Suggestions from you on who should be nominated for induction into the Texas Radio Hall of Fame

While working in Nashville at WSM, we had the chance to sit down with George Jones and talk about his formative years in country music.  Before the Saratoga, Texas born singer hit the big time, he spent a few years playing the honky tonks in the wet counties of East Texas.  During this time, 'Thumper" Jones and 'Hank Smith." as he was known also did a little singing and DJ work in radio.  I was surprised when he mentioned doing a live radio show, and jocking in the 50's at the same radio station I did early in my career, KTXJ, in Jasper, Texas.  Jones also worked as a DJ and singer on KRIC in Beaumont, Texas while playing the old Four Aces Club (Four Corners Club).  Why he didn't stick to radio?  "Hell, son, it was a little hard to get a free beer at a radio station, while you were on the air." Dave "Buttermilk" Donahue PD Country Hall Of Fame DJ (inducted CRB 2000) WCTH-FM Thunder Country 

I became a member of the 5th Estate in 1976, and went full-time in 1977, when I was hired at KDDD-KMRE in Dumas, by the late Ken Duke.  Ken was my mentor, and taught me how a radio station should be run. He was an owner who not only ran the station, but made sure that his people got the training they needed to succeed.  Later in life, I learned that Ken got his start in November, 1947, when KAMQ-AM, Amarillo went on the air.  A few years later, Ken, and his business partner Al Trimble purchased KDDD-AM, 800, in Dumas.  Al died in the early 80's, and Ken lived into the early 90's.  He sold the station shortly before his death. One of the stories I remember most was the story of KMRE (also known as Kay
Emory).  Ken would always tell the story of the call letters.  They wanted KDAT (for Ken Duke Al Trimble), but those calls were reserved for a Naval station.  They settled on KMRE, to be a 'girlfriend' for "The Ding Dong
Daddy of Dumas". Speaking of which, we always played "I'm a Ding Dong Daddy from Dumas" every morning, at 8:30, right before Ken's 15 minute talk (gossip) show. 
I left Dumas in 1979, and left the radio industry full-time in 1993.  I will never forget my times in Dumas, and working with a legend in the Texas Panhandle, Ken Duke.  J.H.


I got to Texas in 1963 ... thanks to Gordon McLendon.  Hired out of Jefferson City, Missouri, I was awarded a news shift at 610 Houston. On board in those days were such greats as Chuck Dunaway and Russ Knight, both of whom were involved in bringing the "Beatles" to Houston in 1965. McLendon sent me to South Viet Nam in 65' to represent all of his radio stations. I was 25 at the time ... youngest war correspondent in Southeast Asia and had no clue what I was doing.  McLendon has to be considered as one of the first members of your Hall...a great RADIO  man...the stories are endless. Ask Don Keyes.  DL

I suggest Bill Mercer...former voice of the Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers and others.  He provided the model for many sports voices on the air today from his classes at the University of North Texas. He is still a mentor for many in the business.  I also concur on Earle Fletcher.  I personally have been referred to as having been "Fletcher trained." DG, Houston

A few hundred guys (maybe a couple of girls) studied RADIO and many became interested and entered RADIO as a career because of the long-time teacher at N. R. Crozier Tech High School.  He was Mr. Gray Moore.  He taught from the beginning of "Tech".  His own experience preceded the first commercial radio broadcast.  GRAY MOORE should be honored.   G. O., Dallas

I concur with most of the names mentioned here for the Texas Radio Hall of Fame. I would like to suggest some others for consideration.

Bill Meeks -- Once the music director for Gordon McLendon's KLIF, Meeks was the founder of PAMS of Dallas, the company that became the leading supplier of jingles for the radio industry. Those of us who worked in Texas radio in the Top 40 era owe a lot to Bill Meeks.

John Allen and Norvell Slater -- Two longtime announcers for WFAA (AM) in Dallas, who survived the transition from engineer-assistance to combo operation in the radio industry. Both Allen and Slater were associated with the old "Early Birds" show. During the transition, which eliminated block programming and initiated DJ-run boards, John moved to news and Norvell became WFAA's public service director, continuing to do his long-running Sunday morning program, "Hymns We Love."

