.

KRTS-FM Houston

• General Manager 2001-2004. Administered sale of the station for $72.5 million in 2004. Station Manager 2000-2001. Vice President / Operations and Programming 1995-2000. Program Director 1988-1995.
• Created innovative classical radio format, packaging the music in a contemporary context. Nationally recognized, with stories from Billboard, Newsweek, and the Associated Press
• Introduced unique promotional events and contests, including Opera Karaoke and Air Conducting
• Morning Drive 1988-2004. Conducted regular long-form interviews with guests ranging from Secretary of State James Baker to Lady Bird Johnson, Tony Curtis, and Kinky Friedman

KLYT-FM Kansas City

• Air personality 1986-1988
• Hosted “Love Songs” request / dedication program

KLEF-FM Houston

• Operations Manager 1983-1986
• Air Personality 1981-1986

Smokey Rivers spent 28 years at KPLX...28 years in a Top 10 market. He was Music Director, Assistant Program Director and Program Director...always a constant presence on air. He IS 99.5 The Wolf!

As part of the programming team with Brian Phillips and Cody Alan they changed Country Radio in the late 90s, early 2000s. Playing Texas artists like Pat Green, Deryl Dodd, Miranda Lambert, Jack Ingram and Cross Canadian Ragweed they changed Texas Country Music ("Red Dirt" for some of you) forever.

They were imitated by so many other country stations across the US. You can't count them all. "They changed things".

Personal note...two things: (1) Smokey is just simply one of the best people in our business. Authentic, kind, passionate, caring and above all, his integrity is unquestioned. (2) Me being in the Texas Radio Hall of Fame before Smokey is essentially a crime!

Woody Roberts began his long and storied radio career in 1958 as a DJ at KILE Radio in Galveston, Texas. This first full-time radio job would last only one year but would lead to many years of broadcasting work…starting in 1961 when Woody moved to San Antonio to DJ at KTSA-AM 550. In 1963 he was hired for the start-up on-air staff when KENS Radio transitioned into KBAT-AM 680. The next year, he moved to KONO-AM 860, where he was a DJ and the Program Director for two years.

In 1966, Woody returned to KTSA as a consultant. After a short stint out of state, he returned to KTSA in 1968 this time as Vice-President and General Manager. At the age of 26, Woody had the distinction of being the youngest GM in the country. From 1970 to 1972 he simultaneously held the same position for KTFM. Nominated three times as Manager of the Year by the National Radio Programming Conference, he received that honor in 1971 at the age of 30.

During his 4 years as GM, Woody brought many innovations to KTSA including the first woman newscaster and the first Mexican-American program director in Anglo San Antonio radio. In 1971, Woody was one of the founders of San Antonio Community Radio helping to put 89.1 FM on the air. His continued involvement would ultimately change the frequency to NPR station KSTX in 1988.

In 1972 Woody left KTSA-KTFM and the next year began working as an independent media consultant. His first client was the legendary San Antonio station, KEXL-FM. The station’s rebellious and innovative format that Woody helped to create was an experience unlike any other on the San Antonio or Texas airwaves. He is known in local radio circles for telling station executives, “You have people of both sexes and all races and colors listening to your programs. Therefore, in staffing your stations, it’s only common sense to make them a replica in all respects of the audiences.”

In 1978, Woody created a Texas radio network to broadcast the first Texas Jam and World Music Festival which was carried in San Antonio by KISS-FM. In 1980 he created and produced Platinum Meltdown, a syndicated, 44-hour nonstop weekend radio special carried in San Antonio by KTFM. in 1984, Woody moved to Austin where he continued to work as a broadcasting consultant until his retirement in 2016. In 2021 at age 80, he wrote a stunning memoir and insider’s history of the Texas music scene and its ties to radio broadcasting entitled Horse Racing & Rock 'N' Roll.

Woody Roberts passed away on June 20, 2023. He is considered by all who worked with him throughout his career as a true genius in broadcast programming, marketing strategy, media planning and promotion consultation. Among his final messages to a friend, he wrote about “the power of radio” and its effect on his life.

Claude “Rick” Roberts began his radio career in Houston at KYOK in the early 1960s. He was transferred to WBOK in New Orleans (also part of the OK Radio Group) then returned to KYOK in 1968 as Program Director and morning drive personality.

He was the voice of the Texas Southern University Football Team for over 20 years and was the Program Director of KTSU Radio through the 1990s. During his radio career he was very involved in many social and community endeavors, including the “KYOK, We Love You” shows, Nope To Dope Kids Fund, Houston Black Arts Center, and many others.

