I see that Cary Richards is no longer on KAAM :'(. He has been replaced by Maryrose, formerly of KVIL. Cary was a great on air host for over 10 years with KAAM, and his Sunday night big band and Sinatra programs really showed his passion and knowledge for the great music from the 1940's. Cary's two Sunday night shows have now been replaced by Sounds of Sinatra with Syd Mark and Big Band Jump with Don Kennedy. Although these may be great shows, I loved listening to Cary and I will miss him. I know he has headed up the Cary Richards Orchestra for many years, but I don't know if it is still active. Does anyone know why Cary left KAAM, and where he has ended up? I would also like to know if anyone has a recent email address or telephone number. His website does not appear to have been updated for a while.
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What Happened to Cary Richards on KAAM?
- Thread starter mgshaw
- Start date
M
MikeShannon914
Guest
I've heard forever that the Crawfords don't do anything for free...and perhaps they were either charging Cary for the airtime, and Cary couldn't sell enough spots anymore to offset the costs, or maybe they wanted to start charging him for the time...dunno. ??? (or maybe he was on the payroll, and got the oft-heard excuse at stations across the country these days, "You cost too much. Goodbye.")
Glad to see Mary Rose working again in radio, though!
Glad to see Mary Rose working again in radio, though!
B
Brokenhearted Bill
Guest
I was wondering the same thing. Cary just vanished. This is the second time he and KAAM have separated.
In addition to Mary Rose, there's more amusing programming on KAAM. Some old dude with a phoney '40s "radio voice" and lose dentures -- lots of air and spit -- is now doing Richards'-style big band show on Sundays. You've gotta here him. May be me in 10 more years as I then near 80.
In addition to Mary Rose, there's more amusing programming on KAAM. Some old dude with a phoney '40s "radio voice" and lose dentures -- lots of air and spit -- is now doing Richards'-style big band show on Sundays. You've gotta here him. May be me in 10 more years as I then near 80.
Well I guess ther is Karma?
Air Britannia's Sunday night hours were replaced with Carey doing Big Band. Supposidly he was bringing in revenue for his stuff. Then He got the gig in afternoon drive.
I think they didn't want to pay him or spend the money on someone with more experience. But I don't know how that worked. He sure knew his stuff for such a young guy though.
Speaking of big Band Jump, is it market exclusive? KPYK-AM has been carrying it for years!
-BGH
Air Britannia's Sunday night hours were replaced with Carey doing Big Band. Supposidly he was bringing in revenue for his stuff. Then He got the gig in afternoon drive.
I think they didn't want to pay him or spend the money on someone with more experience. But I don't know how that worked. He sure knew his stuff for such a young guy though.
Speaking of big Band Jump, is it market exclusive? KPYK-AM has been carrying it for years!
-BGH
D
DocH
Guest
Hi,
I heard this from someone who knows Richards that it had to to with a rift between Richards and McCoy. My friend didn't know exactly what it was but thought it was some kind of programming issue not money, as has been suspected by some here. It's been a drag not to hear Richards Sunday night shows but that happened around the first of the year. (I listened Sunday nights while Idid the bookkeepng for my business). So, I don't know if that had anything to do with it. I was able to contact him through is big band website at caryrichards.com which is: [email protected]
Cary contacted me within 24 hours and basically said he was not at liberty to discuss details at the present time but said it was not his decision to leave. Now that all these weeks have passed he'll be more forthcoming. KAAM is saying nothing about Cary. My calls and emails have gone unanswered. Not surprising - the same thing happened with Jack Bishop and Linda Martin.
I heard this from someone who knows Richards that it had to to with a rift between Richards and McCoy. My friend didn't know exactly what it was but thought it was some kind of programming issue not money, as has been suspected by some here. It's been a drag not to hear Richards Sunday night shows but that happened around the first of the year. (I listened Sunday nights while Idid the bookkeepng for my business). So, I don't know if that had anything to do with it. I was able to contact him through is big band website at caryrichards.com which is: [email protected]
Cary contacted me within 24 hours and basically said he was not at liberty to discuss details at the present time but said it was not his decision to leave. Now that all these weeks have passed he'll be more forthcoming. KAAM is saying nothing about Cary. My calls and emails have gone unanswered. Not surprising - the same thing happened with Jack Bishop and Linda Martin.
