2-6-2015
After 44 years behind the microphone, and 14 as the morning drive personality on classic hits WDRV-FM 97, Steve Downes is ready to retire. Downes, the only morning drive talent on WDRV since launching in 2001, plans on traveling, spending time with grandkids and sleeping. He began his career in Dayton and has worked and programmed stations in Pittsburgh, Los Angeles and Tampa.
Downes told his listeners Friday morning, "What I'm about to say comes with mixed emotions. After much thought, 44 years playing rock and roll on the radio, the past 18 of which here in Chicago, and the last 14 as your morning man on the greatest rock station in America, I've decided it's time to call it a career... Ya know, not many people in this business get to say that the last years of their career have been the most rewarding. I am fortunate enough to be one of those--having hosted The Drive's morning show from the very beginning. Watching this station grow over the years, working with the people I've worked with and most importantly for the greatest listening audience any DJ could ever hope for."
Greg Solk, Hubbard Chicago Sr. VP/Programming added, "Waking up and hearing anybody else on The Drive is going to be an adjustment, for sure. Steve has been such a perfect morning man, collaborator and friend to all of us. He has helped The Drive achieve wild success and is always going to be a part of our DNA. Steve has generously agreed to allow us to use his pipes in station promos and will continue to host the United Stations syndicated weekend show 'The Classics' that is broadcast out of The Drive."
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