Rick died March 2013 in Houston, Texas.

KZFX, KTBZ & KHJK

Steve always knew he wanted to be in media...but just wasn't sure where. It wasn't until he was at Texas Tech University he figured it out. He was asked to fill in on the college radio station at the last minute. It was a quick one hour shift, but it made his decision easy after that. He wanted to be in radio. It made sense...he always was the emcee at high school events, he grew up constantly using his dad's tape recorder to make "radio shows", but actually being ON THE AIR changed his career path. He got an summer internship in his hometown of Houston his junior year of college at Z107. It started as a promotions internship, but as time went on Steve found himself doing and learning everything he could about the radio business. He was in incredible company. Houston radio legends surrounded him. Ted Carson, Paul Christy, Donna McKenzie, Bob Ford, Catfish Crouch, and Lauren Valle just to name a few. Steve ate it up. No job was too small. He learned an internship is where you do anything you are asked...it's the best way to learn the business. He took it very seriously, and it paid off.

Upon graduation from Tech, he was given a job at Z107. Part time Morning Show Assistant Producer. He basically was getting coffee and pulling CD's, but he was IN! He won the trust of his fellow co-workers, and was given more responsibility. He eventually made it to full time, and also began doing airshifts. It wasn't long until he was named Music Director of Z107. He became the youngest Music Director in the entire Shamrock Broadcasting Corporation.

Rumors began swirling around 1994 that Z107 was flipping from Classic Rock to Alternative Rock. It indeed happened, and Rocket 107 was born. With his extensive knowlege of Alternative music, Steve was asked to stay on board and continue as Music Director. He even played the first song on the station..."Spin The Black Circle" from Pearl Jam. His role and guidance with the station would grow as well. The Rocket morphed into The Buzz under new direction. It was decided that the station would put on a festival show, and Steve was put in charge in lining up the talent. A daunting task, but with help from his record label contacts the show was a major success. Steve went on to produce the first 11 Buzzfestival shows, each one selling out faster than the last. The final show Steve produced and acquired talent for sold out in 30 seconds. It was an amazing success, not only as a thank you for the listeners, but a financial windfall as an NTR event for the station. The event would later happen twice a year due to popular demand.

Steve eventually became APD then PD of The Buzz a short time later...and moved to mornings. He worked with the incredible Lanny Griffith and Ken Hoffman, and after a great run was moved to afternoons by himself. Doing afternoon drive he became known for his musician interviews and concert broadcasts. He was asked to go back to mornings and was paired with Jeff McMurray. The team became an immediate success, winning Morning Show Of The Air from the Houston based AIR Awards two years in a row. Another thing Steve and Jeff introduced to Houston was "Santa Letters". At Christmas they would go to the local post office and collect actual letters to Santa. They would scour the letters looking for special ones to read on the air. They were looking for those in need. Kids were asking Santa for a bed for their brother. An artificial leg for a neighbor. A new roof for their mom. Food. These kids amazingly wanted nothing for themselves..for others. Steve and Jeff would read the letters and all the listeners would make these wishes come true. The kids never knew what was happening until the Saturday before Christmas when Santa would deliver all they wished for on that day. Hundreds of families had their lives changed...due the success of Santa Letters. It really brought back the spirit of Christmas.

All good things come to an end...after 13 remarkable years, all the concerts he put together, the amazing promotions including successfully flipping the station from 107.5FM to 94.5FM, Steve's tenure at The Buzz would end. New management came in and blew out Steve and his staff. But he wasn't done yet for Houston.

He went to Birmingham, Alabama for three years, running Alternative WRAX and also launching a Hot AC station for Citadel Broadcasting. He received a call from his old GM Pat Fant asking him to come back to Houston. Before Pat could finish his question, Steve said, "Yes!!". He was going home. He became PD and Afternoon host of 103-7 JACK FM. Under Steve's leadership, the station turned the corner and started to make some noise. The decision to switch the station to AAA was brought up about eight months into Steve's tenure. He jumped at the chance. He immediately brought on Donna McKenzie to do afternoons, and he went to mornings. The station was playing a genre of music that had never been heard in Houston. Bands such as Snow Patrol, Mumford and Sons, The Lumineers, Imagine Dragons, and artists such as Adele, Ed Sheeran, and Mat Kearney got their launch in Houston with Steve. So many of these arists you hear everywhere now, but it started with 103-7FM. The station brought countless concerts to town, had private shows, incredible promotions, all with little to no financial support. With his record connections, Steve was able to make it happen. The station had a brilliant but brief three year run, and was sold as a casualty in the Cumuls/Citadel merger. To this day people still talk about the station and it's impact.

