• Get involved.
    We want your input!
    Apply for Membership and join the conversations about everything related to broadcasting.

    After we receive your registration, a moderator will review it. After your registration is approved, you will be permitted to post.
    If you use a disposable or false email address, your registration will be rejected.

    After your membership is approved, please take a minute to tell us a little bit about yourself.
    https://www.radiodiscussions.com/forums/introduce-yourself.1088/

    Thanks in advance and have fun!
    RadioDiscussions Administrators

Radio Reunion: Perfect

Again, to ditto my previous post in another thread, it was an amazing event, and a big thanks to all involved. Since I didn't get to spend much time there due to work commitments (I hate when that happens), I'd definitely be up for future events, large or small.

It was great to see so many fellow professionals, and I'm sorry that there were so many I didn't get to see.

One thing is clearly evident, if somebody in this crowd had some cash, we could put together a radio station that would kick everyone else's a--!!!!

Thanks again to all for a great day.
 
Rowdy/Leslie/Kevin/Andy--

"Thank you" just doesn't cover it. What a truly amazing, historic event! It was humbling and exhilarating to see all those faces, hear all those voices, hug all those necks. Karen Christie still has it, alright, but Zoe Bonet was radiant (won't someone please hire this amazing woman??)
Honored to be in the crowd,
-Brent
 
How great it was... Many thanks to Kevin, Rowdy, Andy and Leslie T for a super job to "git r dun". Thank also to the Lighthouse cooking team for providing a great meal and to Tin Hall for a wonderful place. I saw a lot of folks I haven't seen in years and met some I always heard about. Hope we can get together again soon...Thank you again for all the hard work for putting it on.
 
Hey Brent - Your neck is one I did not get to hug! And I so wanted to! I miss running into you on the elevator.

Speaking of Zoe Bonet, she is one of the people I have enjoyed listening to over the years and finally got to meet! I would love to hear her on the air again.

Frankly, I would love to hear a JAZZ STATION on the air again. That's the ticket!

It was a special afternoon indeed!
 
It was a great time. I had never been to Tin Hall before.

I want to say, though, that as a newcomer who wasn't recognized, I wish there was a better way to socialize. Not trying to ruin the fun, but there seemed to be high schoolish "cliques". I wanted to meet so many people, but it was hard to cut in.

In the future, if you could be more sympathetic to us newcomers, I'd really appreciate it.

Again, not to rain on the parade, just saying that outsiders felt like just that.
 
hadenough said:
It was a great time. I had never been to Tin Hall before.

I want to say, though, that as a newcomer who wasn't recognized, I wish there was a better way to socialize. ....
Click to expand...
???? You''ve GOT to be kidding, right? Its 1000X easier to start a conversation in a room full of radio peeps than with normal people. "Hi, I'm ____. Your voice sounds familiar." 30 min. of conversation, right there.

"I loved hearing you on ____." (I really mean this when I say it)

The grand prize ice-breaker is, "How long have you been in radio?" You'll be closing the place.

I highly suggest, "Man, _____ (company who last fired them) obviously is run by total f****** idiots."

Avoid these:

"I've heard you so many times, but had no idea you were this old."

"You sound much taller on the radio." (ok, that's just for me, and actually I love it)

"Hi, you must be the mother of the bride?" (and its the SISTER!) ok, thats not a radio one, but it really happened. Damn embarrassing.

And the number one thing rudest thing you can say to a radio person: (used to get a lot of this at Metro) "I've never heard of you."

It doesnt exactly take Barbara Walters to get radio people to talk.

Back on topic, great party! Yall pop in after work one day. Bring beer.
 
Hadenough, there were a lot of people I wanted to see too. I just never got to them. I wanted to talk with Constable Bill Bailey formally of KIKK and KENR. Even though I saw Arch Yancey at Mike Scott's memorial the week before, I hardly spoke with him and his wife, Jan. There were just so many people to see and not really enough time. It wasn't done on purpose. You have to remember, many of the people haven't seen each other in years. Naturally they are going to talk with one another. Arch, Bill Bailey, Joe Ladd, and Jim Bell were able to get together. They were all at KIKK back in the late 60s and early 70s. They had not seen each in years! I did get to talk with Roger Gray, my former boss at 97TALK-FM, but it was only a few short words. I had much to say to him but it didn't happen.

You are in the people business. You go up to people and say, "Hi I'm Hadenough. I work at KXXX...Our format is about panties and bras....." Example, I have always admired Lee Jolley. He had a great show on album rock KILT-FM 100 with Jay Brit back in the 70s. The show was Jolley & Jay. I met him for the 1st time at the reunion. I saw his name tag, went up to him and introduced myself and shot the bull with him for a few minute. He confirmed the story about what he did on the air when KILT-FM went country. He used another name on the air: Buck Nekkid. He said the sales manager showed up at his house and got the keys to KILT. We enjoyed a good laugh like we had know each other for years.

I dragged Dayna Steele with me to see my wife Mary, whom she hasn't seen since our KKTL 97TALK-FM days, where I was her producer. I knew she would get caught up in the KLOL crowd and rightfully so.

