I just heard the news. Irv was a genuine piece Philadelphia Americana, and a great Philadelphia Radio legend. He will surely be missed. Irv will always be in our hearts.
Wow.It's been a rough week.
Wow.It's been a rough week.
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Irv Homer passes
- Thread starter qtpieislit
- Start date
It sure has Sam. Wow. Ed McMahon, then Irv. While Irv isn't as well known, he certainly was the DEAN of talkers of his time in Philly. That statement IS debatable, but he just loved what he did. He liked making people nutty...and didn't always follow a certain idealogy, but he was more of a left-leaning Libertarian if that's possible.
I worked with him for only one year at WWDB-FM where he worked for a VERY long time. I listened to him WAY before I ever began MY journey into talk radio. I learned how to bait the audience and then explain the stance and stick to it from Irv.
When Hilarie Barsky and I worked just AFTER his shift in '00, many times we'd do a crossover break before our show with Irv. Many, MANY times he would just stare at us...because he just didn't GET what we were doing. We had learned how to do what is now called "Hot Talk" and he was a traditional talker. But that daily train wreck served as a reminder of how diverse radio SHOULD be on a talk station...and not always ride the RIGHT or LEFT as its mantra. That's MY opinion. But obviously programmers today think they gotta be one or the other. It's like the TOP-40 (back in the day) stations. You'd have Sinatra then The Stones back to back. That's how WE felt following Uncle Irv.
He may not have LIKED what WE did, but I know I speak for ME when I say...I sure did get what HE was doing. And very well...and he didn't SOUND like one of those BIG VOICE announcers. That was part of his charm.
I am so saddened to hear about Irv's passing. RIP Mr. Homer.
BE BIG!
Big Jay Sorensen
I worked with him for only one year at WWDB-FM where he worked for a VERY long time. I listened to him WAY before I ever began MY journey into talk radio. I learned how to bait the audience and then explain the stance and stick to it from Irv.
When Hilarie Barsky and I worked just AFTER his shift in '00, many times we'd do a crossover break before our show with Irv. Many, MANY times he would just stare at us...because he just didn't GET what we were doing. We had learned how to do what is now called "Hot Talk" and he was a traditional talker. But that daily train wreck served as a reminder of how diverse radio SHOULD be on a talk station...and not always ride the RIGHT or LEFT as its mantra. That's MY opinion. But obviously programmers today think they gotta be one or the other. It's like the TOP-40 (back in the day) stations. You'd have Sinatra then The Stones back to back. That's how WE felt following Uncle Irv.
He may not have LIKED what WE did, but I know I speak for ME when I say...I sure did get what HE was doing. And very well...and he didn't SOUND like one of those BIG VOICE announcers. That was part of his charm.
I am so saddened to hear about Irv's passing. RIP Mr. Homer.
BE BIG!
Big Jay Sorensen
So many of the Philly radio greats are passing on in such a short amount of time... Godspeed to the Homer family.
http://www.philly.com/philly/obituaries/20090625_Talk_show_host_Irv_Homer_dies.html
http://www.philly.com/philly/obituaries/20090625_Talk_show_host_Irv_Homer_dies.html
Unlike today's talk show hosts, Irv was his own man - he didn't represent a political party or philosophy - he would take on anyone and everyone he found hypocritical. There was no room for an athiest libertarian on a major station anymore (WPHT let him go shortly from Sudays after 9-11-01 when he gave his own opinions) but thankfully WBCB and podcasts let him continue as a critic through the Bush years. No doubt today he'd be blasting the S.C. governor as a "phony baloney".
As I remember, Irv was a 'regular guy' bartender/owner given an opportunity on radio on Dr. Carl McIntire's WXUR in Media to provide 'equal time' before WXUR lost its licence. When WEEZ Chester went to a talk format as "People Power Radio" in the early '70's he was given a regular slot, and moved with most of that staff to WWDB when the talk format began in 1975, where he remained until the station changed formats in 2000. For a short time he and other 'old timers' were moved from 96.5 to daytimer 860, but he survived that move to return to the FM for a time.
Most people agreed with him on some things and not on others, but he always documented his opinions, worked to educate his audience, and was entertaining in the process. A lot of talk hosts today could learn a lot from his independence. Thank you, Irv!
As I remember, Irv was a 'regular guy' bartender/owner given an opportunity on radio on Dr. Carl McIntire's WXUR in Media to provide 'equal time' before WXUR lost its licence. When WEEZ Chester went to a talk format as "People Power Radio" in the early '70's he was given a regular slot, and moved with most of that staff to WWDB when the talk format began in 1975, where he remained until the station changed formats in 2000. For a short time he and other 'old timers' were moved from 96.5 to daytimer 860, but he survived that move to return to the FM for a time.
