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John Beaston dead
- Thread starter RockofHBG
- Start date
Wow. What happened? An accident? Health issues? His myspage page had him logged in as late as Saturday:
http://www.myspace.com/jbeaston
Wow. What a shame.
http://www.myspace.com/jbeaston
Wow. What a shame.
Just heard about the passing of John Beaston through Jeff Mason, a former Harrisburg radio personality who now works in Phoenix. John worked with Jeff and I at the former WIMX 99.3 FM back in 1994-95, when we were a Rhythmic CHR. He was always an upbeat, professional talented jock.
He was also a good friend. I had wanted to reach out to him since I moved back to the area last year, but hadn’t had the time (married with children…you who know can understand). I’m in shock over this—I hope Wink provides a fitting tribute to a great radio star…and a good human being.
As far as cause of death, there is a lot of speculation (and I won't add to it). I'm sure that information will come out in the next few days.
He was also a good friend. I had wanted to reach out to him since I moved back to the area last year, but hadn’t had the time (married with children…you who know can understand). I’m in shock over this—I hope Wink provides a fitting tribute to a great radio star…and a good human being.
As far as cause of death, there is a lot of speculation (and I won't add to it). I'm sure that information will come out in the next few days.
I have been a friend and FAN of John Beaston since 1990, when we were both 15 year-old wannabe DJs trying to break into the business. I was so proud to give John his first Harrisburg radio job at The New Mix 99.3 FM in 1994. Well, I shouldn't say "give." John EARNED it! His work at WIKZ (Z95, later Mix 95) and WSRT (Star 92) in Chambersburg was solid. I brought him on-board at WIMX to do part-time during our (all too) short run in CHR. As I recall, he was using the name "Beast Mashugin" at that point. (Most likely one of my idiot ideas.) When I left Central PA for Greenville SC in March '95, I picked John to replace me as MD/Night jock.
Since that time, he went to Wink 104 (the first go round) as Jay Beaston. In addition to jocking, I am pretty sure he was up in the traffic copter - post Captain Matt era. From there, he re-joined me in Philadelphia at Q102 for weekends. He used the name "Boo Boo Magoo" (definitely NOT one of my idiot ideas). Then, it was on to OC104 in Ocean City, MD as "Jon B." After beachin’ it, he joined the newly launched Bob 94.9 for nights as "Wes Shore." IMHO, Bob was where John really came out of his shell and grew as a personality. His show with Angela was GREAT! They really introduced the country audience to CHR style. After a few years in nights, and even a brief run in afternoons at Bob, he launched a CHR morning show at Magic 101.5 in Hagerstown. After Magic, there was a period of time OUT of radio. And, then it was onto Wink 104 (the second go round) for mornings with Denny & Sue. THIS time, he used his OWN name.
Artie Shultz from Mix 95 can probably give a little more insight as he grew up with John. Artie was also part of our little “party posse” (Beast Mashugin, Jay Money, Artie the One Man Party and myself) during the good times back in the day at WIMX. There are a number of stories that can be told (including random visits to the former 98YCR in the middle of the night), and a few that cannot (including a random visit to the former WIMX). If there’s a memorial service, I hope many of us can get back together and reminisce.
John, you’re a class act. I hope you’re hittin’ posts at that big station in the sky. God bless you.
Since that time, he went to Wink 104 (the first go round) as Jay Beaston. In addition to jocking, I am pretty sure he was up in the traffic copter - post Captain Matt era. From there, he re-joined me in Philadelphia at Q102 for weekends. He used the name "Boo Boo Magoo" (definitely NOT one of my idiot ideas). Then, it was on to OC104 in Ocean City, MD as "Jon B." After beachin’ it, he joined the newly launched Bob 94.9 for nights as "Wes Shore." IMHO, Bob was where John really came out of his shell and grew as a personality. His show with Angela was GREAT! They really introduced the country audience to CHR style. After a few years in nights, and even a brief run in afternoons at Bob, he launched a CHR morning show at Magic 101.5 in Hagerstown. After Magic, there was a period of time OUT of radio. And, then it was onto Wink 104 (the second go round) for mornings with Denny & Sue. THIS time, he used his OWN name.
Artie Shultz from Mix 95 can probably give a little more insight as he grew up with John. Artie was also part of our little “party posse” (Beast Mashugin, Jay Money, Artie the One Man Party and myself) during the good times back in the day at WIMX. There are a number of stories that can be told (including random visits to the former 98YCR in the middle of the night), and a few that cannot (including a random visit to the former WIMX). If there’s a memorial service, I hope many of us can get back together and reminisce.
John, you’re a class act. I hope you’re hittin’ posts at that big station in the sky. God bless you.
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