Names from all over New Jersey

[HarrytheK1]

Harry: Joe C. and Harriett were there, and so was the aforementioned Joe McCulley.

Glenn,

I think I remember hearing that Joe McCulley had passed away. Do you know if that's accurate? I hope it's not.

Also, do you know what Joe C. and/or Harriett are doing these days? I remember Harriett's husband, Ron, and her son and daughter. What a great family!

 

[HarrytheK1]

Harry,

Hey, Kenny Dichter emailed me about 2 years ago...If I remember right he is in Arizona....

Charlie,

Kenny...was a great guy, and had the biggest heart of anybody I know.

Harry

I'm so sad to tell those of you who knew him that Kenny passed away suddenly last month in Phoenix at the age of 50. I don't know what words to use to describe the sadness, grief and shock. But, if it's possible to describe Ken in one word, that word would be friend. His thoughtfulness and caring was legendary. He always put others first and was always there to lend a hand and provide help. Over the years and the miles, I didn't keep in touch nearly as often as I wish I had, but, when we did touch base, even if it might have been years since we last spoke, it was as if no time had passed. It is a major understatement to say that he will be missed. RIP old friend.

A memorial service for Ken will be held Saturday, June 19, at 11 AM, in Phoenix.

Memorial contributions can be made to: American Diabetes Association , PO Box 11454, Alexandria, Virginia 22312.

 

[charliemills]

Harry,

I was shocked when you called in with the news of Kenny's passing on Jonathan P. Casey's show. I was "guesting" on his show and could not hear everything you said about Kenny, but I heard enough to know we had lost a friend.

I always had a deep respect for people in this business who are not afraid to show their love and passion for it. Kenny was one of those people. He was just "a kid" when I first began talking with him. He would call me almost everyday when I was doing the afternoon show at WDVL-FM in Vineland. He amazed me at being able to tell, simply by listening, whether I was playing 45 or 33 rpm vinyl. He explained to me how he did it. I am still trying to figure it out. Frankly, Kenny was a "geek" before it was cool to be a "geek". He was a big kid for his age, gawky and a bit clumsy, but that was part of his charm. His intelligence was astounding, and at times I thought he knew way too much for a person who hadn't spent a lot of time on planet earth. But he did, and it was legit. His heart was also big. He would do anything for you - and nothing was too much. His parents were also wonderful people, and at times I felt they were more than willing to adopt a hungry and underpaid disc jockey invited to their home by Kenny. I was one of them.

I am deeply saddened by Kenny's untimely passing. My condolences to his family.

-Charlie Mills

 

[TomCunningham]

Someone I know and (well, used to) love convinced me to read this thread. Quite cool to say the least.

Kudos to Harry and Jay and the rest of the people who have chimed in here.

When I think about the quality of the folks who passed thru the WHWH newsroom back in the day, it's amazing. Every time I hear Wayne Cabot on WCBS or Brad Segall on KYW it's impossible not to smile. Ira "Jeff" Caplan was as great as anyone I've ever heard, and I will always remember the stand out job that he did on the morning of 9/11.

Speaking of, Preston Mason anyone? Ira Raff?

Hadn't thought of Bob "Sports" Rumbold in like forever, great guy and sports guy, and also a boon to any lame radio station softball team. David Brody was also a quality sportscaster (albeit terrible softball player)--last I knew of him he was doing a syndicated thing out west.

Mark DiDia has run record companies on both coasts, worked at radio stations in NYC and Philly--but the first time I ever met him was on a Sunday night in 1980 when he was running Herb Hobler's classical show and crapping his pants (not necessarily in that order) on WHWH.

I made it a point to hire exactly one person away from Kicks 101½ to WPST and that was Kim Alexander. Last I knew about her she was running a DJ business out of Philly.

Ellen Metter.

Gene Lanzoni.

Funny how Harry remembers that Jon Bon Jovi interview. I'd heard about Bon Jovi via WAPP (they were on their local album) and then coincidentally met Jon a couple of days after that at a Beaver Brown show at the Stone Pony. That was JBJ's first ever radio interview, and WPST was the first top 40 station on the planet to play "Runaway." I'm told that the relationship between the radio station and band continues to this day.

The late Ed Ronan. Nice man.

As a kid growing up in Trenton the great jocks were Phil Allen and Bill Singer on WTTM and Jack Pinto and George Luthre Bannister on WBUD. As fortunate as I was to be able to hear the amazing jocks from Philly and New York, George Luthre Bannister was my guy. He'd spin soul sides deep into the night.