All in all, Steve has played a big role in Houston radio during his career. He helped launch a station that still remains a power in the market today. He launched a station and a format that had never been in Houston, and gave us music from artists we had never heard. He helped design how music festivals are done in Houston. He was kidnapped during a promotion at gunpoint. True story!

JD Rose, known as “The Voice of the Texas Hill Country”, began his 40-plus years in radio broadcasting in 1981 when he was a 16-year-old high school student in Fredericksburg, Texas. JD (Duane Weinheimer) began working in production at legendary pioneering radio station KNAF-AM 910 through a school work program.

Duane was a natural for radio. He soon began producing newscasts and was named News Director at the age of 17. Then he became the on-air personality for the station’s morning show quickly earning the moniker “Insane Duane” for his fun and different approach to broadcasting. His show grew a huge local and regional following and he was named KNAF Program Director at the age of 19.

Duane created several community service programs that still run on KNAF today. In 1988 he started the New Horizons "Radiothon" every Labor Day Weekend which has raised millions of dollars to provide individualized service for the developmentally-delayed. He has also contributed his broadcast talents as emcee for major community events throughout the Hill Country.

In 1989, Duane started the Texas Music Hour on KNAF featuring Texas and Hill Country artists such as Garry P Nunn, Ray Benson and many others, all performing live. In 1990 Duane was invited to do the weekend shift on KFAN 101.1 in San Antonio with a format of Texas Music. That year, he took the on-air name JD Rose.

When that FM frequency was sold, Duane continued his career as Operations Manager at KNAF in Fredericksburg. In 1991 an FM license was granted for the 107.9 frequency and the owner acquired the KFAN call letters. JD Rose became the station’s Program Director and created a new format that centered on Texas music plus some Louisiana and Oklahoma sounds, Tejano, Blues, and Zydeco.

JD's philosophy was not to force-feed listeners newer eclectic music, so familiar artists were mixed in as well from Petty to Mellencamp and more. His programming soon caught the attention of stations throughout the country and garnered lots of press attention. JD and KFAN were written up in Texas Monthly, the New York Times, No Depression music journal, and in Austin and San Antonio news stories.

Copycats soon followed, but JD Rose was the one who paved the way to the current Texas/Red Dirt format. There were no charts then and he was the only program director dedicating an entire 24 hours to Texas music and this eclectic mix. His was one of three program directors’ playlists in the nation to help form Gavin Magazine’s "Americana" and Album Adult Alternative charts. JD’s playlist also helped Shane Media create the first Texas Music Chart. As of 2022 there are nearly 90 stations reporting to the Texas Regional Radio Chart.

JD Rose has won numerous awards for his work in radio broadcasting including Texas Radio Station of the Year, Texas On-Air Personality of the Year, and numerous Americana and Community Service Awards. He programmed several specialty shows, Texas Coffee Break, Local Lix At Six, Block Party Weekends, Traffic Jam, Texas 6 Pack, etc.

In addition to his work at KFAN, JD Rose was an award-winning morning show personality at KRNH-FM 92.3, The Ranch Radio in Kerrville, Texas, where he was Operations Manager and Program Director for 8 years. For the past 11 years he has run his own online station, TexasRadio.Net. He and his partners created the state’s first high school sports YouTube channel with live play-by-play coverage of Fredericksburg Billies sports events. He also produces the Fredericksburg Texas Podcast with Sondra Phoenix.

JD Rose has spent his entire adult life dedicated to his career in radio and continues to be an innovative leader in the world of broadcasting.

Gregory Moncivais Rodriguez was born October 18, 1943, in Bryan, Texas to Paul L. and Consuelo M. Rodriguez. Gregory’s grandfather, Manuel, was the first Mexican to settle in Bryan. From an early age, civic pride and a strong sense of obligation to assist other immigrants was instilled in Greg, and he grew to appreciate culture, music, religion, political activism and service to others.

Greg attended Bowie Elementary school,and graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School in 1962. He attended Allen Academy Junior College on a baseball scholarship and earned an Associates Degree in 1964. Gregory’s golden voice and ability to speak English and Spanish led to him to seamlessly call baseball games, “MC” weddings, and auctioneer. Yet Greg noticed that local broadcasting excluded Spanish-speaking members of the community.

