TRHOF 2026 INDUCTEE VOTE
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JULY 24-AUGUST 10, 2026
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Voting members of the TRHOF may vote for up to twenty (20) of the broadcast professionals listed here. Please submit and complete your votes in a single, online session. If you are not yet a voting member and wish to become one so you may vote for this slate of nominees for TRHOF’s Induction Class of 2025, you may join now here.
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TRHOF 2026 Nominees
Many of the bios that appear on this ballot are presented in the passionate “voices” of the individuals who made the nominations...exactly as they were submitted. The enthusiasm expressed in this copy reflects the opinion of the nominator and no additional advocacy by other parties is implied. In like manner, the varying lengths of the individual bios are due to the length of the original submissions.
Doug Abernethy
Doug Abernethy is one of the radio industry's most respected and accomplished leaders, bringing more than 35 years of executive leadership experience in broadcasting sales, market management, and multi market operations. He currently serves as Regional Vice President for Radio One, overseeing the company's Houston and Dallas operations.
Throughout his career, Doug has led some of the nation's most successful radio organizations, building high-performing teams, driving sustained revenue growth and strengthening connections between brands, advertisers, and the communities they serve.
Known for his strategic vision, collaborative leadership style, and unwavering commitment to people, Doug has earned a reputation as as a mentor who genuinely invests in the success of others. He believes that great organizations are built through creativity, collaboration, and curiosity creating an environment where both individuals and teams can thrive. His philosophy is simple: when people are empowered to succeed, everyone wins.
Over the course of his distinguished career, Doug has held leadership positions with several major broadcasting companies, including Radio One, Cox Media Group, Entercom/Audacy, and other prominent media organizations.
Doug's leadership excellence has been recognized with numerous industry honors, including the prestigious Radio Wayne Award for Best Market Manager, multiple Radio Ink Best Managers Awards, and the Texas Southern University President's Award for his leadership and community impact. He has also served leadership roles with the Arbitron Advertising Council and has committed his time and expertise for several nonprofit organizations.
Colleagues, employees and clients alike know Doug as a trusted advisor, motivator, and relationship builder. He is deeply passionate about developing local talent, fostering innovation, and helping organizations achieve their potential.
Today, Doug continues to champion excellence across every aspect of the business, leading with integrity, inspiring those around him, and creating lasting impact for employees, clients, audiences, and communities alike.
Brenda Adriance-Fox
Few executives have shaped the course of Texas radio as profoundly as Brenda Adriance Fox. A pioneering leader and one of the industry's most accomplished female general managers, Brenda combined visionary programming, exceptional talent development, and outstanding business acumen to build radio stations—and careers—that would influence broadcasting for decades.
Brenda's Texas radio journey began in Dallas in sales management at KPLX/KLIF. From Dallas, she moved to Houston as General Sales Manager at KTRH-AM before joining KKBQ, where her success led to her promotion as General Manager of KOAI in Dallas. There, she changed the format and launched the legendary KHKS (106.1 Kiss FM). Her greatest gift was recognizing extraordinary talent before others saw it and creating an environment where broadcasters, programmers, sales leaders, and executives could thrive. Against conventional wisdom, Brenda hired an unemployed night personality named Kidd Kraddick to host mornings on Kiss FM—a decision that launched one of the most successful and influential careers in radio history. Under her leadership, KHKS became one of America's premier CHR stations and a programming model replicated in markets across the country. She later brought The Gene & Julie Show to Dallas while leading the addition of KBFB to the cluster.
Brenda's leadership continued to influence communities across Texas. As Regional Vice President for Clear Channel, she oversaw radio stations serving Dallas–Fort Worth, Tyler, and Texarkana, guiding multiple successful brands while earning a reputation as a smart, fair, research-driven executive who understood audiences and built winning teams. Following her successful tenure at Clear Channel, Kidd Kraddick recruited Brenda to serve as President of Yea Networks, where she expanded the nationally syndicated Kidd Kraddick in the Morning from just 11 affiliates to more than 70 markets. Today, the program continues to entertain audiences nationwide and remains a cornerstone of KHKS in Dallas.
Brenda's impact reaches far beyond ratings. Together with Kidd Kraddick, she helped establish the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Kidd's Kids, and during her tenure she served as President of the Board. Brenda helped grow an organization that has now delivered more than 35 years of unforgettable Walt Disney World vacations to thousands of children living with chronic and life-altering illnesses, ensuring Kidd's legacy of generosity continues to change lives for families across the country.
Brenda's commitment to Texas broadcasting extends well beyond corporate leadership. For more than two decades, she has remained an active steward of Texas broadcasting as Vice President of Munbilla Broadcasting Corporation, owning, operating, acquiring, selling, and improving radio stations throughout Texas Hill Country, including Marble Falls, Burnet, Llano, Mason, Kerrville, and Killeen. Her work has included station ownership, signal improvements, facility development, tower construction, and preserving strong local broadcasting for Texas communities. Few leaders have contributed to the state's radio industry from so many perspectives: talent development, programming, sales, executive leadership, syndication, station ownership, and nonprofit leadership.
Throughout her career, Brenda has mentored broadcasters, championed innovation, and elevated the people around her. Her legacy includes legendary stations, iconic personalities, successful broadcast companies, countless careers, and a charitable organization whose impact continues to grow more than three decades after its founding.
Brenda Adriance Fox didn't simply build successful radio stations—she helped shape the sound, leadership, and future of Texas broadcasting. From Dallas and Houston to Tyler, Texarkana, Marble Falls, Burnet, Llano, Mason, Kerrville, and Killeen, her leadership has strengthened local broadcasting, launched Hall of Fame- and Marconi-caliber talent, created enduring brands, and transformed lives through both broadcasting and philanthropy. Her vision, integrity, and lasting influence continue to shape the industry today, making her an exceptional candidate for the Texas Radio Hall of Fame.
David Anderson
Anderson spent more than 47 years on radio and television, appearing on morning shows on KRBA & KLUF Lufkin, Tx. KLVI Beaumont Tx, KOKE 95.5, KEYI 103.5, KVET AM&FM, KASE, KOKE 99.3, KTSN AM and frequently emceeing at parades, banquets, and charity events.
Some of the listed Charities and Non-Profits were: United Way, Emms Wish, American Cancer Society. Austin Human Society, Young Men’s Business League, Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter, March of Dimes, Make a Wish, Austin Aqua Festival, Travis County Livestock Show and Rodeo, Dell Children’s Hospital, Spamarama Festival, The Chilympiad festivals, Emceed Texas Beauty Pageants and Texas Independence day parades in Austin Texas on Congress Avenue for over 10 years.
One of David’s loves was a dog he had named Bart after Bart Simpson. Funny story on a fund raiser. As a celebrity he and his dog Bart were jailed till a donation amount was reached. This was the first time in a fundraiser that a talent and his dog were jailed.
Brad Austin
It is certain that Brad Austin’s destiny was Texas Radio. But he had to go all the way to Paris, France to begin the journey. Brad and his Cub Scout Troop toured the Armed Forces Radio Station in 1963 at S.H.A.P.E. AFB in Paris. He saw the buttons, knobs, flashing lights and heard the music from the speakers. Then he witnessed the magic that was happening at the hands of the maestro operating the board. At that moment he knew this was what he wanted to do.
Thousands of miles and seven years later, his radio journey began! First was KNTO-FM, an AOR station in Wichita Falls. He expected to be playing Cream, Foghat, Jefferson Airplane, etc. But the Station Manager had news for him…Surprise! We are now playing elevator music. Undaunted, Brad moved across the street to KNIN-AM then ultimately found his home at KLUR-FM also in Wichita Falls. He had heard the Country station and knew he wanted to work there! He contacted the PD and was told there was a morning show host position that started on Monday. The PD said, “you are going to need a 3rd class radiotelephone license. They are giving the test in Dallas on Sunday, and you will have to pass the test. Good Luck.” He passed the test, started on Monday and little did he know that he would spend 40 years of his life at “the Big Country One”, “The King of the Country”, “Texoma’s Country Leader” - KLUR!
There were a few detours along the way. Traveling as a Dinner Theatre Actor and working as a Television Station Operations Manager. Each time returning to his first love-KLUR! He came back for good as the morning show host in 1997. In addition to being Morning Show Host, he took the reins as Program Director in 2005.
Brad feels the music, fun and entertainment are only part of the covenant a radio station has with the community. He is proud of all the organizations that he has helped, served and promoted throughout the years. Those include St. Jude, Children’s Miracle Network, Race for the Cure, United Cerebral Palsy, Hotter n Hell 100 Cycling Event, American Red Cross, Communities in Schools, the Original Texas Ranch Roundup, Humane Society of Wichita County, and Girl Scouts. Brad is especially proud of his relationship with Hospice of Wichita Falls. He was involved in the beginning of the very successful Tree of Lights Annual Fund Raiser, which continues to be their biggest campaign.
