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Bill Drake

M

makemineblatz

Guest
Just got an email from the Georgia Radio Hall of Fame announcing the death of Donalsonville native Philip Yarbrough aka Bill Drake. He died yesterday in Los Angeles at the age of 71.
 
It is indeed a very sad day for the radio industry to lose Bill Drake, a man who influenced radio trends and many radio professionals. Bill Drake, who "was" Boss Radio KHJ, was a true radio innovator, icon and a well admired and respected radio professional. He will be greatly missed...

Mark Tillery,
J. M. Tillery & Associates, LLC.
[email protected]
 
His nephew was a good friend of mine in college. I'll never forget one of our first conversations. I was doing afternoons at the local Top 40 station, WVLD. This would be in 1972. (wow) He said, "My uncle's in radio although you probably never heard of him. Bill Drake?" Then I picked myself off the floor.

Seventy one is way too young.
 
After nearly 30 years in radio, the highlight is the few days I had a chance to spend with Bill Drake back in the late 80's. He was friends with the owner of thestation I was with and she invited him to help changeover the station to Drake-Chenault oldies format. Try being on the air with Bill Drake sitting in the control room with you. But the stories he shared over drinks at a now defunct watering hole in Albany. I have a reel to reel tape of some liners and promos he cut for me.
 
Bills companion Carole Scott sends her appreciation to all GRHoF members who voted to induct Bill last year and those who have emailed. A memorial service will be held Wednesday in Los Angeles.
 
I first heard of Bill Drake through my uncle who was a radio DJ for over 25 years. For all of you radio fans, I have loaded a myspace tribute page to my late uncle Harold Hines. He used the names Jefferson Lee, Johnny Dark, and Johnathan Stone in his radio days. I often remember him telling stories of the radio days and heard Bill Drake's name often. Please have a listen to the audio! It is all the stuff we could find on reel to reel and converted it digitally. My uncle worked at WAKY, WGST, CKLW, WGZC in Atlanta, WKLO, WQXI, WKHX, and more!!! He was the voice of Encyclopedia Brittanica, Coca-Cola, Six Flags, and various others. I do have some raw reads and commercials that is not on the site. His complete resume is listed on the myspace page! I have all the call letters listed and audio from 4 different stations from back in the 70's and 80's!!! You do not have to be a member of myspace to hear the audio! Have a listen and take a trip down memory lane!! Sorry to hear about Bill's passing.

www.myspace.com/jonathanstoneradio

Jason Hines aka "Roach"
Afternoons on KXNA-FM, New Rock 104.9 The X
 
I wish to offer my condolences to Bill Drake's family and friends. I still cannot believe that the Atlanta news media has done nothing to recognize his work and his life. California newspapers and MSN mentioned his passing.

I hope that the city of Donaldsonville will do something to recognize this radio giant.

Thanks
KT
 
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