On June 21, 1966, when only a few Spanish radio programs existed state-wide, Greg approached then-owner of WTAW, Bill Watkins, offering to host a weekend Spanish program. If Greg could secure sponsors to support the show, he could begin. Within one week, Greg founded the first Spanish-radio program in the Brazos Valley and spent 11 years at WTAW before moving for several more years to KAGC radio. He was then invited by Joe Lee Walker to start a Spanish program on urban contemporary radio K94 in Hearne, Texas, and in 1991, Greg became part owner of radio station KBMA, Radio La Fabulosa 99.5 FM in Bryan, Texas.

Over decades on the radio, Greg implemented the values learned in childhood by reporting news/events in Spanish and connecting them to the Spanish-speaking community. Resulting, Greg’s broadcasts gained the interest, loyalty and ingenuity of our communities’ newest, Spanish-speaking members and weaved listener’s familiarities with local events. He read obituaries on the air, prayed, and played great Spanish music from all genres. Soon, he was known as “El Amigo del Pueblo,” or “The Town’s Friend.” In 2008, he was named “Radio Personality of the Year,” by Radio Link Magazine.

Greg’s sons, James and Joseph Rodriguez, are attorneys serving B/CS and surrounding communities. He has 6 grandchildren. Public service includes Bryan City Councilman, District 1 and Mayor Pro Tem, lifetime membership of the B/CS Chamber, Board Member for the Brazos Valley Food Bank, Past Chairman of Fiestas Patrias Scholarship Committee, and lifetime membership of the American GI Forum. He is a lifetime member of Santa Teresa Catholic Church, the Bryan Jaycees, LULAC, the Black and White Ball, and is a founding and active officer of The Hispanic Forum of B/CS. He recently received the Amicus award from the Brazos Valley African American Museum for his tireless work in the community. Greg is the epitome of the word selflessness when it comes to all the time he has donated to his fellow man and his community.

KFMK & KLOL

Chuck grew up in Des Moines Iowa and became a licensed HAM radio operator in his teens. He was always a prankster, and one of his early pranks involved taking a tape of music he recorded and patching it into the audio line to the transmitter from the studio of a local radio station and then went home to hear his tape playing on the radio! He didn't tell me if he got caught or not.... but he somehow got a radio job somewhere along the line. He eventually moved to Texas where he worked with me at KFMK from 1981 through 1991. We quickly became fast friends and did ten years of morning radio together. He was probably the smartest man I have ever known.

In addition to him being a ham radio guy, he was the first person I ever knew to own a personal computer. He was a real wizard with that Apple II Plus, and taught me DOS and eventually everything I knew about computers as they became more and more mainstream. He eventually wrote the first (that I know of) computerized music selection software which was used at KFMK and several out of state sister stations.

in addition, Chuck had a charisma that wouldn't quit, plus he was funny as all get out. So funny, in fact, that I got tired of being 2nd banana to his jokes ALL the time and had to take him aside and explain to him that I had no problem playing Ed Mc Mahon to his Johnny Carson, but I would really appreciate it if he would do the same for me from time to time. He was more than happy to comply, and then the show had two jokesters who played off of one another so well that the ratings soared and we enjoyed great success for almost 10 years. I was very glad to have him as my best friend throughout our run on the morning show for many reasons, not the least of which was that he was still quite a prankster, and we were close enough that he never really pranked me hard. Others were not so lucky. Genius that he was, the Shram, as his friends called him, figured out that early cell phones were not encrypted, and could be heard by anyone who had a proper short wave radio or scanner.

We had a lot of laughs eavesdropping on conversations that were never meant to be shared, like a guy telling his girlfriend that he had told his wife he had to work late again. You get the picture. As fax machines became more and more common, he learned how to spoof the phone number a fax came from, thus hiding his identity from the recipient. He learned that Traffic Central sent early morning faxes to radio stations daily so that traffic sponsors could have a different ad copy every day. One day, the traffic guy at a station I don't remember must not have pre-read the copy on the fax machine, and at the end of the traffic report informed the listeners that Kroger was having a sale on "road ready flat snacks, just 89 cents today only! I don't remember if he got busted on that one or not, but I do remember that somebody caught up with him eventually and sent a couple of thugs to his house to strongly suggest he refrain from such antics in the future!

In addition to his expertise with all things digital, Shram was a licensed private pilot, flew radio controlled model helicopters, knew a bit about music and could play keyboard a bit, studied astronomy with the coolest telescope I had ever seen, and had incredible charisma, especially with women, which was great since the KFMK target audience was women 25-49. When KFMK became The Box, he worked with KLOL's Stevens and Pruitt for a few years and added much to their success. He passed away after a long battle with cancer in 2000. Ask anyone who ever worked with him and they will tell you he was a great, unique character who was awesome on the air and as a co-worker around the studio.