Brad was named by his peers as the Country Radio Broadcasters Air Personality of the Year-Small Market in 2002. In addition, he won the Academy of Country Music Air Personality of the Year-Small Market in 2005. Receiving these awards was truly a special achievement in his career.
After a 40+ year career in just one Texas Radio Market, he decided it was time to hang up his headphones and retire. He continues to work from his home studio as a voice over artist.
Lisa Bonanni aka “Lisa Lisa"
Lisa Bonanni, known to generations of listeners as “Lisa Lisa,” is a beloved and enduring San
Antonio radio personality whose life and career embody more than four decades of commitment to broadcasting, community connection, cultural celebration, and public service.
Lisa’s entry into radio began in true San Antonio fashion. As a high school freshman living just four blocks from the KTSA/KTFM studios, Lisa and her sister walked to the station and asked if they could answer request lines. Sonny Rio’s unforgettable response—“Are you talking to me?”—opened the door to what would become a remarkable broadcasting career. Lisa began by taking listener requests without pay, later became a receptionist earning $3.35 an hour, worked in traffic with Diana Torres, and soon advanced into weekend overnight on-air shifts, producing, remotes, and emceeing. Sonny Melendrez later invited her to serve as producer for the Sonny Melendrez Morning Show, giving Lisa hands-on experience across nearly every part of a radio operation and helping shape the versatile broadcaster she would become.
Across her distinguished radio career, Lisa has contributed her talent, energy, and unmistakable
personality to some of San Antonio’s most recognized stations, including KTSA/KTFM, KRIO Radio, KENS Radio 1160 AM, KLEY-FM 97.7 La Ley, KONO Radio, KXTN Radio, KEDA Radio Jalapeño, and currently KLMO Tejano 98.9/92.1, where she continues to serve as an on-air personality.
Lisa’s career has also been defined by unforgettable moments that illustrate the unpredictability, excitement, responsibility, and public trust of live broadcasting. One “only in radio” assignment came during Pope John Paul II’s historic visit to San Antonio on September 13, 1987. On short notice, News Director Anne Schiller called Lisa in, handed her a microphone and the keys to the station van, and asked her to follow the Pope’s route through the city while providing live call-ins from each location.
Throughout the decades, Lisa worked alongside and learned from many respected San Antonio radio and media figures, including Bernie Waterman, Anne Schiller, Lee Randall, Bruce Hathaway, Ricci Ware, Sonny Rio, Hector Reyes, Lee Woods, Bobby “Cowboy Bob” Lopez, Charlie Brown, Brad Messer, Billy Thorman, Billy Burke, Joe Nasty, Diana Torres, and many others who helped define a vibrant era of local broadcasting. She worked in both the old and new Waterman Broadcasting buildings and became part of a radio family rooted in mentorship, professionalism, community pride, and lifelong loyalty to listeners.
Lisa’s connection to entertainment and service runs deep. Her father, Mike Gonzales of Mike and The Del Reys, spent 45 years in the entertainment industry, and Lisa grew up surrounded by music, performance, storytelling, and community relationships.
Beyond the studio, Lisa has extended the reach and spirit of radio through her work as a host, emcee, interviewer, public event voice, comedian, motivational speaker, and community advocate. She has represented radio at community celebrations, nonprofit fundraisers, health awareness events, faith-based programs, and public ceremonies across San Antonio.
A 13-year breast cancer survivor, 13-year heart survivor, and 13-year survivor of vocal cord damage following aortic aneurysm repair, Lisa has transformed personal health challenges into a platform for advocacy, awareness, and encouragement. She has used her voice—both on and beyond the air—to promote early detection, patient support, and community education. She served with Thrivewell Cancer Foundation as an ambassador, spokesperson, and Development Coordinator, and advocated HB 170, the Diagnostic Mammogram Bill, testifying before the Texas State Senate in support of legislation that was signed into law in 2019.
Her community involvement includes volunteer and advocacy work with Texas Wings Breast Cancer Organization, Thrivewell Cancer Foundation, Fabooblicious, Sandra’s Hope Foundation, Susan G. Komen, Angie’s Angels, the American Heart Association, and the John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health.
Lisa is also involved with the Society of San Antonio Radio Broadcasters, the R&R Musicians Club, the Red Hat Society’s Dazzling Damas Chapter, and Street Talk Magazine. She also co-hosted the weekly Catholic Café show with Father Eddie Bernal of St. Benedict Catholic Church on Catholic Television San Antonio, continuing her commitment to meaningful conversation, encouragement, faith centered service, and community connection.
In addition to her decades in radio broadcasting, Lisa has maintained a television presence, having worked in television broadcasting with KENS-TV, KSAT-TV, and KABB/FOX. She worked for Spurs Sports & Entertainment, where she earned a 2003 SPURS Championship Ring her first year with the team!
Lisa is also an entrepreneur and creative professional who owns Lisa’s Mobile Notary Service and SiLis Travel. She has spent the past three years working for multiple schools in SAISD as a Substitute Teacher, until she became a permanent fixture at Hawthorne Academy and at her new home Steele Montessori Academy. Lisa has also explored her talent as a comedian and began serving as Senior Feature Editor for San Antonio Monthly Magazine in January 2026.
Throughout her career, Lisa has received numerous awards and acknowledgments, including earning recognition as a 2026 Rising Star Inductee for the Tejano Legends Chapter; the 2026 Rey Feo 77 Excellent Educator Award; the 2026 Hawthorne Academy Brilliant Bear Principal’s Award; San Antonio Monthly Magazine Senior Feature Editor of the Month for January 2026; the 2022 San Antonio Street Talk Magazine Strong Business Women Award; the 2021 Employee of the Month Award from 90 Degree Benefits for two consecutive months; a 2020 feature in San Antonio Magazine’s Empowering Working Women; a Street Talk Magazine Certificate of Appreciation; the 2017 United Way Volunteer of the Year Award for Health, Wellness, and Service; the 2017 VOYA Volunteer of the Year Award with more than 2,000 volunteer hours; the 2017 San Antonio Business Journal Nonprofit Volunteer of the Year Award; the 2015 Karen Martinez Healing Heart Award; and the 2002 Star Performer Award from KENS-TV5. Together, these honors reflect not only professional achievement, but also the service, visibility, and community trust she has built through a lifetime connected to broadcasting.
Even at the “ripe age” of 60, Lisa remains a big kid with a big heart—an enduring quality that has helped make her both relatable and memorable to listeners. Her longevity in Texas radio, her more than four decades of dedication to broadcasting, her enduring connection to audiences, and her contributions to San Antonio’s cultural and community life place her among the respected Texas broadcasters whose contributions merit recognition by the Texas Radio Hall of Fame.
Bill Bradford
Bill Bradford was the general manager, and later owner, of KSST in Sulphur Springs from 1948 until his death in 2013, but more than that, he was the voice of the community. Even now, Bradford’s “History and Heritage Files,” stories and audio clips from his long tenure at KSST, are still a prominent feature of the station’s daily programming.
American broadcasting is in its essence a local affair, and nobody excelled at local broadcasting more than Bill Bradford. It was a marvelous thing to drive down the highway, late on a weekend night, with thunderstorms looming on the horizon, to tune in 1230 kHz. and hear the venerable Bradford, in his 80s and 90s, reporting on the severe weather. That’s great local broadcasting.
In fact, Bradford, an Army Air Corps pilot in World War II, was one of the first to use radar in local weather reporting, converting a used B-29 radar for broadcasting use in the late 1940s. Further, Bradford also helped organize the Emergency Broadcasting System that is still in use today. He’s credited with coming up with the phrase “This is a test. This is only a test.” He toured the state with federal officials at his own expense to promote development of the emergency broadcast system into a disaster warning device.
Bradford served as president of the Texas Emergency Broadcast System and Broadcast Subcommittee chairman.
He holds commendations from the Defense Civil Preparedness Agency, the FCC and the National Weather Service and also was commended by TAB in 1978 for his participation in the reorganization of the EBS.
No community event in Sulphur Springs escaped the attention of Bill Bradford and KSST. And his succinct and cogent “Comment” programs were the equal of anything Eric Sevareid ever spoke sitting at Walter Cronkite’s side.
He was among the first to install a mobile two-way radio unit in a car for live broadcasting, long before it became common in small-market radio operations.
On Nov. 22, 1963, Bradford was at the Trade Mart in Dallas awaiting a speech by President John F. Kennedy. When the news reached the hall of the president’s assassination, Bradford reported live on KSST.