Most people agreed with him on some things and not on others, but he always documented his opinions, worked to educate his audience, and was entertaining in the process. A lot of talk hosts today could learn a lot from his independence. Thank you, Irv!
I will never forget "Evil Irv", he was the most unique talk show host. I spoke with him on air about his involvement on a New Jersey Farm going back to the early 70's he was living on this farm with its owner and they refused to pay federal income tax. I remember it was on rt 527 and there were signs of protest that included a picture of Richard Nixon's portraid as a snake. This was long before Watergate. I also ran into him on many occasions around the Huntingdon Valley area. WBCB does not reach my area of Montgomery County but I have listened on line.
Rest in peace evil one!
Rest in peace evil one!
M
malawichild
Guest
Listening to Irv in the '90's was my entry into the Libertarian philosophy. Though his political thought took a serious turn leftward in the last few years, I remember him as a great right winger. I saw him at a Berks Libertarian event, and he gave a great speech, too. He wasn't just a radio talent.
RIP Evil Irv.
RIP Evil Irv.
Damn. Just... damn.
When I was programming at WWDB toward the end. Irv came into my office and said "I outlasted 15 other PDs... and I'll outlast you too!". Hahahahaha!!!!! What an intro into talent management!
I loved Irv. He was one of those guys that was hard and crusty on the outside, but had a soft gooey center. He helped make WWDB what it was in its heyday and I'm glad and proud that I got to listen to him as I was growing up... and later work with him.
Evil Irv was the original "great one". I hope that Philly remembers him well. I know I will.
Neil
When I was programming at WWDB toward the end. Irv came into my office and said "I outlasted 15 other PDs... and I'll outlast you too!". Hahahahaha!!!!! What an intro into talent management!
I loved Irv. He was one of those guys that was hard and crusty on the outside, but had a soft gooey center. He helped make WWDB what it was in its heyday and I'm glad and proud that I got to listen to him as I was growing up... and later work with him.
Evil Irv was the original "great one". I hope that Philly remembers him well. I know I will.
Neil
C
cyber
Guest
The list of the original WWDB gets longer:
Wynn Moore
Bob Evans
roduction Director
Jack O'Reilly
Frank Ford
Irv Homer
I'm sure there are a few others. No matter what was thought of their work, they all had something unique to offer. That was when radio was radio.
Wynn Moore
Bob Evans
roduction DirectorJack O'Reilly
Frank Ford
Irv Homer
I'm sure there are a few others. No matter what was thought of their work, they all had something unique to offer. That was when radio was radio.
Growing up in the 70's, I would listen to Irv EVERY DAY. He would not shy away from debating ANYBODY!!!. Unlike today's right wing radio stations who think that the opinion of the right is the ONLY opinion that should be heard. You we're a true legend in radio. When he was called to testify before congress to defend his position on the IRS, Irv wiped the floor with all of the "college educated" nitwits. He was Investigated over & over again by this government. And he told people about how unconstitutional this tax system is. He offered over & over & over again, the IRS the chance to come on his show and debate, THEY NEVER ACCEPTED.
There is more that I could say about this man. He was a person that looked at an Issue and made an opinion based upon "what is right is right and what is wrong is wrong".Not trying to stay true to some political Ideology. Today you have these right wing nut-jobs, and the corporations that own them, that put forward positions on Issues that are either out right lies, half truths or exaggerations. And they WILL NOT have a truly educated person on the Issue, on to debate it. Irv did not cower down to ANYONE. And the station had a wide array of opinions. Can't say that today.You we're taken off the air Irv because they feared you, and the truth. You will be missed Irv, along with REAL TALK RADIO.
There is more that I could say about this man. He was a person that looked at an Issue and made an opinion based upon "what is right is right and what is wrong is wrong".Not trying to stay true to some political Ideology. Today you have these right wing nut-jobs, and the corporations that own them, that put forward positions on Issues that are either out right lies, half truths or exaggerations. And they WILL NOT have a truly educated person on the Issue, on to debate it. Irv did not cower down to ANYONE. And the station had a wide array of opinions. Can't say that today.You we're taken off the air Irv because they feared you, and the truth. You will be missed Irv, along with REAL TALK RADIO.
I think you lived in your vault too long. How about the newspapers, TV networks, CNN, cable, MTV, Katie Couric, Tabloids, music industry. Their corporate controlled right?...right! And they don't force or influence anyone how are lifestyles should be run. Of course not. These corporations that own the talk stations, also owns the other media.
doowopvault said:
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