Thanks for the update on Cary, DocH. Its a real shame that he was forced out at KAAM. I also hated it when Jack Bishop and Linda Martin were let go. They were both fantastic. I have listened to KAAM since 1991 (when they were at 1310 AM) and I love the kind of music they play, especially their big band music. It was always great to hear comments about the music from Cary because it almost seemed like he personally knew all of the crooners and the big band players. I will be contacting him at his website to see where he might be turning up in the future. Given the limited amount of big band radio stations in this country, he might end up on satellite radio. Maybe he can do something at KPYK (1570 AM) in Terrell. Its signal is not as strong as KAAM, but his weekend big band program would fit right in with their mix of music. Maybe he can replace Big Band Jump on KPYK since it is now on KAAM on Sunday nights. I listen to KPYK often during the day when their signal is stronger, but I will continue to listen to KAAM most of the time because it is such a great station. I like Maryrose, who replaced Cary, but I think KAAM management blew this one because Cary really was an asset to their station and their loyal listeners.
C
Cracker Jack
Guest
Well, maybe KNTU will invite him to come work during the semester breaks. I hear their hourly rate is very comparable to KAAM's... And no annoying Silver Travel spots.
M
MikeShannon914
Guest
Cracker Jack said:
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Damn, that brought back a memory...when I nearly threw away my Christmas Break in 1987 to do that very thing for KNTU, thinking it would put me in good favor with management. After being stuck in College Station three Christmases before, trying to earn points the same way at KBTX-TV, I learned better after that. A root canal would have been more fun and interesting.
I’m in Dallas often for extended visits and I have always liked and followed KAAM through their trials and tribulations all the way back to when they were on 1310. At home, I listen some over the internet and using WunderRadio on my iPhone. I was upset when they sent Jack Bishop packing, but this really beats all. Who better to hold down a shift on a Standards station than someone who sounds like he knows every groove of every standard ever recorded?!? Jack Davis is personable and enjoyable, but it sounds as if he gets his “stuff” from the internet. I think that Cary gets his “stuff” right out of his head. As far as a programming issue: I wonder what the heck kind of music they had in mind when they asked him to come on board with a daily program? Music is a personal preference, of course, and no offense intended toward Elvis, but I’ll take “Jumpin’ at the Woodside” over “Jail House Rock” any day - any time. I realize that the KAAM bunch often come across as amateurs, and Cary was no different. I don’t care. The uninteresting ones, I tune out while they’re incessantly babbling on. Cary was worth listening to. As Brokenhearted Bill mentioned, this is the second time Richards and KAAM have parted ways, hopefully, this will also be the last.
C
crbigband
Guest
Hi All,
I've read the posts here over the last week or so with emotions ranging from bemusement to bewilderment. So, for what it's worth, I thought I set the record straight to the extent that I deem it appropriate at the present time.
Yes, I was discharged, fired, sacked, et al. In short, it was not my decision to leave but given the background and circumstances as I know them all should know who care that I bear no ill will. In the final analysis, creative differences were very much at the heart of the issue - and really - that was all.
I must take issue here with some of the posts with regard to compensation. KAAM was the best paying job I'd ever had in my 19 years in broadcasting. I was not being asked to pay for my programs, nor did I ever pay to work there. It was a job that I did to the best of my ability and I was paid well for the priviledge.
In my nearly three years there this last time, I have nothing but praise for owner and GM, Don Crawford, Jr. and most of the staff at KAAM. I had a great time there and Don was always fair and equitable to me over this period of time. We parted friends and I told him if there was ever anything I could do for him or KAAM - just pick up the phone. Yes! I meant it.
In any case and in all likelihood, my broadcasting days are now over. And that's just fine with me. In my view, what passes for "personality driven" radio today is just a bunch of half-way decent broadcast quality voices reading generic liner notes and regurgitating the same 300 song playlist as created by Program Directors with shorter attention spans than a 3 year old, sandwiched in between the next 10 spot stop set.