“Brad” (as he was known to friends) early on saw the potential of cable television, and essentially created a local TV station on cable channel 2 (later channel 18) in Sulphur Springs.
The channel started in the late 1960s. Originally, it was a weather/info board that scrolled continuously until regular news programming eventually began. Bradford created a way to display Polaroid photos inserted into frames on a bicycle wheel. In 1990, he built an addition to the KSST building, and the programming moved to Channel 18 with 24-hour programming.
Sometime in the late ’80s I was broadcasting a Greenville High School basketball game for KGVL as the Lions played the Sulphur Springs Wildcats. KSST was videotaping the game for later playback on cable TV. The camera operator was Bill Bradford.
Bradford was named Hopkins County Citizen of the Year in 1957 and won the Chamber of Commerce’s Vision Award in 2012.
He was born in Marietta, Okla., in 1920. His daughter, Kelly Grimes, notes: “Daddy was a true Texan and even though he traveled the world extensively, he never wanted to live anywhere else. When people asked where he was born, he would say ‘Marietta, Oklahoma ... because my mother went home to her mother's to have the baby, but two weeks later I came to Texas to stay.’"
Brad received recognition for the TAB’s “Hall of Honor” in 2005. And I’m glad I had a small part in naming him the Texas Association of Broadcast Educators’ Broadcaster of the Year in 2012,
Raul Brindis
Born in Matamoros, Mexico, Brindis got his start in radio in 1984 after graduating in civil engineering from the Instituto Tecnologico de Matamoros, when he entered and won an amateur DJ contest. After success in his hometown, he spent time in Chicago, KAZA/San Jose and then at KZSA/Sacramento, where he was also part owner of the Z Spanish Radio Network. Brindis arrived in Houston in 1996 at KLTN, starting what would be a 27-year run where he programmed the station and was morning host. Brindis led KLTN to the top of the Houston ratings in 2002, the first Spanish language station to lead the ratings in the market. KLTN added nearly 20 more #1 finishes during his tenure. In mornings, he was the #1 morning host, all formats, for more than five consecutive years at one point, and was the most listened to Hispanic morning show for more than 20 consecutive years.
When Univision purchased Hispanic Broadcasting, including KLTN, in 2003, it began airing his show on stations in San Antonio and McAllen - the show was eventually syndicated on more than a dozen stations across the nation.
Brindis took a year off after parting ways with Univision at the end of 2023, and in January 2025 he returned to mornings in Houston at SBS’s newly acquired KROI. Proving his enormous popularity, Brindis took mornings from 25th to 2nd in the 25-54 age group in just four months and helped KROI unseat his former home as the top Spanish language station in the market. And his new show is once again accumulating affiliates, as he is back on the air in McAllen on KGBT.
Brindis’ time behind the mic is not just confined to the radio studios, he’s also recorded three albums and served as a judge on Univision’s TV competition show Objetivo Fama.
Brindis was a finalist for the National Radio Hall of Fame in 2022 and 2025.
Bruce Buchanan (Jim Edwards)
Bruce Buchanan (air names Jim Edwards and Bruce James) has enjoyed a broadcasting career spanning more than five decades, with significant contributions to radio in Texas and across the United States as an air personality, programmer, operations executive, consultant, writer, editor, producer, and industry leader.
Buchanan began his broadcasting career in 1965 at WHFI in Detroit. While attending college in Traverse City, Michigan, he worked at WTCM Radio before serving in the United States Army from 1966 to 1968. Following military service, he returned to WTCM and, at age 22, became one of the youngest television news anchors and news directors in the country at WPBN-TV in Traverse City.
He later worked with CRC World in Dallas and Atwood-Richards in New York, producing and selling radio jingles while continuing his broadcasting career. In 1970, Buchanan worked in Altoona, Pennsylvania, where he briefly used the air name "Charlie Tuna" (not related to the Los Angeles broadcaster of the same name). Additional stops at WILS and WVIC in Lansing, Michigan, KSTT in Davenport, Iowa, and WHNN in Saginaw, Michigan helped establish a reputation for creativity, communication skills, and programming instincts that would become hallmarks of his career. During his tenure at WVIC, became the first FM Top 40 station to achieve a number one ranking in the nation.
San Antonio Foundation
Buchanan arrived in San Antonio in 1974, joining WOAI Radio before moving to KITY-FM. While at KITY, his work attracted the attention of legendary KONO Program Director Michael James Lucas, who brought him across the hall to KONO Radio's famed "Big 86."
Known to listeners as Jim Edwards, Buchanan became both an on-air personality and a creative force behind the station's promotional imaging and branding. His work helped contribute to one of San Antonio's most successful and recognizable radio brands during a highly competitive era for Top 40 radio.
Buchanan next joined KSAQ "Super Q" (100.3 FM) shortly after the station's launch, serving as both an on-air personality under the name Bruce James and as an Account Executive. During the station's formative years, he helped build audience momentum and brand identity in one of the most competitive periods in San Antonio radio history.
Dallas and Houston Ascent
Following his success in San Antonio, Buchanan advanced to larger Texas markets and began a remarkable run through Dallas and Houston radio.He joined KXOL/Fort Worth before moving to KFJZ/Fort Worth. He later moved to Houston's KXYZ, where he served as a popular afternoon-drive personality. Returning to Dallas, Buchanan joined KVIL during one of the most successful periods in the station's history. He later worked at KNUS before returning once again to KVIL, where he ultimately served as Operations Manager.
Buchanan also contributed to Dallas radio at KMGC ("Magic"), further expanding a Texas broadcasting résumé that would span the state's three largest radio markets: Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio.
KVIL Dominance and Industry Influence
KVIL represented the defining chapter of Bruce Buchanan's Texas broadcasting career and placed him at the center of one of the most influential radio operations in America. As both an on-air personality known as Jim Edwards and later as Operations Manager, Buchanan was part of one of the most successful and influential radio stations in America. During the late 1970s and early 1980s, KVIL dominated the Dallas-Fort Worth ratings and became a model studied throughout the broadcasting industry.
A September 1981 D Magazine cover story described KVIL as "the most imitated station in town" and noted that "everybody's gunning for Chapman and KVIL." During this era, KVIL routinely posted audience shares exceeding ten percent in one of the nation's largest and most competitive radio markets, including a remarkable 11.1 share in Fall 1980.
Broadcasters routinely traveled to Dallas to study KVIL's programming, promotions, talent development, presentation style, and audience strategy in hopes of replicating its success. The station's influence extended well beyond Texas and helped shape contemporary radio programming nationwide.
Independent documentation from the ReelRadio archive identifies KVIL as "one of the most dynamic personality-oriented radio stations of all time" and specifically describes Buchanan's on-air work as Jim Edwards as that of "another dynamic voice and great communicator." The archive further notes KVIL's unique programming philosophy of employing major-market caliber personalities throughout the broadcast day, helping establish the station as a model studied by broadcasters across the United States.
The extraordinary value of KVIL was ultimately reflected in its record-setting 1987 sale for $82 million, then the highest amount ever paid for an AM/FM radio combination in the United States. Bruce Buchanan's contributions during this era helped establish KVIL as one of the landmark radio success stories in American broadcasting history.
Return to San Antonio
Buchanan's accomplishments at KVIL attracted the attention of respected programmer Bill Gardner and consultant George Johns, both of whom had firsthand knowledge of his success in Dallas. Their confidence in Buchanan's leadership led to his recruitment as Program Director of KLLS in San Antonio in 1983.His appointment was announced nationally in Radio & Records, where Gardner cited Buchanan's success as Operations Manager at KVIL and described him as the ideal candidate for the position.
Under Buchanan's leadership, KLLS achieved the strongest ratings performance ever recorded on the 100.3 FM frequency to that time, outperforming every previous station identity and format that had occupied the signal, including KSAQ and KZZY. The achievement represented a remarkable turnaround for the property and reinforced Buchanan's growing reputation as a programmer capable of producing results in some of Texas radio's most competitive markets.
National Market Expansion
Following his accomplishments in Texas, Buchanan was recruited to leadership, programming, consulting, and on-air positions at major stations across the country, extending his influence into many of America's most competitive radio markets.Over the years he held programming, operations, consulting, and air-talent positions at stations including WMET Chicago, KLCY and KALL/Intermountain Network in Salt Lake City, KKCW Portland, WAXY Miami/Fort Lauderdale, WMXC Charlotte, WCLS Detroit, KLZZ and KOGO San Diego, KMJC Denver, and WRMF Palm Beach.
Beyond station management and programming, Buchanan became known throughout the industry as a consultant, writer, editor, and producer. He sold radio jingles, worked extensively with broadcasters nationwide, and later served as a writer and editor for Radio Ink magazine.
