10-9-14
Friends and co-workers of the late Kevin Metheny have created a tribute website to the long-time programmer who died suddenly on October 3. The site can be found at http://www.kevinmetheny.com/ and is called "An Online Celebration of Kevin Metheny." You can send in pictures, audio, and stories about Kevin. Funeral arrangements have not been made public yet. He was 60 years old when he passed away of a massive heart attack at his desk at KGO/KSFO last Friday.
2-18-14
As Nashville gears up for the start of the Country Radio Seminar, some of the biggest stars in the format were at the Grand Ole Opry House last night to celebrate Bob Kingsley's 40 years as host of American Country Countdown. Garth Brooks said, ?He?s where you always want to hear your music. And then once you go on his show, he makes everybody feel like somebody. But he?s not two-faced. He?s not putting it on. This is truly how he is ? a sincere, sweet man that loves the music and I think more than that even, he loves the artists that do it.?
Kingsely believed he was heading to the event to introduce a video so he was totally surprised. ?I?m just overwhelmed by this. I had no idea this was going to happen. I am just amazed about this evening, and I thank you all for coming.? The Tennessean has more details about the event.
A 50-year veteran of the radio and music industries, Kingsley walked into the Grand Ole Opry House believing he was there to pay tribute to the Grand Ole Opry?s 89th birthday, when in reality, the evening was all conceived to honor him. "I could not have been more surprised. I could not feel more honored. I have made a career of country music radio because I love it, and to have my friends in the business, from artists and songwriters to industry executives, tell me my work has made a difference--well it means the world to me. And to have the people I work with day in and day out here to celebrate with me makes it all the more special."
Nearly 50 artists participated in the evening, which included 25+ taped video messages, along with in- person appearances or performances by Rhett Akins and Thomas Rhett, Alabama, Lynn Anderson, Garth Brooks, Eli Young Band, Radney Foster, Janie Fricke, Jack Ingram, Jewel, Kathy Mattea, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, Will Robinson, Tom Schuyler, Red Stegall, Jeffrey Steele, Tanya Tucker, Steve Wariner, Lee Ann Womack, Wynonna, Trisha Yearwood, and Chris Young. Many of the artists who paid tribute commented not only on their professional relationships with Bob but also on their personal friendships. Bob?s dedication and commitment to bringing their music to the fans, while offering insights into their creative processes and personal lives, have made him the most listened-to voice in country radio history.
(2/18/2014 8:35:36 AM)
I've been in Country radio for over 40 years and Bob has always been someone I looked up to and wanted to be like. He still has the top countdown show hands down. Thanks Bob!
(2/18/2014 8:05:13 AM)
Bob Kingsley has truly been an inspiration to several generations of country fans and radio people (I am both). My oldest son, Nick, who now does mid-days at 100.7 The Wolf in Seattle, and I would often listen to Bob's countdown & discuss his mellow delivery and knowledge of the music through the years. So great to see Bob get this "love" from the artists & our industry. Brent Alan-Brand Manager 92.7 The Van, Holland Mich & Nights WNWN-Battle Creek Mich
(2/18/2014 6:45:18 AM)
American Country Countdown was one of the first syndicated shows we ran on our radio station here in Idaho, back when ACC first started. Got to chat a few times with Bob, or see a liner come in from him, he did three just for me. I remember the big box of LP's, that came with AT40 we ran both formats, You'd have to run both turntables and be right on cue, for the program to sound right. congrats Bob.
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7-29-13
Sadness, shock, loss and hope ran through my entire being. Hope that the news of Kidd Kraddick?s death/passing was some cruel joke or stunt. It was not. My thoughts went to his daughter Caroline. Kidd and Caroline had such a loving relationship. I?m remembering how proud Kidd was of Caroline when I met her as bubbly and artistic 14 year old. I imagine the pain she must surely be feeling.
Kidd Kraddick was self-deprecating and spontaneously funny. He was one of the best sensory storytellers, his lovable and self-deprecating humor connected with females and males alike. Innovative genius is a term we reserve for only the most brilliant people in any field. He was the Steve Jobs of radio.
Kidd?s Firsts
Kidd transformed multiple-cast shows from morning zoos to a cast of characters. He realized that if listeners didn?t care about the characters, nothing much else mattered. He saw a polarizing spark and a realness in a small town South Carolina girl named Kellie Rasberry. The charm and likability of a Dallas limo driver named Big Al Mack. He recognized the budding talent of a young Bert Weiss. He loved the creative fearlessness of Rich Shertenlieb. They all became stars.