I'm confident that the statute of limitations has not expired yet on some of the things that Dave Hoeffel & Steve Trevelise and myself did during those years, so they're best left unsaid.

Big Mike Davidson.

I hired Chris Leary to do weekends, then had an overnight opening and didn't give it to him. When he asked why I told him that inside of a month he'd be working in a bigger market--sure enough two weeks later he was in Philly at WEGX. He's been doing his syndicated All Access thing on Fox forever.

Golfing with Bill Bircher. ("hey kid--it's noon somewhere")

Trish Merelo works weekends and fill ins on WJXA/Nashville. They have twins, and her husband, Rob Miller, has the distinction of being the only person who was a Hooter, Young Rumbler and Hero. The only Philly based band he missed from that era was the A's... And never ask Eric Johnson about the late, great Robert Hazard--still a sore subject. (lol)
One day Trish came back from a career day at Trenton State College and said that she'd found the perfect intern. Michelle Stevens ended up being a pretty good hire.

I had the good fortune to be on the air as Big Jay tossed the many copies of "Seasons In The Sun" off the PST tower. Classic.

Terrie Carr. Scott Lowe (still on the go).

Forced to confess, Harry Kalish and Tim Downs were my all time fave's at WHWH.

The first shift that I did on WPST in 1979, I followed Andre Gardner. I still love listening to him.

And I'm always thankful that I crossed paths with Tom Taylor. Thanks, Tom!

 

[Pete Tauriello]

Of course, there's Fred Keeler who was the mornig guy at WADB. When Fred left the station, I was able to get off those damn revolving announcer shifts and took over the morning show. With those rotating shifts, it was like factory work. We were up against Newsmorning Radio with Dick Lewis. As I recall, Lee Greenwood was the first anoouncer hired for the new WADB. There was also a guy who called himself "Devon" and of course my friend and college buddy Ken Peach who was an extrordinary station manager.

 

[Big Jay]

Nice note from TC everyone. Everything he said was true...and he LEFT OUT a lot of people...likely not on purpose. WPST was a MAGICAL, MYSTICAL radio station during the mid to late 70's into the early and mid-80's. Lots of VERY special people (many STILL in my life) went through those doors and up the steps on Witherspoon St (and WHWH's too of course.)

Seeing Herb Hobler at the WPST 35th anniversary of becoming an adult rock station was wonderful. I just wish the music and people yelling wasn't so damn LOUD. I could barely hear through Hobler's hearing aids. I likely missed talking to many of my comrades (some may have been commies for all I know) that night. SO I just stuck close to some of the wives who attended. They always liked my hair...and fuzzy beard from the front page of the entertainment section of the Sunday Trenton Times.

Ya know folks, I've gotten involved with the NJ Radio Museum project which is in DOVER, NJ.
This entire THREAD should be used as a basis for some of the names and stories FOR their purposes. If us long-time radio pigs don't keep this alive, MUCH of this history will be lost forever. So get in touch with them if YOU have a story or memorabelia or equipment even (even if you stole it.)

BE BIG!
Terry Jacks

 

[Deeman1710]

What about the station that was the #1 station in Central Jersey in the 1960's-80's when ran by the late Tony Marano. WCTC/WQMR. I'm proud I had the chance to work for them for 18 years.
So many people from this staion went on to work in NYC and Philadelphia including myself Tony Dee, Gabe Pressman, Dave Marish, Bruce Williams, Ralph Saro, Pete Haskel, Kelly Waltren, Rhonda Shaffler, Marla Diamond, Gary R'Nel ,Larry Berger, Keith Hill, Jay Meyers, Jack Ellery (who's still there) John Taylor, Bill Emerson, Danny Stiles ,Bob Thomas, Buddy Seibert, Charlie Ventura Jr., Bill Jerome, Bob Dunphy, Steve Tapper ,Amy Wright, John Tucker, Shelly Strickler, Linda Cohren, Bruce Johnson (Who's still There) Ed Paladino, Walt Percy, Walt Sodie, John Goravitch , Gordy Deal , Rich Pheonix, Bob Erinson, Eric Scott , Andy Demers. Other great people from WCTC were the late Jack Shreve, Mike Jarmis, Ed Speigel, Mike Jay, Liz Maita, Denny Moore, Scott Lawrence, Jenninfer Kushika, Bob Hughes, Rick Salerno, Jan Ochs Maryanne Morgan, Wayne Tropp and my good friend Dave Marthouse.