Stan McKenzie, Clint Formby and Wendell Mayes, Jr. -- These three radio station owners have been leaders and spokesmen for the interests of radio in Texas and the nation. All three have held leadership positions with the TAB and/or the NAB. Each has been an advocate for industry support of broadcast education. Stan, who owned KWED in Seguin for many years, also worked with Kern Tips on the old Humble Southwest Conference network. Wendell followed the goals set by his father, insisting on genuine community involvement and significant local news coverage, in running the Wendell Mayes Stations.

Time-Sharing -- Even though the the Texas Radio Hall of Fame is being established to honor people, th TRHF should recognize this once-common practice in the radio industry. The longest time-sharing arrangement in the country was between WFAA, Dallas (owned by the Dallas Morning-News) and WBAP, Fort Worth (owned by the Star-Telegram). These two stations shared regional-channel 570 khz and clear-channel 820 khz, switching frequencies several times during the day. In the Top 40 era, it was impossible for either station to firmly establish an identity in what had become the combined Dallas-Fort Worth market. The time-sharing arrangement finally ended (in the 1960s, as I recall) and WBAP, getting the 820 frequency and with its country format, became the dominant station North Texas. The Morning-News parent company finally dropped WFAA and eventually got rid of its radio stations.

The WBAP cowbell -- Another special recognition is deserved for this icon, which was used with the station ID back in the time-sharing days.  BS

I nominate Rusty Reynolds.  Rusty is a broadcast veteran of nearly 50 years, most of which are in Texas.  He has worked in sales, on the air, management, and for the last 30 years in ownership.  He is known for being a tough, but fair and ethical competitor, as well as being an innovative operator.  Today he is still very active in the business owning three operating stations and another CP.  KR

I suggest one of the great pioneers of radio in America. Mr. John Barger. John has been a guiding light and founding father to the radio industry but has never forgotten his roots and the people of Texas who love, admire, and respect this native sons contribution to the broadcast industry.  John's first exposure to radio was in the early 60s as a jock at KNOW in Austin. His numbers were amazing as the afternoon drive time man but his dedication to the Austin community was even more noteworthy. Through public service he gave his heart to the people he served..his listeners.  This spirit of service and generosity to the public became ever more apparent as John Barger received his law degree from UT and took out on his mission and vision that has made him such a great luminary of Texas radio.   After his tenure in Austin he continued to serve the public and achieve great success in the state capitol of Penn..Harrisburg. Never forgetting his commitment to radio as exemplified by his #1 numbers on WFEC. There he is known  as a legend and presented himself as a great bastion of hope for those who sought relief from a true companion and friend to the people... John Barger.  The rest is history.  After serving as an attorney-air man for Mr.Gordon McLendon in Buffalo N.Y. he came home to his beloved Texas and carried on his tradition of excellence at KRLD in Dallas and then WOAI in San Antonio.  He today owns radio stations all over Texas and is very active in the TAB and NAB and many other industry related activities too numerous to mention John Barger brought character, caring, and commitment to listeners to Texas radio.  He surely should be in the Texas Hall Of Fame as he remains in the hearts of listeners nation wide.  As we say in parts of deep East Texas:  This friend from college station has done good.  RL(B)L

I would like to nominate "Old" Jim Lowe, the long time voice in Dallas radio and also the long time voice of "Big Tex" at the State Fair.  Also, Ron Chapman, the long time morning host at KVIL and now at KLUV. JD 

I don't know the particulars of his career, but I do know that Frank Mills, long-retired from WBAP, was a strong radio presence during my first years in Texas. He is now my neighbor and is quite elderly. I hope you will consider his contributions to radio as you evaluate the Hall of Fame candidates. NB

I would nominate Kern Tips, the voice of the Southwest Conference, who I grew up listening to on the radio as he broadcast games.  CK

 I would like to suggest Russ Knight "The Weird Beard" Growing up in Dallas in the early 60's was made even more special by "The Weird Beard."  Great radio voice and always an interesting show. I also remember being able to walk up to the windows at KLIF and have the DJ's open the window and chat with you while the tunes played.  JR Dallas

