Jimmy O'Neill (1940-2013) KQV-KRLA-KFWB-Shindig!-KDAY-KOB-WOW-KOIL

[Daryl Lynn L.A.]

I looked all the way back to 2013 in the radiodiscussions.com archives; and it appears that there was no tribute written for DJ Jimmy O'Neill. So, on the 10th anniversary of his passing ( Jan. 11) and his 83rd birthday ( Jan. 8), I would like to post a eulogy and a thank-you to him.

Jim was the first voice of KRLA 1110 Pasadena when it changed over from KXLA country/western to KRLA Top 40 format. He had a very warm, smooth baritone with perfect enunciation. According to KRLA historian Bill Earl, Jim was station owner Jack Kent Cooke's personal choice to introduce the new Top 40 station. He hired Jim at age 19 in September of 1959; and within a year or so, his show was #1 rated in that time slot. His career took off so rapidly that 5 years later in Sept. 1964, Jim was on the ABC-TV network as the host of Shindig!, a fast-paced rock n' roll variety show.

I had the had the honor of being selected as a KRLA student reporter to write about the activities at my school, which I sent in to the station. Jim read my reports over the air, along with my name, which was a huge thrill. Shy, awkward, and extremely introverted, I had difficulty making any friends, because I couldn't speak to anyone. But by listening to the radio and DJ's like Jim, who chatted so easily and naturally and established a strong human connection with listeners, I learned to emulate their behavior. My parents, seeing how shy and socially inept my sister and I were, allowed us every couple of weeks to drop into the station to say hi to Jim. He did not know us personally; but when he saw us or other teens in the station lobby, he always came out of the studio to say hi to us, sign an autograph, and to chat for a few minutes about new records.

Jim was a fast-rising star in L.A. radio, yet he remained very approachable, down-to-earth, and kind to teen listeners. He gave up countless 5 minute news breaks to greet and chat with every teen in KRLA's lobby. I really appreciate the time he took to spend with us.

If the members of this chat board are owners or managers of a station that still employs air talent, please know that any kindness your DJ's show to listeners, especially teens, is never wasted. I will always remember Jim for the warmth, attention, and sincerity he showed to my sister and me. That was one of the pivotal times in my life. A huge thank you to Jim for being a positive role model and indelible influence -- Daryl

 

[Daryl Lynn L.A.]

I posted a Los Angeles Times article on Jim's accomplishments, but it was taken down. I'm going to link to the Wikipedia article on Jim, so that his achievements can be noted here. I think it is permissible to post links, as I see that others are doing it on this thread.

Jimmy O'Neill KRLA-KFWB-Shindig!- etc.

 

[Daryl Lynn L.A.]

Here's a little more information about the Shindig! show, which featured very fast-paced, uptempo rock artists, with a huge cast of talent each week. Shindig! was a project which Jim started working on when he was about 20 years old in 1960. Later in 1964, it became a reality when ABC-TV hired Jimmy and British producer Jack Good, who booked many U.K. groups during the time of the "British Invasion" in rock music. In 1990, when Jim returned to work mornings at KRLA (whose studios had moved from Pasadena to Wilshire Blvd. in L.A.) , he sometimes used to provide updates on the Shindig! talent 25 years later. Attached are some interesting interviews with cast members who worked on the show:

Shindig !- Cast member interviews

 

[Daryl Lynn L.A.]

And here's a typical very high energy Shindig! episode from 1965, which starts out fast with a cold open and ends up even faster. This no-holds-barred- pedal-to-the-metal approach of presenting the artists was replicated by later live rock shows like "Hollywood a Go-Go" and "Hullabaloo."

Like all Shindig! episodes, there's a big cast of both regulars and weekly guests which includes: Jerry Lee Lewis, the Righteous Brothers, Jackie Wilson, Darlene Love and the Blossoms, Bobby Sherman, Donna Loren, Chad and Jeremy, Delany Bramlett & Joey Cooper, Billy Preston on keyboards, Glen Campbell, and James Burton. These last three were members of "The Wrecking Crew", a group which played for recording sessions on so many hit songs of the 1960's. (These old kinescopes even include the original commercials).