It's hard to believe that somebody hasn't already posted about Jim Santella's retirement. Last night was his final Blues show on WBFO. He'll still be heard doing "Theatre Talk", but it's the end of Jim's long-form radio career after 47 years (or, 45 if you don't count his start until his first commercial radio gig).
I don't think that Buffalo had another talent as relatable and musically astute as Jim Santella. He clearly defined the "underground" format in for FM stations in Buffalo in the '60s. He was a pioneer in AOR, and a man of principle who chose unemployment over restricted playlists in the '70s. His exile didn't last long, and Jim navigated the commercial world while maintaining his independence all the way into the '90s. His advocacy of the Blues on WBFO established a thriving Blues community in WNY that simply isn't found in most other places. It rivals Chicago, St. Louis, and Austin in depth and breadth, and a lot of that is his doing.
It's been a great run. Good luck, Jim. You've created a real legacy. Pat Feldballe was announced as the new Saturday night blues host on WBFO. He's got some pretty big shoes to fill, but he's a very talented guy who's got quite a resume in his own right. Good luck to Pat as well.
I don't think that Buffalo had another talent as relatable and musically astute as Jim Santella. He clearly defined the "underground" format in for FM stations in Buffalo in the '60s. He was a pioneer in AOR, and a man of principle who chose unemployment over restricted playlists in the '70s. His exile didn't last long, and Jim navigated the commercial world while maintaining his independence all the way into the '90s. His advocacy of the Blues on WBFO established a thriving Blues community in WNY that simply isn't found in most other places. It rivals Chicago, St. Louis, and Austin in depth and breadth, and a lot of that is his doing.
It's been a great run. Good luck, Jim. You've created a real legacy. Pat Feldballe was announced as the new Saturday night blues host on WBFO. He's got some pretty big shoes to fill, but he's a very talented guy who's got quite a resume in his own right. Good luck to Pat as well.