Kidd Kraddick in the Morning was radio?s first character based show that gave equal mic time to all the characters rather than a host or duo with peripheral characters. There was always humor and fun. The difference was the addition of tears, drama and conflict. All real life stuff that connected the characters to the audience emotionally.
The characters extended beyond the show in the form of experts. Kidd introduced me and hundreds of thousands of listeners to a guy named Dr. Phil, his relationship expert. Kidd?s Kids was the first major morning show to create a year-round organization devoted to brightening the lives of chronically and terminally ill children. His last day was spent raising money for his treasured kids.
Character Clip Imaging (Kidd Kraddick plus clip, Kelly Raspberry plus clip, etc.) was a Kidd Kraddick innovation that we still recommend to shows. Kidd Kraddick in the Morning was the first successful syndicated show in Top 40 radio targeted to females.
Kidd demonstrated the difference in good shows and great shows. He wouldn?t stop with a good idea. He would go into every content segment with the goal of making it the best ever! He would push it over the top by improvising a character on the phone, adding a piece of attention-getting audio or by introducing a surprise guest.
He pushed boundaries in life too. We were coming back from dinner in Dallas late one night and he insisted that I experience driving his new BMW. He said, ?Come on man, this IS a driving machine. Push it up to 80?now 90?hit a hundred!!? I?m thinking WTF!! We survived my freeway driving without a speeding ticket!
Kidd wrote books, he wrote music and lyrics, he did TV (Dish Network recently). I witnessed him dash into his office during a commercial break and bang out a sketch comedy bit in less than five minutes! He pulled it off flawlessly on the air.
The last time I saw Kidd was the World Radio Summit in Hollywood a couple of months ago. He looked healthy, relaxed and happy. He was hilarious hosting the awards luncheon with Bert Weiss. He had the audience laughing hysterically on the talent panel later that afternoon. The complimentary emails we exchanged the next week was my last contact with Kidd.
I was privileged to work with Kidd for many years. I lost a friend and a mentor. The world lost a creative genius who gave back generously. Thank you for sharing your gifts with us Kidd. You made a huge difference.
I?m still in disbelief.
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5-9-13
Memorial Day Weekend, Envision Radio Networks? The Country Oldies Show will offer stations a free three-hour tribute to the late George Jones. From his career achievements to his off-stage shenanigans, The Country Oldies Show?s hosts Steve Warren and Debbie Conner will reflect on the life and music of George ?The Possum? Jones beginning with his first record in 1955.
The Country Oldies Show?s George Jones Tribute is available for broadcast beginning on May 22. Stations interested in airing this special should contact Melissa Bachtel at 216-831-3761 or melissab@envisionradio.com.
The Whitney Houston Tribute station can be found in Slacker's Artist Showcase station category, or at http://www.slacker.com/station/whitney-houston-tribute.
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The Tom Joyner Morning Show will acknowledge the 10th Anniversary of 9/11 with a tribute show honoring the thousands of people who lost their lives and those whose lives were forever changed due to the tragic events on that fateful day. In the weeks' following the nation's pain Tom Joyner urged his audience to send much needed funds to support those families who lost loved ones in the World Trade center and Pentagon tragedy. The Tom Joyner Morning Show contributed close to $1 million dollars to the families of janitorial workers, caregivers and those families who lost their breadwinners.
Among those profiled the broadcast include:
- Dawn Glazer - 9/11 Survivor Dawn Glazer, pulled from ash and debris, who still receives physical therapy and suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) received assistance from the BlackAmericaWeb.com Relief Fund to help with her rent and other financial needs.
- Brenda Kegler -9/11 Pentagon Attack victim Brenda Kegler with 30 years of government service , was a loving Mother/ Grandmother of 2 grown daughters & a grandson; the BlackAmericaWeb.com Relief Fund came to the aid of her daughter Belinda Bennett with financial assistance.
- Irene Smith, Mother of Fallen Fire-Fighter, Son, & Hero- Leon Smith, Jr. of Ladder 118. The BlackAmericaWeb.com Relief Fund assisted twin daughters Tiffany and Yolanda Smith in helping them stay in college after the loss of their father. She has since then started a Scholarship Program for students who might not otherwise be able to afford college. So far they have raised $50,000 and helped 12 students get a higher education.
- Stephanie Irby - 9/11 victim Stephanie Irby, an Accountant for a Financial Services Firm on the 98th floor in Tower One, was planning on using her own savings to open a college fund account for her 2 year old niece, Cecilia. The BlackAmericaWeb.com Relief Fund helped her sister Pam and baby niece Cecilia Melton who both shared an apartment with their sister/aunt Stephanie.
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