There are two people I would like to nominate. When I was a kid, my influences were Joe Ford who did afternoons at KNUZ and the outrageous, Jim Wood who did 7-midnight at KILT. During this time KILT & KNUZ were the big rockers in Houston constantly battling it out. The city of Houston outgrew the 1000 watt day/250 watt night, 1230 KNUZ. Even though KNUZ had great DJ's, KILT with its great set of jocks as well, had the edge with it's 5000 watts at 610. KNUZ succumbed to "The Big 6-10" and went country in 1973. Although I never had the opportunity to meet Jim Wood, I did have the pleasure of not only meeting Joe Ford, but also, working with him at KNUZ.  When I got to KNUZ in 1975, I did the overnight show, where I first became "The All Night Chucker." I had only three years in the business, therefore I was still polishing my craft. Joe Ford did mornings and showed me how to use one liners effectively. In fact, he would actually write one liners for me to use. I would find his joke sheets entitled "Ford's Foreskin Follies" in my mailbox, when I arrived at the station at 11PM. He never charged me a thing, he just did it, because that is the kind of guy Joe Ford is, a gentlemen. He stayed on the air here in Houston until recently. He had been at KLDE playing the oldies. When the now, young cats would ask me "how to, " I would tell them, tune over to KLDE at 9AM and listen to Joe Ford and you will understand the term "perfect execution." Unfortunately Joe is no longer "On The Air." He is still alive and kicking, as I hear him on Finger furniture spots as well as other quite often.  CT 

One of these has been mentioned by a couple of others. Earle Fletcher. By the time I worked for Earle in the 1980's he was the crusty, crotchety owner of KCLE 1120 (now 1140) in Cleburne. Earle usually showed up around 10 or 11 am and left by 1 or 2, but his mere presence in the building struck fear into me as a newbie reporter. I can remember on one occasion when I wrote a letter to the editor of a local newspaper (not knowing any better) and taking issue with a story, Earle brought me close to tears with his scathing explaination of my wayward ways. He came close to firing me. This speech included my favorite Earle Fletcher quote, "Hoss, I've forgotten more about radio than you'll ever know." Of course Earle is known for his KBOX days as well, and he and son John Fletcher took KJNE in Waco to the top of the ratings.

I nominate Chuck Dunaway, one of the all time greats at KILT, Houston ... KLIF, KBOX in Dallas. Chuck was a killer afternoon jock and one of great music directors in the biz. He went on to ownership, sold his stations and is now enjoying retirement in Houston, Texas.  JF Houston 

"At age 14, in the early 50's, I used to ride my bike about 2 miles out of town to sit around and watch a young man do his afternoon radio show. With a smooth and polished voice, I always thought he'd go far and he did. Early on, after much pestering, he even gave me one of my early radio jobs at KALT radio, in Atlanta, Texas. Heck, it was just doing the "Sunday church blocks", but I did get to read the weather and do an ID every so often.

"1. Gordon McLendon - Obviously (even though he was born in Idabel, OK.)
 
2. Herb Humphries (born: Gladewater, TX) - With Jimmy Lightfoot (born: Mt. Pleasant, TX) invented Westinghouse all-news format, "give us 20 minutes and we will give you the world." Later news director for KFWB and KABC in LA. Taught Brad Messer (born: Galveston, TX), Sonny Dunnagan (born Tyler, TX), and yours truly, John Barger (born: College Station, TX)the news business.
 
3. Buzz A. Long (also born: Gladewater, TX) - Swiped Octavius Woolyboogie SFX from Eddie Daniels (really voiced by KONO newsman Tom Ellis) and became overnight sensation in 1961 on KNOW-Austin. Fired 1962 by Dick Laine for letting future political columnist Dave McNeely sleep one off on top of Louis Cook's (GM) desk. Later the King of Big Country 1010 in Waco. Whipped cancer and does Elvis impersonations all over East Texas. Last heard on KFRO in Longview.

4. Earle Fletcher - Bigger than life GM of KXOL in 50's and 60's. Told George Carlin to quit hanging out in coffee houses learning to be a stand-up comic, rather should put more into all-night show on 1360 and get somewhere in the Wendell Mayes chain." J.B.

