Nick Powers R.I.P.

[TANKSBACK]

A rather legendary name in Dayton radio and mobile D.J. work is gone as Nick Powers (Breen N. Gitzinger) has passed away. He did stints at WONE in the late 50's through the mid-'60's, also worked at WGIC in Xenia in the mid-60's and at WDAO in the mid-to late 60's. He got out of broadcasting and into mobile D.J. work and his company had numerous D.J.'s working at many events for decades. There are numerous stories about his "eccentric" behaviour, most of which are probably true. (Trust me on that!) He was one of a kind, age 69 I believe.

 

[callletters]

The only time I got to hear him was in 1980. He followed Gene "By Golly" Barry on Sunday afternoons from 3 to 6 pm. on WBZI FM. I remember it being a very old sounding show with lots of Doo-Wop.

 

[flakunkel]

Sad to hear this news. I worked with Nick at WHON in Richmond in 1966, then at WDAO in 1970. Yes, he was eccentric, to say the very least.

 

[TANKSBACK]

Dale Huffman has done an interesting piece on Nick's passing and his history. Go to daytondailynews.com and type Nick Powers in the search box in the upper right hand corner. Don't forget to scroll through the readers comments section, some quite "lively" opinions there! ;D

 

[KevinFodor]

I met Nick in 1969 while he was on WAVI. All of my memories of him from back then are positive.

Over the years, I heard of his eccentricities. But, sometimes radio personalities are just that way. And now, it's only right and proper that we leave those eccentricities lie, for no one has the right to criticize without having walked in that person's shoes.

Nick wanted to be a performer, and he found a way to do it. Whether it was on the air, or in front of a crowd. Over the years, he entertained thousands of people, as evidenced by those who remember him today.

May he rest in peace. And I offer my condolences to his family and friends.