Among his many accomplishments, Buchanan produced and directed on-site coverage surrounding the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 for a Washington-based radio group. As a writer and editor for Radio Ink magazine, he also produced the companion audio CD for Radio's 75th Anniversary and contributed to the commemorative book and magazine edition celebrating the history of American broadcasting.
Service Beyond Broadcasting
A United States Army veteran, Buchanan later earned both a United States Coast Guard Captain's License and an FAA Private Pilot Certificate.Since 1997, he and his wife Christi have resided in Naples, Florida. There he has remained active in aviation education, community service, and public leadership, including service as an elected Commissioner of the Collier Mosquito Control District. He has also participated in youth aviation initiatives, helping introduce young people to the opportunities and disciplines of flight.
Legacy
Bruce Buchanan's broadcasting career reflects excellence across virtually every facet of the industry: air talent, programming, management, consulting, promotion, writing, production, and leadership. From helping shape the sound of San Antonio radio at WOAI, KONO, KSAQ, and KLLS, to contributing to the extraordinary success of KVIL in Dallas, to influencing stations across major American markets, Buchanan built a career marked by innovation, creativity, and results.
His contributions to radio in Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio—and his influence on broadcasting nationwide—make him a deserving candidate for induction into the Texas Radio Hall of Fame.
John Butler
John Butler is the President of Butler7media, LLC, overseeing KMOO-FM in Mineola and KWJB-AM-FM in Canton. Both have won numerous awards over the years. KMOO/KWJB AM is celebrating over 60 years of service to East Texas (KWJB AM was originally KMOO AM).
The stations have raised over one million dollars for Children’s Miracle Network, Caring and Sharing, and other charities over the past years. His podcast is available on YouTube, John Butler’s Buzz.
John’s love of radio began at about five, when Santa left a red and white Germanium Crystal Diode Rocket Radio under the tree. He would listen through the single earbud, tuning to different stations by adjusting the rod that extended from the nose cone. Those nights sparked his imagination. He was curious about how broadcasting worked and what life was all about. He says, “I didn't understand how radio worked, or life either, and I wanted to figure both out.”
John began his broadcasting career at the age of 15 at KWTX Radio & TV. He worked alongside legendary broadcasters Frank Fallon and Dave South at KWTX Radio in Waco, where he assisted with high school and college radio sports broadcasts. Before going into the press box at the games, he would stand on top of the press box to give “bird's eye” traffic reports. On Sunday mornings, he was the remote engineer for the Sunday morning church broadcasts. During the week, he was on-air as a radio DJ. John also wrote, produced, and hosted an award winning weekly radio interview show. All, while still in high school. On the television side of KWJB, he trained under the “old school” news reporters and added the job of TV and radio news reporter to his duties. He wrote and produced two prime time TV documentaries.
He became a Top 40 DJ at the legendary KLIF in Dallas, under the ownership of Gordon McLendon. John was in high demand as an emcee for local events and was named the most popular DJ in a survey in Dallas among high school and college students. His radio promotion experience includes participating in a historic bicycle race across Texas, billed at the time as the "largest radio promotion ever in radio.” John was the DJ representing KLIF in a bicycle race against the #1 DJ at KTSA in San Antonio and KILT in Houston. They started at the Alamo, raced to the KLIF Triangle Studio in downtown Dallas, then on to Herman Park in Houston. Fans followed the race as it was broadcast on the three stations, cheering them on and holding signs along the way. (That’s when he learned Texas is not flat.)
John provided voice imaging services for PAMS and TM Production’s jingle packages and voiced numerous national and local commercials. He frequently served as an on-air personality and auction host for PBS’s KERA TV in Dallas.
John worked for other stations, including being the #1 DJ in his drive-time slot at KRYS in Corpus Christi. (But he did lose the beard contest with his fellow DJs.) John also worked for McLendon’s WYSL in New York State. In Austin, he worked as a news reporter and weathercaster for KVUE television and KTVV (now KXAN) television. In Los Angeles, he taught broadcasting and helped out at KRQQ radio.
He also had entertainment investment interests over the years, including co-owner of contract rights and management of the late singer Isaac Hayes. His media work has provided opportunities to meet U.S. Presidents and attend White House events. He has covered both presidential political conventions, and in 2025, he was awarded the Texas Broadcast News Awards for Political Issues Coverage.
John is a board member of the Texas Association of Broadcasters and is a past president of the Golden Mic Club. He is a life member of the Texas Radio Hall of Fame. He is also a charter member of the Texas Broadcast Museum.
Jay Cresswell
Some people in radio are the secret weapons behind the scenes who make everyone else successful. This epitomizes Jay Cresswell, former Program Director at DFW's juggernaut Classic Hits KLUV. Jay began his Texas broadcasting journey at KLUV in 1989. He was hired away to Florida for six years, but the legendary Chuck Brinkman begged him to return to Dallas. For 27+ years, Jay served in a leadership role at KLUV. Many of those years he worked as Assistant Program Director and Music Director for both KLUV and sister station KVIL. After years of loyal dedication, Jay was awarded the Program Director’s chair at KLUV in 2015 where he enjoyed some of the station’s best ratings and success.
In addition to serving in station management, Jay also held a weekend airshift on KLUV and powered the Dallas Cowboys Radio Network as Executive Producer. Jay is a dedicated and loyal leader who is also extraordinarily popular in the hallways. He’s always there to lend an ear, and he shows tremendous support to those in need. He is a true gem, and one of the nicest people you will ever meet. Jay Cresswell is a behind-the-scenes mastermind who makes everyone around him the best they can be.
“So many people do not get the opportunity to have a job that they love for so long. I got to work with legends like Chuck Brinkman and Ron Chapman, became friends with Kidd Kraddick, Harmon and Evans and many other supremely talented professionals."
Dave E. Crockett
For more than four decades, Dave Crockett built a career spanning major-market radio, commercial production, voice acting, television, and film.
His broadcasting journey began immediately after high school at a small daytime-only radio station in Tucson, Arizona, signing on at sunrise and off at sunset. Just eighteen months later, he landed at KHFI-FM in Austin, Texas, his first taste of Texas radio and the beginning of a career that would eventually make Houston his broadcasting home.
Prior to coming to Houston, Crockett established himself in Atlanta, where he hosted morning drive at Kicks 101.5 FM and was honored as Radio Personality of the Year. His success there led Cap Cities/ABC to recruit him to Chicago's legendary WLS-FM, where he posted strong ratings in one of the nation's most competitive radio markets.
Crockett later returned to Texas to join legendary programmer and Texas Radio Hall of Famer Dene Hallam in launching Houston's "New 93Q Country" (KKBQ), a station that would become one of the most successful country radio operations in America. As the station's original morning personality, Crockett helped establish the sound, identity, and attitude that made 93Q a dominant force in Houston radio. He was first teamed with Nancy Alexander and later with newsman Alan Justice and Texas Radio Hall of Fame inductee Pam Ivey. The station's celebrated air staff also included Harley Colt and fellow Texas Radio Hall of Fame inductee Cactus Jack.
During Crockett's tenure, KKBQ earned the Country Music Association's Major Market Station of the Year Award four times and was recognized by Billboard Magazine as Major Market Country Station of the Year. With Dene Hallam's leadership and a talented air staff that included Crockett, Pam Ivey, Harley Colt, and Cactus Jack, 93Q grew into the highest-billing country radio station in America. Its influence extended far beyond Houston, becoming a model for country radio stations across the nation.
Following his years at KKBQ, Crockett joined Houston's KIKK-FM during the Young Country era before concluding a distinguished thirty-year career in full-time radio. Even then, he remained ahead of the curve, becoming one of the first broadcasters to launch and operate his own internet radio station years before streaming became commonplace.
While his radio career was winding down, his production career was accelerating. Crockett joined Bill Young Productions, working alongside former KKBQ colleagues Bob Oakman and (future Texas Radio Hall of Famer) Sean O'Neal, before launching his own production company. Over the years, he became the voice of more than 120 automotive dealerships nationwide, creating campaigns heard by millions of consumers across the United States.
His talents have also taken him in front of the camera. Crockett appeared in two episodes of the acclaimed NBC drama Friday Night Lights and has been featured in national advertising campaigns for Dish Network, Oscar Mayer, Verizon, and numerous other major brands. He also appeared in the music video for Jamie Walters' hit song "Hold On." Most recently, he was cast in the feature film "Mattress Mack."
Away from broadcasting, Crockett has pursued adventure with the same enthusiasm that defined his professional career. He has completed more than 205 skydives and has donated more than five gallons of blood, reflecting a lifelong commitment to both excitement and service.