REAL RADIO - with variety in music - and DJ's who let you know what music you're listening to, and occasionally imparting stories behind the songs and the artists, for the most part, is dead. KAAM still comes closer than anyone else in this miserable market to this standard and their last rating was a .3 - so I supoose I'm wrong again.
As Paul Berlin at KQUE in Houston used to say, "Be informative; Be entertaining; Or be quiet." Oh well, a philosophy for another era.
Permit me one more as I close, and I'm paraphrasing Edward R. Murrow when he was talking about television. But, it's inclusion is appropriate here for the condition of radio in 2009:
"This instrument can teach, it can illuminate - yes - and it can even inspire. But it can do so only to the extent that humans are determined to use it to those ends. Otherwise, it is merely wires and lights in a box."
I wish you well,
Cary Richards
I've read the posts here over the last week or so with emotions ranging from bemusement to bewilderment. So, for what it's worth, I thought I set the record straight to the extent that I deem it appropriate at the present time.
Yes, I was discharged, fired, sacked, et al. In short, it was not my decision to leave but given the background and circumstances as I know them all should know who care that I bear no ill will. In the final analysis, creative differences were very much at the heart of the issue - and really - that was all.
I must take issue here with some of the posts with regard to compensation. KAAM was the best paying job I'd ever had in my 19 years in broadcasting. I was not being asked to pay for my programs, nor did I ever pay to work there. It was a job that I did to the best of my ability and I was paid well for the priviledge.
In my nearly three years there this last time, I have nothing but praise for owner and GM, Don Crawford, Jr. and most of the staff at KAAM. I had a great time there and Don was always fair and equitable to me over this period of time. We parted friends and I told him if there was ever anything I could do for him or KAAM - just pick up the phone. Yes! I meant it.
In any case and in all likelihood, my broadcasting days are now over. And that's just fine with me. In my view, what passes for "personality driven" radio today is just a bunch of half-way decent broadcast quality voices reading generic liner notes and regurgitating the same 300 song playlist as created by Program Directors with shorter attention spans than a 3 year old, sandwiched in between the next 10 spot stop set.
REAL RADIO - with variety in music - and DJ's who let you know what music you're listening to, and occasionally imparting stories behind the songs and the artists, for the most part, is dead. KAAM still comes closer than anyone else in this miserable market to this standard and their last rating was a .3 - so I supoose I'm wrong again.
As Paul Berlin at KQUE in Houston used to say, "Be informative; Be entertaining; Or be quiet." Oh well, a philosophy for another era.
Permit me one more as I close, and I'm paraphrasing Edward R. Murrow when he was talking about television. But, it's inclusion is appropriate here for the condition of radio in 2009:
"This instrument can teach, it can illuminate - yes - and it can even inspire. But it can do so only to the extent that humans are determined to use it to those ends. Otherwise, it is merely wires and lights in a box."
I wish you well,
Cary Richards
Cary,
First, welcome to radio-info! We hope you'll hang around with us to talk about the market.
I am sorry to hear of your demise at KAAM, but rest assured you are not alone. Corporate managers have been screwing around with good people, especially in the past year or so. There have been others before you who have also lost their jobs due to blind bean counters. Sadly, you won't be the last victim either, as there will likely be many more good employees in this field residing on the axe list. I agree with everything you have said regarding the power of knowledgeable and creative humans who actually get what radio should be. It's unfortunate these folks are a dying breed.
I commend you for stepping up to the plate to share your take of what happened. Hang in there bro!
First, welcome to radio-info! We hope you'll hang around with us to talk about the market.
I am sorry to hear of your demise at KAAM, but rest assured you are not alone. Corporate managers have been screwing around with good people, especially in the past year or so. There have been others before you who have also lost their jobs due to blind bean counters. Sadly, you won't be the last victim either, as there will likely be many more good employees in this field residing on the axe list. I agree with everything you have said regarding the power of knowledgeable and creative humans who actually get what radio should be. It's unfortunate these folks are a dying breed.