I saw Val Wilson and Zoe Bonet together and took advantage of the situation for Mary to take a picture of the ladies and me. I've worked with Val Wilson, by ISDN to Metro, but not in person. I've only met Zoe one time, a few years ago. (By the way, Brent and Karen, I have one word to describe Zoe. It fits her appearance, her attitude and her voice: DREAMY!)

Hadenough, you have to seize the moment. You have to make it happen. Forgive me, but it's up to you. I would have talked to you. In fact, there were several people I didn't know who spoke to me. Next time, take that 1st step.
 
I wish there was a better way to socialize. Not trying to ruin the fun, but there seemed to be high schoolish "cliques". I wanted to meet so many people, but it was hard to cut in.

Say what? There is NO better way to socialize than throwing people into a big room and letting them fend for themselves. It's natural for people who worked at one station or another to gather together, but it's easy for others to get in on the conversation. All it takes is "hey there I've always wanted to meet you", or, "you don't look anything like you sound". Muster up a little imagination and go on in.

I'm still trying to figure out the people who go to a reunion and park themselves at a table off to the side. Me? I spent the whole afternoon "working the room", meeting and chatting up as many people as I could, old friends and people I've always wanted to meet, and I had a ball. I never sat down the whole time, and my feet were sore and worn out when I got home.

The most fun I've had in a helluva long time.
 
I want to say, though, that as a newcomer who wasn't recognized, I wish there was a better way to socialize. Not trying to ruin the fun, but there seemed to be high schoolish "cliques". I wanted to meet so many people, but it was hard to cut in.

That is just what ugly and unpopular people say! :p

Actually, it was kind of crazy, and me, like others, are now looking at the pictures of all the folks we missed. I did not take a breath until folks started taking off around 5:30.

I still think despite a hiccup or two, MOST had a real good time. I will post some follow up thoughts on things in the next few days for you guys to kick around. -but I really do not think we could ever top this one.

BTW-Send us your pictures!
 
Rowdy, Lesie T & Kevin.....GREAT reunion, I had tooooooooo much fun, and really enjoyed it.

Ron Samuels/KILT, SUNNY, KLDE, etc.
 
To my good friend Josh Holstead. You pulled it off. It was huge and incredible fun. It was bigger than when I got in the Texas Radio Hall of Fame in '02 and that being the first one was very big, but not as large as the Houston Radio Reunion. Texas A.P., TAB not even close. I know you had help from Leslie T. Travis, Kevin Charles, Andy Waldrip and many more including LightHouston Cooking Team and the legendary impresario of Cypress, Texas and Tin Hall, Fred Stockton. Thank you to all and thanks to you Rowdy for taking the time to put it together. I saw people from my first days in Houston and KILT 20/20 News right up to those I work with now but never see because of different shifts. I saw radio legends I have stolen.......I mean borrowed things from down thru the years and all were as nice as I thought they would be. Sorry this was so long.
PS I still have my autographed 8 x 10 of your dad, the greatest radio newsman who ever cracked a mic in Texas, Joe Holstead. The acorn fell very close to the tree my brutha.
 
Well, let me be the umpteenth person to chime in. This was a complete blast and my only regret is having an impatient 10-year-old checking my watch wanting me to get her to summer camp, so I only got to stay a half hour or so. I'm reading so many names that I would love to have seen. Worked with Arch and Karen J. back when Dave Morris was making us actually punch a time clock like it was an auto plant. Josh, and all...great job. Just sent Gleiser your regards and I'm simply floored at the way you guys got this thing together. Terrific time.

Rog
 
Josh, Andy, Leslie... y'all rock. This event brought back so many memories; and made me wish I was back on the air again. I got to see folks I haven't talked to in 30 years. Got to make a lot of new friends too. Thanks for letting the engineers come too. Frankie was a hit with his old KLEE license plate. Wish I had brought my old KULF Tooth Fairy bumper sticker.

George Schank
 
Allow me to add my 2 cents (Do you want change back?) to the discussion.
Josh, Kevin, Andy, Leslie T., Tin Hall, LightHouston Cooking Team… and lastly, everyone who made it out… THANK YOU! Even though “thank you” doesn’t seem to be a strong enough term.

I made the drive down from Dallas for the day, and had planned to stay til 5. I had to make the drive back to be on the air the next morning, but I couldn’t leave. Jim Conlee had the same long drive, but west to San Antonio to be back for his show. I got back by 11 PM, and Monday was a bleary eyed day, but SO worth it

The greatest thing personally: We had 10 of us reunite from one of the best “families” I have ever been honored to work with, and that is the family from K-Lite. We hadn’t all been in the same room for more than 15 years. Our PD, Ed Scarborough put it best; when we were together, we were family… just about anything after that, became work.

A blessing for me was finding another incredible family at Sunny 99.1. And it was terrific to see Zoe Bonet, Kelly Casey, Dave Dillon, Mike McShea, Clint Wright, and the Fabulous Jennifer Tyler. I wished I could have seen Brent Clanton, but as we’re finding out… even with 5 hours, it still wasn’t enough time.