No Other Station in New Jersey produce more major market talent then WCTC 1450 AM.
It's a shame that it is a shell of it's former self Once the number 1 news and information full service radio station for Central Jersey. Oh yeh even Howard Stern applied for a job but was not hired.

 

[Pete Tauriello]

Hopefully, I'm not repeating anything. From my days at WBRW: Doug Michaels, Patrice Sikora,Hank Spencer, Stu Naar,Dick Andrews, Charlie Bengle, Charles Hecht,Karen Andersen, Harry Haslett. From the WERA days: Bob Leonard, Doug Hawks (my first PD in profesional radio), Mark Simpson, Mark Wurzburger,Clarence Booker, Joyce Potts, Rich Phoenix, Bob Morris, Tom Charity, Barbara Ballard, Peter Richard, Frank Wallace, Bob Balfour, Dave Crew, Doug Freiberg. Sorry if I've left anyone out with whom I have previously workd at either station.

 

[HarrytheK1]

Harry,

I was shocked when you called in with the news of Kenny's passing on Jonathan P. Casey's show. I was "guesting" on his show and could not hear everything you said about Kenny, but I heard enough to know we had lost a friend.

His intelligence was astounding, and at times I thought he knew way too much for a person who hadn't spent a lot of time on planet earth. But he did, and it was legit. His heart was also big. He would do anything for you - and nothing was too much. His parents were also wonderful people, and at times I felt they were more than willing to adopt a hungry and underpaid disc jockey invited to their home by Kenny. I was one of them.

I am deeply saddened by Kenny's untimely passing. My condolences to his family.

-Charlie Mills

It is so sad and unbelievable, Charlie, that shortly after you and I spoke on Jonathan's show about Kenny's passing, Jonathan passed away. I had only met Jonathan last year, but, after that, we became Facebook friends and exchanged a number of messages. Jonathan's sincerity, thoughtfulness, and caring personality always shined through. Jonathan had many, many fans throughout south Jersey and he always showed those fans great respect. He is missed.

BTW, you mentioned Kenny's parents. Kenny's dad passed away a number of years ago. His mom splits her time between the shore and Florida. I've spoked with her a few times since Kenny's passing. Obviously, to say the least, this has been very, very hard for her. I'm happy to say though that we were able to laugh and smile as we talked about those great old south Jersey days. We all have some priceless memories of Kenny. BTW, Kenny's mom is on Facebook, so, if you'd like, you might be able to catch up with her there.

 

[charliemills]

Harry,

Thanks for letting me know about Kenny's mother. I will look her up on Facebook. I am sorry to hear that Kenny's father died...nice man.

And then, the death of Jonathan P. Casey.

I knew Jonathan for a few years, not as many as I would have liked. Jonathan was the kind of guy that made radio a special place. Radio is a "Love-hate" thing as you know, but Jonathan never appeared to allow the "hate" thing to enter his radio universe. I respected that very much. Even when radio was not treating him so well, he wasn't one to bitch about it. He just rode the waves like a pro and kept that 150% positive attitude.

Jonathan was also very supportive of me when my father passed away this past May after a quick battle with cancer. Jonathan himself was already suffering from the lung cancer that took his life just weeks later. Jonathan didn't talk much about that. It was all about giving me some positive thoughts and words. Jonathan was a friend.

His family has kept his Facebook page going, and I'm glad. I think it is a fine tribute to a guy who really did give his heart to radio, and all of us who are/were in it.

Well Harry, I hope they say nice things about us when we start pushing up daisies! I promise if you go first, I will post some nice things about you......even if I have to make them up!!!!

LOL!

Be Well,
-Charlie Mills

 

[Bob A]

Hi Harry and Charlie,

I had dinner a few weeks ago with Uncle Tommy V and Mrs. V and he told me about Kenny. I'll never forget my 21st birthday party on the air at WMVB with "Flash" Dichter running the board for me while I was celebrating on the air. Also, when I got my first car, Kenny insatalled the 8 track player for me. I guess he had to be 13 yrs. old? I know I felt the same as you both when Tom told me. What a great person. I just will always remember the image of the kid with a big heart!

Bobby

 

[BobSmolarek]

Was there a guy Barry Shandilow in New Jersey radio? At WBRW or WMTR? I seem to remember this name, was he influened by Barry Manilow or what?

 

[HarrytheK1]

Kudos to Harry and Jay and the rest of the people who have chimed in here.