I commend you for stepping up to the plate to share your take of what happened. Hang in there bro!
Thank you so much, Cary, for clarifying what happened. You know, as longtime listeners, we develop a sort of friendship with our radio hosts and when one abruptly leaves, it feels like a huge loss. I appreciate the good work you've done over the years and I think I've heard you wherever you've been on the dial (KXEZ--92.1) as well as KAAM's locations (620 and 770). I wish you nothing but the best!!
Thank you, Cary, for letting all of us know what happened to you. I understand how there can be creative differences, but I think it is a tragedy that you may not ever be back on the radio again. You are one of the best in the Dallas area. Any station would be lucky to have you.
Please don't take offense to the fact that I started this post in the first place last week. I was genuinely concerned about you, and, like TGIBS said in the previous post, you are like a member of our own family and it is a tremendous loss when we are not able to hear you any more. Thank you, also, for the positive comments about KAAM. It gets a lot of grief from many people on this board, but I really enjoy everything about it. The music mix of the 40's through today is fantastic, and not heard on any other station in Texas. The hosts are very personable and definitely become extended family members, just as you did. I realize the ratings for such a station are never going to be high, but I am thankful that KAAM has always managed to find sponsors and advertisers and has remained on the air for all of these years.
Thank you, Cary, for all you have done for those of us who listened to you every day for many years. Please continue to update your website and/or post comments on this board to let us know where you end up. May God bless you as you start the next chapter in your life's story.
Please don't take offense to the fact that I started this post in the first place last week. I was genuinely concerned about you, and, like TGIBS said in the previous post, you are like a member of our own family and it is a tremendous loss when we are not able to hear you any more. Thank you, also, for the positive comments about KAAM. It gets a lot of grief from many people on this board, but I really enjoy everything about it. The music mix of the 40's through today is fantastic, and not heard on any other station in Texas. The hosts are very personable and definitely become extended family members, just as you did. I realize the ratings for such a station are never going to be high, but I am thankful that KAAM has always managed to find sponsors and advertisers and has remained on the air for all of these years.
Thank you, Cary, for all you have done for those of us who listened to you every day for many years. Please continue to update your website and/or post comments on this board to let us know where you end up. May God bless you as you start the next chapter in your life's story.
C
crbigband
Guest
Hi MG -
For me the glass is always half full. ;D I wake up every morning and it's a new adventure. I've read other blogs on this website and have read where others have lost their jobs. No money, no gas, repossesion, foreclosure, all of this may be in the future. ??? But NOT today, or tomorrow or next week - so why worry?
Living on the edge is what you make it. Living in fear will destroy you.
Today, my house is spotless and I'm re-organizing my home office, hoping I get everything finished before someone calls me to hire me for the job I'll have to take. I'll manage, control, resolve what is in my power to do and leave the rest to God. And, I have always had the wisdom to know the difference.
Peace and Prosperity
Cary
For me the glass is always half full. ;D I wake up every morning and it's a new adventure. I've read other blogs on this website and have read where others have lost their jobs. No money, no gas, repossesion, foreclosure, all of this may be in the future. ??? But NOT today, or tomorrow or next week - so why worry?
Living on the edge is what you make it. Living in fear will destroy you.
Today, my house is spotless and I'm re-organizing my home office, hoping I get everything finished before someone calls me to hire me for the job I'll have to take.
I'll manage, control, resolve what is in my power to do and leave the rest to God. And, I have always had the wisdom to know the difference.Peace and Prosperity
Cary
Cary, I remember working with your wife Sharon at KHYI. Tell her Bill Said hello.
Cary:
I am relieved to know that you are up and kicking-- and I have been sitting on the sidelines reading with interest to those who "thought" they knew what happened to you and to the station... with that said..
HOW THE HELL ARE YA BRUTHA!?!?!?!?
When you get a chance why don't you give me a shout-- info is on my website--www.davradioproductions.com
Talk with you soon!