Those that missed out, missed big

Organisers, thank you again, you made a day that none of us will ever forget... and memories that we will carry with us forever.

David Rancken
KVIL Radio - DFW (but ever, a proud Houstonian)
 
Hey Rowdy, Kevin, Leslie & Andy,

Just wanted to add my thanks for letting me play a small part in this event, and to let you know that I have started working on the slideshow, with hopes to have it finished within the next few days.

Not being in the business, I was very apprehensive about being there, but that was quickly changed by the kind reception I received from everyone I encountered. It was very refreshing to see that number of folks (who are in many cases...competetors) getting together, sharing stories and their respect for each other. If I may, I would like to say that during my rounds, I heard a number of folks speaking very kindly of Mike Scott, and though I never had the privilege of meeting him, it was very hard not to get a lump in my throat from the tributes given him. I hope that I'm not out of line here, but it was apparent that he was a very good friend and mentor to many, and will be sorely missed.

Again... (to borrow a line fom an old song) "Thanks for the Memories", and I'll get the slideshow out within the next few days.

Poops
 
Hey hadenough, If you want to survive, and succeed, in this business you need to develop that knack for "butting in" gracefully. If you do, you'll meet some of the most famous and nicest people in the world; on both sides of the mike. The professionals in radio don't bite the new people. On the contrary, most of the ones I've met are happy to meet a newcomer. After all, they were a dork, once-upon-a-time, too. And, if they aren't willing to talk to their fans; they generally don't last long. If I had been too scared to introduce myself to Bill Bailey, when I was only 13; I probably wouldn't be in this business today.

I was only a small-market guy, when I was on the air; so, I felt a little intimidated, too, even though I've been in the big market, as an engineer, for the past 40-something years. But, because of what I learned, early-on, in this business; I was able to introduce myself to people that I had never met. I made some wonderful new friends to go along with the old ones; and I'll be happy to make your acquaintance at then next one. Meanwhile, good luck in the radio business.

Don't worry if your work is long,
And your rewards are few.
Just remember that the mighty oak,
Was once a nut like you.
 
poops said:
Not being in the business, I was very apprehensive about being there, but that was quickly changed by the kind reception I received from everyone I encountered. It was very refreshing to see that number of folks (who are in many cases...competetors) getting together, sharing stories and their respect for each other.
Click to expand...

PRECISELY! 8) Not being in the business myself (just an aficionado WHO GETS IT! :)), I, too, felt that same spirit just even looking at the photos of the event...;) And REALLY, it doesn't matter whether one is even IN radio or just a STUDENT of radio - if the love is REAL, if the energy is REAL, if the spirit is REAL, it will come through - NO MATTER WHAT!! (and trust me, folks, IT DID!! I felt like I was there myself!!) :) :) :)
 
foursider said:
I was only a small-market guy, when I was on the air...even though I've been in the big market, as an engineer, for the past 40-something years....

Don't worry if your work is long,
And your rewards are few.
Just remember that the mighty oak,
Was once a nut like you.
Click to expand...

Small-market radio guy with a BIG market heart - BRAVO!! :) :)
 
For those who remember... much of this radio reunion business started when I posted a question about "Life After Radio" on this site. Just to let you know... I did do some asking about that subject on Sunday. I found a former radio personality who is now in the trucking business, one runs cheerleading competitions, some run their own websites, others promote and book musical acts. I spoke to those who made the transition from radio to voice-over and are doing quite well. There was at least one guy who now pulls cable and installs high end stereos and televisions... and one very well known former news man is now busy working with his cutting horses. There were school teachers too... and a couple of folks I spoke with made a transition from Radio to Television.. some working on camera, others behind the scenes in production. A handful had gone into PR, working either for themselves or as a spokesman/woman for a business or industry. Many still worked in the industry but not directly for any particular radio station... instead they did auido production for some of the local production houses...one or two worked in the broadcast department of local pro sports teams.

It was encouraging to me to see the various roles that were being filled by former radio people. Most of them are simply doing what makes them happy.. Many still get to use the talents that helped them succeed on the air, whether its a golden voice... a charming personality or whatever... and some make really good money...

However, most encouraging of all, was getting to talk to those guys who don't or didn't have to worry about what career path to take after their radio jobs played out... because they are still doing what they love. I've been working in the industry for 30 years.. I started in Nacogdoches, TX in 1978, but that is nothing compared to the likes of Robert B McEntire who in 1976 took over doing morning news on KILT's H&H show....Yes, he's held onto one job longer than I've even been in the business.. (not trying to make you feel old or anything...)

I could go on and on but will spare you... suffice to say that Sunday's reunion not only provided a great opportunity to catch up with old friends and make a few new ones, but it also revived my spirits about being a part of an industry with such a rich history and hopefully at least some sort of future.

Kevinc
 
Status
This thread has been closed due to inactivity. You can create a new thread to discuss this topic.


Back
Top Bottom