Diane Day
Diane continues to be on-air at East Texas powerhouse KYKX 1057! 2026 in fact is Diane's 40th year at KYKX. She continues on-air middays on today's hot country favorite station KYKX and afternoons on KKUS 104.1 and 103.7 playing older country hits.
Diane majored in broadcasting at South Texas State University in San Marcos and began her radio career at KWTX FM in Waco in 1985. She soon returned to Longview where she went to High School. Diane worked at KCYY Y-100 in San Antonio from 2000-2002 as a full time promotions director, PD assistant and on-air fill in for all shifts. She voice tracked on Classic Country station KKYX as Lexie Daniels.
Diane enjoyed massive ratings as a morning show co-host along with Ken Curtis and Warren Bradley from the late 80's until the early 2000's. Diane annually is chosen by the public as "Favorite DJ" with Locals Love Us. She is currently nominated for the 2026 Radio Air Personality of the Year award from the Texas Country Music Association. The Industry Awards banquet will be announced July 23rd in Ft. Worth.
Radio is a passion for most on-air personalities, and Diane has given her heart to the community throughout the decades. In fact, at one point, she sat on 9 board of directors, helping fill the gap in the enormous non-profit world. She was a founding member of the Giants of the City, a banquet she helped start in the earlly 1990's to honor local law enforcement.
Diane's community involvement continues to be a big part of her presence. July last week she brought 6 different bands onstage in a 7 day span. Most of her off-site work is no charge. Giving back to the community is a huge part of the old-school belief Diane embodies that "we need to get in front of listeners and always give back when we see a need."
Paris Eley
Paris Eley, US Army veteran, recipient of the Bronze Star and Army Commendation Medals, began his Houston broadcast career in 1970 at historic KCOH RADIO 1430AM, the first Black music formatted radio station in Texas. Paris joined the station’s all-star lineup including Skipper Lee Frazier, Gee Gee Hill, King Hot Dog, and others. The station slogan was “the Heart and Soul of Houston.”
Shortly after his arrival Paris was promoted to Program Director of KCOH. During his tenure, Paris continued to promote successful community service programs and introduced fresh initiatives to expand the listening audience. Since young people were central to his efforts, he hired fan favorite Wash Allen as part of his plan from KYOK Radio. Paris believed that organizations focused on helping Black communities had a legitimate claim to public service ads on radio stations serving those neighborhoods.
He assisted these organizations by coordinating daylong fundraising broadcasts called Radiothons and played a key role in developing the KCOH Street Festival, an annual summer event held in Houston neighborhoods that brought out thousands of residents and listeners. Also, KCOH frequently provided music and entertainment for summer youth programs in city neighborhoods.
In 1974, Paris’s managerial style and radio experience brought him to the attention of corporate music executives at CBS RECORDS where he was hired as a local promotion manager and charged with finding creative ways to promote artists and music to gain airplay.
Paris’ success in executing these strategies resulted in his rise from middle management to various senior level and executive positions with other major record labels including A&M, CBS, ATLANTIC, and MOTOWN. Paris is swift to acknowledge that his success was the result of collaborative effort with competent, committed, and loyal team members, and a strong dedication to mentoring.
One of the more notable achievements occurred early during his tenure as VP of Promotions at CBS. The Black Music Promotion Team delivered the music industry’s first two Platinum singles by Black artists ( 2 million sales) for The Manhattans, “Kiss and Say Goodbye” and Johnny Taylor, “Disco Lady”).
Among his many accomplishments, Paris was intricately involved in the marketing and promotion of legendary and contemporary artists, including Lou Rawls Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Smoky Robinson, Stevie Wonder, Earth Wind & Fire, Marvin Gaye, Luther Van Dross, Patti LaBelle, Diana Ross, Johnny Gill, Boyz II Men, Randy Crawford, Shanice Wilson, Another Bad Creation (ABC), The Ojays, Barry White, Gladys Knight, and Brandy.
Currently, Paris is the General Manager of KCOH Radio THE SOURCE 1230 and host of The Morning Magazine Talk show from 9:00-11AM-MON-FRI, which reflects his programming philosophy.
While Paris’ accomplishments have taken him to fascinating places around the globe, he remains tethered to the idea that common unity is to be found through thoughtful and honest dialogue, and values that are essential to Houston and its Black communities.
John Frost
John Frost’s 45-year broadcast career includes two decades as an air personality, then as program director, corporate programming, and consulting for companies such as CBS, Gannett, Cap Cities, Westinghouse, and Sandusky. John was a part of the creative team for trendsetting formats such as Smooth Jazz, Young Country, sports radio, and Modern AC.
As a result of changes in FCC ownership regulations in the early 90’s, John was on the ground floor of consolidation at Paxson Communications’ six station cluster in Orlando, Florida, the first cluster to have stations ranking #1 in Women 25-54 and #1 in Men 25-54 in the same book.
John served with Alan Mason as Vice President of Programming for Paxson’s 47-station group headquartered in West Palm Beach, Florida, where John and Alan’s involvement with Christian radio began as a result of a tithe from Bud Paxson to WAY-FM. Mr. Paxson, founder of Home Shopping Network, believed that Christian radio could have the greatest impact if it embraced the strategic principles and disciplines of Paxson Communications.
In 1999, John and Alan formed Goodratings Strategic Services as a resource for Christian ministries. Over the last twenty years John has been involved in the significant growth of Contemporary Christian radio, being a part of developing some of America’s most successful Christian music stations including Z88.3 in Orlando, Salem’s Fish stations in Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Portland, CRISTA’s Spirit stations in Austin and Seattle, KLTY in Dallas, and KSBJ in Houston, as well as stations in Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
John is the co-creator and executive producer of the internationally syndicated “Keep the Faith,” sharing songs and stories of hope and Contagious Encouragement to almost two million listeners a week.
John helped create “You Think About That” for Steve Brown’s Key Life network, as well as the “Lead Like Jesus” radio campaign for Ken Blanchard, author of “The One Minute Manager” best sellers. The Gospel Music Association honored John in 2004 with the Scott Campbell industry achievement award. Radio and Records and Christian Radio Weekly have recognized John as one of the most influential people in the Christian music industry.
Ever comfortable behind the microphone and an avid baseball fan, John has served for almost 20 years as the semi-professional public address announcer for St. Louis Cardinals’ spring training in Jupiter, Florida, as well as the Cardinals’ and Marlins’ minor league teams through the summer.
Rex Gabriel
I met Rex Gabriel in 1989 when he was a young DJ in San Antonio. He was eager and funny, and there was something about him that made me believe he was going to become a major presence in Texas radio. I just did not know where.
About a year later, I learned that he had received the morning-show position at KNCN C101 in Corpus Christi. He went on to rule the airwaves there for a remarkable 36 years. Throughout that time, he continued to improve. He remained fearless, funny, and a genuinely kind person. I cannot imagine anyone more deserving of induction into the Hall of Fame.
Rex shared his story in his own words:
“I’m not above asking you for your vote! I’ve been the morning guy at C101 in Corpus Christi for over 36 years. Yes, the same show and shift.”
Rex’s community involvement includes:
- Working for years with CASA of the Coastal Bend, whose court-appointed special advocates speak on behalf of children in local courts
- Completing the 150-mile MS 150 bicycle ride five times to raise money for multiple sclerosis
- Creating art projects for First Friday, Breast Cancer Can Stick It, Real Men Wear Pink, and Bravo, which were auctioned to support women affected by breast cancer
- Creating the first hugging booth in the area for senior-care facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing families to safely hug their loved ones
- Working with the Jasani Smith Foundation to increase awareness of dangerous rip currents in the Coastal Bend
- Supporting Driscoll Children’s Hospital and Ronald McDonald House Charities through the “Pitching for a Cause” event
“Vote Steven ‘Rex’ Gabriel—yes, that’s my real name. It would mean the world to me.”