DAVE MICHAELS
Davradio Productions
KVCE 1160 AM The Voice Of Texas
I am relieved to know that you are up and kicking-- and I have been sitting on the sidelines reading with interest to those who "thought" they knew what happened to you and to the station... with that said..
HOW THE HELL ARE YA BRUTHA!?!?!?!?
When you get a chance why don't you give me a shout-- info is on my website--www.davradioproductions.com
Talk with you soon!
DAVE MICHAELS
Davradio Productions
KVCE 1160 AM The Voice Of Texas
Best wishes to ya, Cary.
Well, I'm spending some time in Dallas and I've been listening. I knew that I would miss hearing Cary. The morning guy this week has been enjoyable. Jack Davis is still happying along and I'm sitting on the edge of my seat right now wondering what Bockelman could possibly say next. Mary Rose has a very nice voice and pleasant delivery. Their playlist has been OK. I never realized until today that one of my favorite songs by Artie Shaw is actually called "Begin the Big One" (Begin the Beguine). I don't think that it was a joke, but I sure about blew milk out of my nose. I'm sure that she will become more familiar with the varied music and will do just fine.
I'll echo michaelshiloh's comment: Best wishes Cary
I'll echo michaelshiloh's comment: Best wishes Cary
C
crbigband
Guest
Hi There,
Cary Richards here. I can't believe this last post from Woody. I don't listen to the station at all, I've only heard from others via email - and now and then - in person. Case in point, today I was paying my water bill and the receptionist listens to KAAM and had nothing nice to say. From her delivery to selection of music everything was negative.
Even taking into account there are certain number of listeners who might tell me what they think I want to hear, that doesn't explain the unsolicited emails I'm still getting even three months later all of it negative.
To be fair to Maryrose, she has no input in music selection, all of that is Jaan McCoy. Now that I'm gone, he's got no one to argue with him re: music selection. The KAAM I joined in the 620 days bears almost no resemblance to what's being aired on 770 today. Due to a myriad of health infomercials making the wildest claims, as well as the dominance of sports programming, listeners and sponsors alike are bailing - and who can blame them?
The last straw for me was losing the Sinatra and Big Band shows on Sunday nights. But I needed the money so I hung in there. A big mistake.
Now, with no job potential - one interview despite dozens of applications - AND - KAAM is opposing my unemployment. We've kept up with the utilities (barely). Still, we may lose the house and my car if something doesn't kick in soon. Thank you KAAM.
But, I'm happier than I've been in nearly a year. I never have to endure working for or with McCoy again - and as Martha Stewart would say, "That's a GOOD thing!"
If anybody out there hears of a music station that wants to do a big band or Sinatra format right - keep me in mond.
Swingfully,
Cary Richards
Cary Richards here. I can't believe this last post from Woody. I don't listen to the station at all, I've only heard from others via email - and now and then - in person. Case in point, today I was paying my water bill and the receptionist listens to KAAM and had nothing nice to say. From her delivery to selection of music everything was negative.
Even taking into account there are certain number of listeners who might tell me what they think I want to hear, that doesn't explain the unsolicited emails I'm still getting even three months later all of it negative.
To be fair to Maryrose, she has no input in music selection, all of that is Jaan McCoy. Now that I'm gone, he's got no one to argue with him re: music selection. The KAAM I joined in the 620 days bears almost no resemblance to what's being aired on 770 today. Due to a myriad of health infomercials making the wildest claims, as well as the dominance of sports programming, listeners and sponsors alike are bailing - and who can blame them?
The last straw for me was losing the Sinatra and Big Band shows on Sunday nights. But I needed the money so I hung in there. A big mistake.
Now, with no job potential - one interview despite dozens of applications - AND - KAAM is opposing my unemployment. We've kept up with the utilities (barely). Still, we may lose the house and my car if something doesn't kick in soon. Thank you KAAM.
But, I'm happier than I've been in nearly a year. I never have to endure working for or with McCoy again - and as Martha Stewart would say, "That's a GOOD thing!"
If anybody out there hears of a music station that wants to do a big band or Sinatra format right - keep me in mond.
Swingfully,
Cary Richards
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