KNUZ, KCOH & KPRC TV and Radio

Clifton started his broadcast career at KNUZ in 1950 and ultimately moved to KCOH doing various air shifts throughout the 1960's. He left KCOH to pursue a career in Public Relations, working for the Houston Colt 45’s Baseball Team (later the Houston Astros) when the team started in 1962. He moved on to Community Affairs/Public Relations Director for KPRC-TV Channel 2 and KPRC Radio through the 1970's until his death in June, 1985.

KKBQ, KODA, KTBZ, KQBT, KTRH, KPRC, KBME & KXYZ

Bob was chief Engineer of KKBQ from 1990 to 1998 when owned by Gannett. He later served as Director of Engineering for Chancellor (later Clear Channel Communications) until his current position as Regional Engineering Manager for iHeartMedia.

KBXX, KMJQ, KROI (Radio One, Houston)

Terri Thomas is an award-winning Operations Manager/Program Director/On-Air Talent for KBXX, KMJQ, KROI (Radio One in Houston, Texas). She has been nationally recognized by Radio & Records, Billboard Magazine, Rolling Stone, All Access, Radio Ink and Radio Facts. Terri is also the recipient of the prestigious Ronnie Johnson Industry Mentor of the Year Award, the Music Business Empowerment Conference Industry Trailblazer Award, recognized as a Woman of the Year, is a previous TRHOF nominee, and will be receiving a Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award this summer.

She is known as a problem solver and has a proven track record of coaching and creating award winning teams evident by ratings and revenue success, as well as having current and former members of her team in the TRHOF. Her creativity, passion and positive energy is infectious. She loves to help people achieve their dreams and spends time mentoring many up-and-coming media, music and entertainment professionals across the country.

Terri is a published author of two children’s books “J Mac is the Freestyle King” and “The New Kid”. She has also worked with Artbridge as a volunteer teaching art to homeless children as vehicle to build their self-esteem. She currently works with St. Jude Children’s Hospital as an inaugural member of the St. Jude Radio Cares Advisory Council.

KNUZ, KILT, KKTL, KHJZ, KKHT & KNTH

• KNUZ - Houston 1975 - 1980s C&W Air Personality
• KILT - Houston 1984 - 1997 All Night Personality & Hudson/Harrigan Morning Producer
• KKTL - Cleveland (Now) KTHT 97.1 - 1997 - 1999 Talk Show Producer
• KHJZ - The Wave (Smooth Jazz) 95.7 - Around 2002- 2004 Air Personality
• KKHT - Houston (Salem Radio) 100.7 FM 2004 - Present Operations Manager
• KNTH - Houston "The Answer" 1070 AM
• Operations Manager & Producer of the Sam Malone Morning Show
• Chuck is Operations Manager of KKHT 100.7 FM & KNTH 1070 AM, both Salem stations.

KZEY, KYOK, KPRC, KMJQ & KCOH

James began his broadcast journalism career in 1969 at KZEY Radio in Tyler, Texas. He joined KYOK (Houston) in 1970 then all-news KPRC (Houston) in 1973 covering breaking news as an outside beat reporter.

He rejoined KYOK in 1974 as News Director, and in 1976, became the full-time beat reporter for KTRH covering the Federal Courtouse.

James joined the very successful Magic 102 FM in 1977 as the station’s first News Director, employing a staff of five full-time journalists. It was during this time the highly acclaimed call-in talk show “Sunday Morning Live” was inaugurated. He later began a long and sucessful career in 1980 with the City of Houston, working in various capacities with multiple city administrations, including the speech writer for Mayor Jim McConn.

Following his hiatus from radio, he joined KCOH Radio in 2013, where he hosted a week-day morning talk show called “Waking Up Houston”.

KTSU, KRLY, KMJQ, KYOK, KNUZ, KQUE & KBXX

Val Wilson is a 30+ year veteran of radio in the Houston market, working many formats from R&B to Country to Classical. Val began her career at KTSU-FM on the campus of Texas Southern University where she was a Telecommunications Major. Val began her commercial radio career at KRLY-Love 94fm, moving to KMJQ, KYOK, KNUZ, KQUE, KBXX and more before becoming the co-host of the very popular "Jones &...Company" Morning Show with “Funky Larry” Jones on Majic 102-KMJQ-FM from 1994-2001. Val is currently an adjunct Professor at Texas Southern University while producing programming at Sale Radio Houston.