Jimmy “JD” Gonzalez
Career Highlights
- Began his broadcasting career at age 16 at KRYS-AM 1360 in Corpus Christi
- Became a Program Director at age 18
- Achieved the highest ratings in Corpus Christi history, a 19.1 share, while programming KZFM
- Hosted nights on legendary KXTN 107.5 in San Antonio, achieving a 20 share
- Launched KBBT 98.5 The Beat in San Antonio, which became a market leader within three months and remained dominant for more than a decade
- Served as Vice President of Programming for Univision Radio, overseeing 69 stations in 16 of the top 30 United States Hispanic markets and reaching 11 million listeners
- Launched La Grande 107.5 in Dallas–Fort Worth in 2013
- Founded FIERRO HD Puro Tejano, providing a global platform for Tejano artists with more than one million streaming listening hours annually
- Hosted the nationally syndicated Tejano Music Awards radio broadcast, airing on more than 100 stations
- Hosted the nationally syndicated television program Tejano Country
- Launched the first Spanish-language radiothon benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which later expanded nationwide and raised millions of dollars
- Served as an Advisory Committee member of the National Association of Broadcasters
- Served as an Advisory Board member of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
- Served as an Advisory Committee member of Neighborhoods Inc. Houston
- Was named Best Program Director in America multiple times by Radio Ink
- Received the 2024 Radio Ink Marketer of the Year Award
- Received the Medalla de Cortez recognizing leadership in Hispanic broadcasting
- Led stations that received Children’s Hospital Radiothon Station of the Year honors for supporting Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals
- Earned an Executive MBA from the University of Texas at San Antonio
- Actively supports the Texas Talent Musicians Association and mentors emerging Tejano artists
Biography
Jimmy (JD) Gonzalez is one of the most influential leaders in Spanish-language broadcasting, with a career spanning more than four decades. From launching major radio brands and achieving historic ratings success to leading programming for 69 stations reaching more than 11 million listeners nationwide, Gonzalez has helped shape the growth of Hispanic radio in Texas and across the United States.
Jimmy (JD) Gonzalez began his career in broadcasting at the age of sixteen in Corpus Christi, Texas after a high school career day introduced him to the radio industry. That opportunity led to his first job at KRYS AM 1360 while still in high school.
Within a year he was recruited to KITE Radio in Corpus Christi where he hosted mornings at the age of eighteen. He later returned to KRYS AM 1360 where he quickly rose through the ranks, becoming Program Director at eighteen while helping launch K99 in Corpus Christi. He was later hired to program KZFM Z95 in Corpus Christi where he delivered the highest ratings in the market's history with a remarkable 19.1 share. His early success led to his appointment as Program Director and morning host at KBFM B104 in the McAllen–Brownsville market where the station achieved ratings dominance.
In 1993 Tichenor Media recruited Gonzalez to San Antonio to host nights on legendary KXTN 107.5 where he achieved a 20 share in night ratings. While working in San Antonio he completed his studies and earned a Business Degree from the University of the Incarnate Word.
He later became Program Director of KXTN where he launched the first Spanish-language radiothon benefiting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital—an initiative that later expanded nationwide and raised millions for children battling cancer.
In 1999 Gonzalez launched KBBT 98.5 'The Beat' in San Antonio. The station became a market leader within three months and remained one of the market's top-performing stations for more than a decade. In 2001 he was promoted to Regional Vice President overseeing Spanish-language stations in Dallas, Houston, Austin, McAllen–Brownsville and San Antonio. In 2004 he moved to Houston to serve as Station Manager for Univision Radio's Houston cluster.
In 2006 Gonzalez was promoted to Vice President of Programming for Univision Radio where he oversaw programming for 69 stations across 16 of the top 30 Hispanic markets in the United States and Puerto Rico reaching more than 11 million listeners.
In 2012 CBS Radio recruited Gonzalez to lead its Hispanic radio strategy. Today he oversees Spanish-language programming including Mega 101 in Houston and La Grande 107.5 in Dallas–Fort Worth which he launched in 2013.
In 2016 Gonzalez launched FIERRO HD Puro Tejano providing Tejano artists with an important broadcast and streaming platform that now reaches audiences globally. Gonzalez has also been deeply involved with the Texas Talent Musicians Association helping preserve and promote Tejano music. He hosted the nationally syndicated Tejano Music Awards radio broadcast and the nationally syndicated television program Tejano Country.
He has received national recognition including multiple honors as Best Program Director in America by Radio Ink and Radio Ink's Marketer of the Year in 2024. He is also a recipient of the Medalla De Cortez.
In addition to his broadcasting career Gonzalez has served on the Advisory Committee of the National Association of Broadcasters, the Advisory Board of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and the Advisory Committee of Neighborhoods Inc. Houston. He earned an Executive MBA from the University of Texas at San Antonio while continuing his leadership career in broadcasting.
Outside of broadcasting Gonzalez is deeply committed to faith, family, and community service. He remains passionate about mentoring the next generation of broadcasters and supporting young Tejano artists. He and his wife Lorena continue to make Texas their home. Through innovation, mentorship, and service, Jimmy (JD) Gonzalez has helped shape the sound, culture, and community impact of Spanish-language radio in Texas for more than four decades.
Ric Gonzales
I walked into my hometown radio station in Victoria, Texas, 95-KVIC, and asked for an application. I filled it out. Handed it back to the receptionist and asked if I could get an interview with the PD, Dave Jagger. It was 1982. She informed me that it didn’t work that way. He’d be in touch with me. I simply said, “I thought…well…if I am here and he has a moment we could just meet now. She smiled and said, “He’s a very busy man. You need an appointment.” I asked if she could just call him and see if he had a few minutes. She said, “Dave’s not in.” I pointed to the in/out board next to her desk. “It says he’s in.” His magnetic marker was in the “in box”. She sighed and picked up the phone and said, “Uh…Dave there is young man here who filled out an application and “he’d like to get an interview.” She listened for few moments then, “Oh…uh…um…ok.” She hung up and said, “Have a seat. He’ll be right out.” I was given a chance to be the afternoon jock in my hometown and play the hits for the folks I went to school with.
From there I went to Corpus Christi, a very much larger metropolis by the bay. Hey back then that was a big city coming from Victoria. I went to KITE-FM, a lower powered great sounding hot hits FM fighting a 100,000 Hot Hits station. After a year the big 100,000 Watt Hot Hits Station hired me.
From there to Austin’s B93 FM a CHR fighting a legendary Hot Hits station. The station I was up against was K98.1 KHFI. After a four months doing nights with B93, KHFI my competition hired me for afternoon drive. I also became an Assistant PD and Production Director at KHFI. Oh and fell head over heels in love with their hot promotions director, Margaret, is now my wife.
From there I went to our sister station Magic 105.3 in San Antonio as Production director. It was an oldies station and at that time I was 26. Most of the songs were older than meLater we added 99.5 KISS and KLUP-AM. We were the first stations in the market to get a digital workstation.
November 2002, I went to work for CBS/Infinity in Austin with the task of restructuring the production department for 4 radio stations, Majic 95-FM, Mix 94.7, KQBT (The Beat), and KJCE-AM.
Loving a good challenge, three years later, I returned when Cox consolidated their East (99.5 KISS, Magic 105.3) and West stations, Y100, KONO AM/FM, KKYX, and KELZ. I became Creative Services Director for the group. For one year I split the week and worked at both locations while new studios were being built.
In 2008, I was tapped to help organize all of our 87 (at that time) radio stations’ prod directors and creative writers. We formed the “SWAT” Team. We share resources like creative for scripts, voice-overs for radio and our TV stations, and support each other from tech with editing software and knowledge regarding FTC and FCC regulations with regard to commercial production.
Ric’s many awards throughout his career
Radio And Production Awards Best Commercial San Antonio 2002, Addy awards 2004 Austin Texas, Addy Award at KZFM late 80’s, SAMY’s Award winner 2006, 2007, 2008, Radio And Production Best Commercial 1st Runner Up Austin, Radio and Production Awards Best Commercial Finalist Adelaide, Australia, Addy Awards Tulsa “Citation of Excellence” 2010.
Mark Grubbs
The Founder of Ranch Radio Group, Mark Grubbs, has been awarded The Pioneer of the Year Award from the Texas Association of Broadcasters for 2021. Mark has over 50 years in broadcast radio and with his innovative creativity is a leading example for others in Public Service. The Pioneer Broadcaster of the Year Award, TAB’s highest honor, recognizes an individual who has served in broadcasting for at least 25 years with a substantial portion of their career spent in Texas.
OSU
Tried Architecture – then graduated with a degree in Psychology. No Job Skill – worked selling ads summer of ’65 for college AM Station KOSU. Liked it – then found out you could get a degree in Radio/TV (not to mention a “Job Skill” and Mark went from a “C” student to the Deans Honor Roll). THE FLAMES OF PASSION HAD BEEN LIT and started a course that took Mark keys in Corpus Christi to WTIX, New Orleans, KTSA/KTFM in San Antonio.
Then came the learning experience found in Austin in 1987 when he signed on 94.7 as “Capitol FM.” Several formats later, the writing was on the wall. Austin wasn’t for him – but Kerrville and the Hill Country was. It was in Kerrville, in 1994, that The Ranch signed on and began what is now a 27-year Rodeo Legacy of Traditional Country Music.
Additional stations include, The River 106.1, The Fox 96.5 along with The Patriot in 102.1 and 104.3 and just last year, The Raptor 106.5. Bringing the total of signing on full power station and translator to eight (8). Today when “radio” is discussed in The Hill Country, The Ranch Radio Group is front and center!
