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What was your favorite year for Providence Radio?

I was a student at URI from 1972-4 so those are the only years when I listened to Providence radio. Everybody back then loved Salty Brine. I also remember Jimmy Gray, Davey Jones and Big Ange.
 
Answering Jimmy, you're not boring anyone. It's great to have you here posting. I remember once I had an interview with Jay Clark. It wasn't really a job interview as I had no experience at the time & there was no job, but it was a time when PDs would actually agree to sit down with you & discuss the business even if there was no hiring in mind. In discussing the staff, one of the things he mentioned is how the sales staff could sell midday spots based on your live reads. Try selling a midday show today that way regardless of who the jock is.
 
Jimmy...as one of those wide eyed 19 yr olds that got to intern (and then work at the Trail) with you, Gio, Bristol, Simpson, TM, et al....I have to thank you for all the tips you passed along (and yes, "Get Out!" was a good one!) during the time we worked there and even better are the stories you pass along when we get together for our alumni nights......I hope to see you soon!
 
There are Citadel alumni nights?Clear Channel should try that especially since their alumni list grows constantly at such a breakneck pace.
 
Jimmy Gray is STILL the funniest man in radio!

...and I'm NOT just saying that because he's my pal.
I hear LOTS of radio in my travels, yet few performers with his wit and presence.
(What a voice. When I managed WTOP/Washington, he voiced our on-hour ID.)

As-spontaneously-funny-as-he-could-be, Jimmy did the kind of show prep in the 70s that I wish more hosts today would do, instead of winging-it. He'd come it with SCRIPTS...what a concept. Regular bits like "Roccos' Famous School of ___," handwritten on legal pads.

When he did middays on WPRO-AM, when I was there in its 70s music era, it was NOT just about playing the hits. Jimmy held big numbers against -- at one point -- 2 AMs and 2 FMs playing the same songs.

And he rounded up a cast of characters...regulars who'd wander in and out.

One of my faves was Father Pat from Saint Rocco's in Johnston. Before taking his vows, Fr. Pat played some minor league ball (in the Phillies organization, I think), and he was a great ringer for our WPRO softball team. I remember one Jimmy Gray Show when Fr. Pat called in to plug something-or-other...and Jimmy tried to gently give-him-the-hook by rolling a song intro under the call.

It was "Bang a Gong" by T.Rex. Good thing. Long intro.

Fr. Pat didn't take the hint when Jimmy said "THANK YOU FATHER PAT" (meaning goodbye).
The priest quipped "HEY JIMMY, WHAT AIRLINE DOES THE POPE FLY?"
Unable to resist, and figuring there was still time before the vocal, Jimmy replied:
"I DON'T KNOW FATHER PAT, WHAT AIRLINE *DOES* THE POPE FLY?"
Fr. Pat replied, "T.W.A., TOP WOP ABOARD!"
Jimmy: "GOOD *BYE* FATHER PAT!"
Fr. Pat: "GOD BLESS!"
Vocal!

As Jimmy and I would often say when we'd high-five each other because of whatever-just-came-out-the-speaker -- often AS-spontaneously as that bit -- "Now THAT'S radio!"

Good evening from Washington,
HC
www.HollandCooke.com
 
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