"I would like to suggest one of the best men for the Hall of Fame. Scott Harris also known as Jon Steele on KLLL has been a cornerstone of Lubbock Radio for over 20 years. Love him or hate him with partners such as Rick Gilbert, Jane Prince Jones, Don Van Landingham he remains one of the most consistent things in Lubbock radio. From his days at KSEL to KLLL from music director to GM and a VP of Programming for the group that once owned KLLL Scott Harris has dedicated his life to the enrichment of mornings in Lubbock Texas. Scott has always had an eye for talent and people who he has hired have moved on to win Program Director of the Year (Jay Richards) and other accomplishments. The station has won national accomplishments with charity work for the Children's Miracle Network and was a Finalist in the very competitive CMA Country station of the year. If you need a representative from West Texas for the RHOF, you can not do any better than Scott Harris."  SD 

"Harold Taft, Bill Mack, Michael James Lucas, Lynn Woolley, Ed Shane, Gordon McLendon, Bob Whitney, Kent Burkhart."  SF

"What would a Texas Radio Hall of Fame be without the one and only Jimmy Rabbitt!"  Initials Withheld in San Antonio

"Earle Fletcher was named Pioneer Broadcaster by TAB in 1972. While his achievements were impressive by themselves, the careers that he launched led to some of the brightest managers and air talents in the industry: Ken Burkhart, Bob Scheiffer, George Carlin on the air, and managers like John Barger, Dick Osburn and Rusty Reynolds. >From a management perspective, you should also consider Wendell Mayes, Sr. He was one of the greatest leaders of all time."  Initials Withheld in Waco 

"... a few guys I grew up glued to on the radio, guys that had a hand in my life on the air, guys like Zack Hurt - KFJZ, Joe Wills KXOL, truly one of the best news men ever, Zack did Cat baseball. (that was the name of the Ft Worth ball club) --- These, and a guy named Russ Lamb who gave me my job at KXOL, a job that let me just be me on the air ,a job that pumped me so high that after 55 years I'm still flying .  Russ and Zack both were at KFJZ before the war, as a kid I would hang out at the station ,sweep the floor, get coffee, run out and get food empty ash trays, read old copy on a dead mike, and sit and watch and watch and watch, and LISTEN ----THESE ARE MY HALL OF FAME GUYS  NA Hollywood

"I'd like to suggest Rex Miller, Bob McCord, John Bass, and Randy Robbins."  JR in Colorado

Hello, I'm Dale Berry and in 1945  I played hookey from Mesquite High School, hitch hiked to Dallas and auditioned for Bill Boyd and the Cowboy Ramblers at radio station W.R.R. in Dallas, studios at Fair Park, where State Fair of Texas is held.  Pete Tedlie was station manager and later gave me my own show at six a.m. five days a week.  There was a German Prison of War Camp, next door to W.R.R. and each morning the guards would shout, halt who goes there??  being a smart mouth teenager,  I would answer Adolph Hitler, then run fast as I could into the radio station, one morning the guards had blocked the door and I was severely reprimanded by someone in authority.  Not many people remember a German P.O.W. camp being next door to the radio station.  Later, I was on K.S.K.Y.  Dallas, 660 on the radio dial, atop beautiful Hotel Stoneleigh, overlooking downtown Dallas.  Then on to K.T.E.R.!  in Terrell, Texas then to K.M.A.E.  McKinney, Texas  and a short stint at K.B.U.D. in Athens, texas plus many other radio stations over the years.  My current stint is as an actor, having down three very nice roles in the C.B.S. series,  Walker, Texas Ranger, starring Chuck Norris.  I do plan to join your organization, but wanted to alert you, as to some of the things in my career as a broadcaster, that I thought you might find of interest.   W.R.R. at 1310 on the a.m. dial featured many, live entertainers, singers, bands, disc jockeys, and K.S.K.Y.   featured even more in the 1950's.  I enjoyed this era of time in my life with the fondest of memories.  Dale Berry   Dallas, Texas