Covid-19 Events
- Rallied around Hill Country Strong with remotes distributing yard signs, t-shirts, bumper stickers and face masks, and speaking of face masks
- With Covid – all area Volunteer Fire Departments cancelled their fund-raising events, such as fish fries and wild game dinners, so in response the RRG sold their station logoed face masks giving 100% of the funds raised to one lucky VFD of Mountain Home
- You will recall in the early months of Covid (March and April) area businesses were in a flux of redesigning their services. What did RRG do? A toll-free 1-800 number was opened inviting businesses to call and record their own statement as to their products, services, and hours of operation – all at no charge and under the banner of “Hill Country Strong”
- For the last 4-5 years Robert Earl Keen, who happens to live in Kerrville, hosts a free concert in the park on Independence Day. With Covid, it was cancelled, but here was another opportunity to serve the community. REK performed a concert from his recording hideaway and, you guessed it, the Ranch Radio Group carried it live!
Our final example of community involvement came this year in January with the cancellation of the 10th District Junior Livestock Show and Sale. For this event, some 3000+ 4-H and FFA students from across the Texas Hill Country work all year nurturing and caring for their Agricultural projects. The cancellation was a hard blow for these students. The Ranch Radio Group provided the directors of the District Show with a check for nearly $20,000 as a result of a 6-hour, First-Time Ever Radiothon. (Community leaders took calls...) It is this type of dedication to all our communities totaling 150,000 Texans, that the RRG has won the TAB’s Bonner McClane Award not once or twice, but seven times in its 27-year history.
John L. Hanson
Fifty-two years later and still jamming, playing the “Ole” school hits on KUTX radio station in Austin, Texas. “John Dee,” aka John L. Hanson, is still hosting the weekly Old School Happy Feet Dance Party for listeners in the Austin area and beyond. John was hired by KUT radio in 1974 and began producing a nightly program that gave personality and joy of music to a show on a National Public Radio station, which was usually thought of as reserved for news and public affairs. The dynamic show “Soul on FM” earned him and the station new audiences of listeners and the Best DJ in Texas award from “Texas Monthly Magazine” in 1976.
Hanson’s love of radio started as a teenager in his hometown of Detroit, Michigan. He began as a music programmer and youth reporter for the student station in his school. After high school graduation, he traveled to Austin, Texas, to attend Huston-Tillotson College (now Huston-Tillotson University), a historically black college established in 1875 and the first institution of higher learning in Austin, Texas.
Hanson landed a DJ slot at a small, low-wattage station KHRB in nearby Lockhart, where he offered a popular nightly program of jazz and soul music. In 1974, he was hired by KUT radio, where his first assignment was to produce a nightly program called “Soul on FM.” There was nothing like it on any other radio station, especially for late-night listeners of all backgrounds and ages, and it became an immediate success, increasing its audience and community standing. “I’d been doing radio since I was 16 years old, was having lots of fun and loved taking the audience along with me”, Hanson said.
In 1977, Hanson received a Minority Training Grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which he used to learn the ropes and process for setting up public affairs programming for KUT. Hanson focused on improving and expanding information about and for black communities, which was lacking at the time. This also brought KUT a reputation as one of the stations for reliable, balanced reporting on news affecting the black and brown communities. At the same time, Hanson acted as a substitute host for The Black American Sun, a public affairs program produced by the local public television station, KLRU-TV.
As a lifelong member of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), Hanson partnered with other black Austin journalists to hold community workshops to train minority organizations in the Austin Metropolitan area on how to effectively promote their programs and activities through news coverage (interviews), public affairs programming and Public Service Announcements (PSAs). While serving as a student advisor for NABJ and a mentor for UT/HTC students, Hanson was able to provide real life journalism opportunities for his mentees exposing them to on-the-job training. Hanson served as Regional Director for NABJ from 1987-1989 and Chairman of the Election Committee.
He soon created “Access,” a weekly, live, phone-in program on KUT, which allowed experts in various fields and endeavors to address the public about the intended impact on the Austin community. His reputation garnered the respect and participation of many community leaders.
In 1980, Hanson was promoted to the producer of “In Black America,” a nationally syndicated radio show. Hanson said the biggest challenge he faced producing this program was making it live up to its title and getting guests to agree to come on the show, since he was an unknown, new kid on the block. The program focuses on the African American experience and features interviews with influential Black leaders, authors, and public figures. “Once I had Yolanda King, Sonny Roland, Charlie Pride, and Nikki Giovanni on the show, booking guests got easier.”
Hanson has interviewed national and international leaders, including Coretta Scott King, Andrew Young, John Lewis, Shirley Chisholm, Jesse Jackson, and Dr. Maulana Karenga. Sports and entertainment stars included Julius Erving, Aretha Franklin, B.B. King, Muddy Waters, and Jamie Foxx, just to name a few. The weekly show, now a podcast, is the only nationally broadcast public affairs radio program with a target audience of black listeners and is one of KUT’s most popular podcasts. “After reading ‘Muhammad Speaks’ growing up, I saw a need in the community and wanted to make that connection. Because of the opportunities I earned, I was able to provide internships to Huston-Tillotson University and University of Texas students, encouraging them to focus on programming suitable for their communities, I hope.”
Since that time, Hanson has served in many roles at KUT, including interim General Manager on two occasions. His reputation and service to the community demonstrate his “hope” is his reality. After all these years, Hanson is still kicking it, and both the weekly “Old School Happy Feet Dance Party,” airing on Fridays, and “In Black America,” still airing on Tuesdays and Sundays, are still going strong.
He retired from KUT in 2011 but has continued to work on In Black America and host the Old School Dance Party on sister station KUTX 98.9 Friday afternoons from 4-7 p.m.
Because of the lives he has touched through his music and his public affairs programming, internships, guidance to future broadcasters, and stellar community service, I am nominating “John Dee”, aka John L. Hanson, for induction into the Texas Radio Hall of Fame. And I ask for your support and votes to honor this trailblazer's efforts to educate, entertain, and develop future talent through music and public affairs programming.
Anna de Haro
Anna de Haro's remarkable broadcasting career began in 1983 while she was a junior at Pan American University in Edinburg, Texas. Although her background was in theater and she had never envisioned a career in radio, she was hired as morning co-host alongside the legendary Richard "Mad Mexican" Ramirez on KBFM 104. The transition from the stage to morning radio came naturally, and under the mentorship of Ramirez, Program Director Steve Owens, and later Bob Mitchell, Anna quickly mastered every aspect of the radio business.
In 1987, Anna left the Rio Grande Valley to join KAPT 94.7 in Austin, working with Bob Perry. A year later, she went to El Paso, where she co-hosted mornings with Mike Martinez on Power 102 KPRR. These early opportunities allowed Anna to establish herself as one of Texas radio's rising stars.
In 1990, Anna moved to San Antonio, partnering with Sonny Melendrez to create a highly successful morning show on KTFM Hot 103. Three years later, renowned programmer Pat McMahon recruited her to Dallas-Fort Worth's KDMX Mix 102.9. Anna initially hosted middays before transitioning to mornings with Bobby Mercer, where she became one of the most recognizable and trusted voices in North Texas radio.
Reflecting on Anna's impact, Pat McMahon said:
"Anna de Haro is the definition of a broadcast professional. As an elite on-air talent, she dominated the airwaves with major ratings wins in three of Texas's largest markets: El Paso, San Antonio, and Dallas-Fort Worth. Inside the station, Anna led by example as a collaborative, prepared, and inspiring colleague. Having served as Anna's Program Director on three separate occasions, I have seen her excellence firsthand and am deeply proud to count her as a lifelong friend."
Following her successful partnership with Mercer, Anna teamed with Jeff Elliott on KDMX in the early 2000s, helping shape one of the station's most memorable eras.
Jeff Elliott recalled:
"Having shared a microphone with Anna for more than five years, I watched her do what only legendary broadcasters can do—make millions of listeners feel as though she was speaking directly to them. Her relationship with the DFW audience wasn't built solely on ratings; it was built on trust, authenticity, and a genuine passion for serving her community. Great radio stations are defined by voices that leave a lasting imprint, and Anna's body of work proves she doesn't just belong on the air—she belongs in the Hall of Fame."
Most recently, Anna spent three years as co-host alongside Texas radio icon Bo Roberts on Lone Star 92.5 KZPS. Roberts believes Anna's Hall of Fame recognition is long overdue.
"Anna de Haro? Dat girl's a pro. She should've been inducted a long time ago. She's the First Lady of Texas Radio. So, for the Hall of Fame, ya gotta put in the name of Anna de Haro."