Thanks Tom - One can never get enough kudos

Mark DiDia has run record companies on both coasts, worked at radio stations in NYC and Philly--but the first time I ever met him was on a Sunday night in 1980 when he was running Herb Hobler's classical show and crapping his pants (not necessarily in that order) on WHWH.

From what I understand, Herb is well into his 80's and still active in radio-related stuff. Recently, he bought a few hours of time on the current WHWH (yeah, it still exists) to broadcast highlights from WHWH history, featuring folks like Dave Moss calling Bill Bradley's 58 points, as well as Howard David, Phil Painter, Jeanne Silvester, and Bill Bircher. I believe John Anastasio and Hal Stein (2 more great New Jersey radio names) helped him put it together.

Actually, I think I also recall when DiDia ran the board for Herb's Sunday night classical music show. If I remember correctly, when I came into the studio the next day, it smelled like somebody had crapped in their pants. Now I know what happened
[/quote]

Funny how Harry remembers that Jon Bon Jovi interview. That was JBJ's first ever radio interview

So that was Bon Jovi's first ever radio interview? From I what I remember of it, I think it sounded like your first-ever radio interview too

Forced to confess, Harry Kalish and Tim Downs were my all time fave's at WHWH.

Forced to confess, Kalish was my all-time favorite at WHWH too.

 

[HarrytheK1]

No Other Station in New Jersey produce more major market talent then WCTC 1450 AM.
Oh yeh even Howard Stern applied for a job but was not hired.

Does anybody know whatever happened to him after he was deemed not good enough to work at WCTC

 

[BobSmolarek]

Does anyone know who the morning guy was at WJLK 1310 around say around 1970? He had sort of a raspy voice by then, I used to think maybe he was on the air for many years at that point. My grandmother used to listen to him.

 

[wibg1020]

DICK LEWIS- WJLK

For many years, Dick Lewis served as Program Director and Voice
of the Asbury Park Press. Dick and I anchored "Newsmorning Radio"
the forerunner to NJ 101.5. It was really Dick Lewis who built the
legendary WJLK AM & FM. Dick was perhaps the most live and local
broadcaster in NJ radio. A great guy. a wonderful, warm and
inviting personality. Together with News Director Jack Christie
Dave Hauenstein, Shawn Marsh and Maureen Clayton, the solid
Newsmorning local news hour was s huge success. Audio driven and
actuality centered live local news set the pattern for stations
including WHWH, WTTM and WCTC. They were the days when
broadcasters cared about serving their local communities, instead of
sounding like NYC jukeboxes. We can only hope that the next generation
of broadcasters catch that vision.

 

[wibg1020]

WJLK NEWSMORNING RADIO

Forgot to mention another great name in NJ broadcast. Ed Salvas.
Eddie was perhaps the most intense radionewsman in the region. For many
years, Ed's talent and ability to gather, composite and present local
news was unsurpassed. He is among the most talented writers in the
industry.

Its time broadcasters give up chasing the "words and missives' of so called
"consultants" and get back to what NJ radio was based on: delivering
live and local radio. Local news is still a key component to local radios
survival. We see at WIBG1020 and WIBBAGE FM. Responses of 2800+
e-mails and calls weekly is a better referencepoint to listener reliability
and acceptance than overpriced ratings service.

When will broadcasters start listening to their listeners and stop the endless
pursuit of 100 diary "results" and consultants with their "one size fits all"
mentality.

 

[BobSmolarek]

OK thanks, so it was Dick Lewis who did mornings at WJLK. Thank you.

 

[tsmith]

I used to listen to a guy named Captain Jack on WMGM, (I think) back in the late 90's then he went to another station. He had a partner but I can't remember her name. There was a guy on WHWH in 91-93 that played the best music during the lunch hour that we would come back to the work area just to hear the music.

 

[HarrytheK1]

Mark DiDia has run record companies on both coasts, worked at radio stations in NYC and Philly--but the first time I ever met him was on a Sunday night in 1980 when he was running Herb Hobler's classical show and crapping his pants (not necessarily in that order) on WHWH.

From an issue of Ramp last month "Label pro Mark DiDia has made the next logical career move, joining the mighty Red Light Management, which boasts a huge and wide-ranging roster that includes The Dave Matthews Band, Tim McGraw, Phish, Carly Simon, Cheap Trick, Good Charlotte, Los Lobos and about a zillion more artists. DiDia was most recently EVP/GM of Island Records and previously held similar positions at Columbia, Capitol, Hollywood and American Recordings back in the day."

Good for him! I hope he's not crapping his pants. Good luck Mark!