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Longtime Atlanta DJ Willard has left the radio biz

N

nativeatlanta

Guest
Rodney Ho writes in his column for 06/19/2008 that Willard has quit the radio business after 36 years and moving to North Georgia. Just wondering if anybody knows why he decide get of the radio business??

Also, anybody have stories about Willard and his adventures in Atlanta Radio?
 
One of the good ones in this business. Not many left.

I have stories, but I won't embarrass my friend, Willard.
But we had "a hellava time, boys!'
 
amen! i have a story or two about willard -- which will remain a secret! willard is a tremendously talented, funny, nice guy. i'm happy to hear he'll be taking it a little bit easier.
 
All the Willard stories are too hillbilly hairy for a family radio forum.........
As I've said before on this board, Willard is one of the good guys - the quintessential professional and always respectful and kind to every listener - even the insane ones - and always easy to work with.
Congrats Willard on all that has happened lately - and for that matter.....congrats on a wonderful career. Call me if you need remote control wired to the still.........
 
Willard is a terrific person, and it's been an honor to know him over the past few years.

He and Lisa bought a house in the North Georgia mountains recently, and they're going to be enjoying life up there. Congratulations, Willard.
 
He decided to get out of the radio business because he got into radio sales. Enough said.

There is nothing in radio sales left to want to do it long term for any amount of money. You get better respect as a car salesman these days.

Fifteen different budgets and a microphone!
 
He still hasn't played my 'perfect album side' from 1986!

BTW, why wouldnt Rock 100 do something like that? So easy to do during nights, and it would be something different and interactive.
 
Willard was great to listen to on 96 Rock. His voice helped define the station back when it was so good. He really was great with listeners as well. Fond memories of listening to both he and Kaedy years ago. I got to meet him long ago at a promotion at Tower Records and remember that fondly. I wish him all the best after such a long career in radio in a single market!
 
Ah the perferct album side...I have one recorded from 1990.Willard will be missed. Along with everyone else that had talent on the radio.
 
NightFlyer said:
Willard was great to listen to on 96 Rock. His voice helped define the station back when it was so good. He really was great with listeners as well. Fond memories of listening to both he and Kaedy years ago. I got to meet him long ago at a promotion at Tower Records and remember that fondly. I wish him all the best after such a long career in radio in a single market!
Click to expand...

Actually met Willard in the elevator on my way up to pick up a prize I had won on his show a few nights earlier. He remembered my voice and told me I should talk to the PD about a part-time job there. He said they hired Greg Clarkson off of a cruise ship so why not some guy in an elevator. Still makes me laugh to think about that. Best of luck to him.....
 
All the best for Willard and Lisa. He's a great guy and a true talent. Although I never actually saw it, rumour has it he enjoyed sitting on the point of the 18 story glass triangle building the old 96rock studios were in. I'd given him a copy of my roof key. One day I noticed the lock had been changed. The building engineer wouldn't tell me why, but there was fear in his eyes. Took a bigger than usual stack of CDs to get my key back.
 
I'd like to add to what the other here have said. I worked with Willard for six years, from 1989-1995 at WKLS, and he was simply one of the nicest, most professional, most personable people you could ever meet. He taught me how to operate the board, something he had no obligation whatsoever to do, and I will always be grateful to him for being "one of the good guys."

It is amazing to me that Willard (and Kaedy Kiely for that matter) are not working on-air anymore. It's really a shame.

I hope Willard and Lisa enjoy their new home and new life. After rocking us all for more that 25 years, he has certainly earned some peace and quiet.
 
Michael introduced me to Willard on my first day at the triangle many moons ago when I was still young and dumb. Willard seemed more than happy to train me on the board and show me where everything was and I will never forget how nice he was not only to me, but to everyone he came in contact with. Lets face it, radio is full of a-holes with headphones, but Willard stood out as a total professional who went out of his way to be a team player in a business with very few team players. I will never forget my time at 96 rock, brief as it was, and I wish Willard much happiness in what ever he goes on to do.
 
that reminds me! when i was in college i was DYING to go to the screening of the sting movie. i called willard, and he looked around the station and found an extra pass, then met me as he got off the air to give it to me. totally made my year. above and beyond, and all that. and even though i worked with him for 10 years, i'm not sure i ever thanked him for that!! if you're reading this willard -- THANKS!!!!

xxoo
 
I knew Willard before he was in the radio biz (though I think he was doing radio on a 10-watter in high school).

Here he is at launch control at our rocket club's launch somewhere around Levitz Furniture, Button Gwinnett Rd and Best Friend Rd. in 1970.

If anyone sees him soon, tell him to go to soarrocketry.org and leave a message for Roy Green. There's a rocketry reunion going on at John Langford's biz at the end of this month.

Roy (Bill) Green (1975-1980 WUOG)
 
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