Over the course of a distinguished career spanning more than four decades in Texas broadcasting, Anna has become one of the most respected and enduring personalities in the industry. She has spent 33 years serving the Dallas-Fort Worth market, including the last 27 years with iHeartMedia. In addition to her on-air roles, Anna has served as Public Affairs Director for six Dallas-Fort Worth stations—KHKS, KDMX, KEGL, KDGE, KZPS, and KFXR—demonstrating leadership that extends far beyond the microphone.
Billy the Kidd, host of Billy the Kidd in the Morning on Mix 102.9, has worked alongside Anna for years and witnessed firsthand the influence she has had on the Dallas market.
"Anna is not just a great talent; she's an incredible personality—something our industry desperately needs. I was fortunate to work with her for years and watch her perform at the highest level both on and off the air. She is truly one of a kind."
While Anna's broadcasting accomplishments alone would merit Hall of Fame consideration, her impact on the North Texas community is equally extraordinary. Throughout her career, she has dedicated countless hours to supporting charitable organizations and causes, serving as a host, emcee, moderator, volunteer, and advocate.
Anna has lent her voice and platform to organizations including the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Children's Miracle Network, Susan G. Komen Foundation, American Cancer Society, Alzheimer's Association, Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, Attitudes & Attire, the Red Cross of North Texas, Project Transformation, and many others. She has moderated community and corporate events, organized iHeartRadio Dallas' 9/11 Day of Service, and volunteered with organizations such as Austin Street Center, Hope Supply Co., the North Texas Food Bank, and Rebuilding Together Dallas.
Beyond Texas, Anna's distinctive voice can be heard nationwide through commercial and corporate voiceover work for major clients including Bank of America, American Airlines, and Treasure Bay Casino & Resort.
For more than 40 years, Anna de Haro has exemplified excellence in broadcasting. Her success across multiple Texas markets, her longevity and influence in Dallas-Fort Worth radio, her leadership within the industry, and her unwavering commitment to community service have left an indelible mark on Texas broadcasting.
Anna de Haro's career reflects the very qualities the Texas Radio Hall of Fame was established to honor. Her legacy as a broadcaster, mentor, community advocate, and trusted voice makes her exceptionally deserving of induction into the Texas Radio Hall of Fame Class of 2026.
Frank Hicks
Frank Hicks had a long and distinguished broadcast career in radio and TV, with over 65 years (1948 – 2014) in the business in Houston. Frank was a prominent fixture in Houston radio and TV audio engineering, especially regarding radio work in sports broadcasting. He worked with many Hall inductees. His broadcasting work reached around the world (Apollo 13 recovery mission), all over the US and Canada (sports broadcasting) and was impactful in Texas (Dallas and San Antonio sports markets) and particularly the Houston market where he was the Houston Rockets radio engineer for 40 years, Rice University football radio engineer for 30 years and the single radio engineer for the Houston Comets during their twelve seasons of existence. Frank worked audio for some of the most notable announcers. He ran audio for 22 of the top 50 sports broadcasters as determined by The American Sportscasters Association in 2009. He retired in 2014 after a stroke and passed away in 2023. He had been nominated a couple of times for the Hall before he passed. He was most deserving then and still deserving to be recognized now.
Frank was widely known around the US as the “go to” man for broadcast engineering services in Houston from about 1980 until 2014. He worked with multiple radio networks such as Mutual Radio and Mieuli and Associates and worked directly with professional sports teams or others needing broadcast services. He provided radio broadcast services for virtually all sports teams that played in Houston including indoor soccer, indoor football, world football league, pro ice hockey, college basketball, college baseball, high school football playoffs, etc. He worked on garden shows with TRHOF’s Neil Sperry, sports talk shows at the Houston Superbowl fan experiences, and other single production broadcasts. As noted earlier, Frank went downrange on the USS IWO JIMA as part of the recovery of the Apollo 13 astronauts after splashdown. He was responsible for audio feeds of both TV and radio coming from the ship.
In his early career at KLEE (subsequently became KILT), Frank engineered broadcasts of Houston wrestling from the Houston Auditorium, Fat Stock Show and Rodeo, Sunday church sermons, Friday night high school football, and the dedication of the Battleship Texas at the San Jacinto battleground from the top of the monument under the star. His only announcing experience came during a Houston Buffs baseball game in about 1951 when he called the first inning before the announcer made it to the stadium. Frank worked at KLEE during the time when local radio stations produced live music shows in the studios. In 1955, Elvis dropped by the KPRC-TV studios and, as was custom at the time, a recording of Elvis was taped in the studio with Frank on the audio board.
Frank has been recognized for his superior work with three nominations for an Emmy (1974, 1975 and 1988), winning one in 1988. While the work recognized by Emmys was for television, the nominations and award demonstrate his superior production work even when engineering radio broadcasts. The Rice football broadcast booth at Rice Stadium was named "The Frankie Hicks Rice Radio Booth" in 1997 for his dedication and service to their program. When he passed away, there were several tributes on local Houston TV stations and on radio by sports broadcasters during games.
JoJo & Patches
James “Patches” Paczkowski & Jo Jo Cerda
JoJo & Patches from FM100/KTEX in Harlingen/McAllen/Brownsville! JoJo & Patches from FM100/KTEX in Harlingen/McAllen/Brownsville!
This duo was the #1 Country show in the Rio Grand Valley for over 17 years. Not to mention they were one of the best PD/MD duos in the Country radio business. JoJo is STILL the PD & morning guy at KTEX to this day (and still #1 after 23 years!). Patches retired in December of 2019 and passed away unfortunately in 2021.
They are South Texas legends. HUGE impact in a market that serves over 1 million people!
Sam Jones
Samuel Jarvis Jones is a radio broadcaster/announcer whose career spans more than four decades in Texas. Beginning as a radio announcer while attending the University of Texas at Austin, Jones built a career progressing through nearly every facet of the radio industry including disc jockey, sports broadcaster, music director, program director, account executive, general sales manager, and general manager.
Over his career, Jones helped shape the communications landscape of Bryan–College Station and the Brazos Valley earning him recognition as one of the region's most respected communications professionals.
Education
University of Texas at Austin
Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Radio–Television–News
Graduated with honors, May 1975
General Sales Manager
Bryan Broadcasting/Bryan Broadcasting Publications
Bryan–College Station, Texas
June 1992–October 2017
- Directed sales operations for WTAW-AM, KNDE-FM, KZNE-AM, KPWJ-FM, KAGC-AM, and KVMK-FM
- Oversaw revenue development, advertising strategies, and sales-team management
- Managed advertising sales for as many as 12 local magazine publications annually
- Voiced station promotions for Texas A&M athletics
- Wrote and produced advertiser commercials
Account Executive
KPEZ-FM, Clear Channel Communications
Austin, Texas
February 1992–June 1992
- Managed advertising accounts
- Developed marketing solutions for Austin-area clients
- Wrote and produced advertiser commercials
General Manager
KTAM-AM/KORA-FM, Clear Channel Communications
Bryan–College Station, Texas
September 1989–February 1992
- Directed sales, programming, engineering, budgeting, personnel management, and community relations
- Strengthened the stations’ market presence and business performance
General Sales Manager
KTAM-AM/KORA-FM, Clear Channel Communications
Bryan–College Station, Texas
March 1988–September 1989
- Led station sales efforts
- Supervised account executives
- Increased station billing
- Strengthened client relationships
- Wrote and produced advertiser commercials
Account Executive
KTAM-AM/KORA-FM, Clear Channel Communications
Bryan–College Station, Texas
January 1986–March 1988
- Developed advertising campaigns for area businesses
- Wrote and produced advertiser commercials
General Manager
KKYS-FM/KAGC-AM
Bryan–College Station, Texas
January 1985–January 1986
- Served as the inaugural General Manager of KKYS-FM following the launch of its new signal
- Directed the station’s successful move into the Bryan–College Station market
- Increased station billing consistently from month to month
Morning-Show Host “Muck” and Account Executive
WTAW-AM
Bryan–College Station, Texas
April 1981–January 1985
- Co-hosted the Muck & Mire Morning Show six days a week
- Sold radio advertising after the morning show each day
- Wrote and produced advertiser commercials
Program Director
WTAW-AM
Bryan–College Station, Texas
March 1978–August 1979
- Directed station programming and on-air content
- Managed air-talent schedules and station promotions
- Voiced station promotions and advertiser commercials
Music Director
WTAW-AM
Bryan–College Station, Texas
April 1977–March 1978
- Oversaw music programming and playlist development
- Voiced advertiser commercials
Sports Director
WTAW-AM
Bryan–College Station, Texas
June 1976–August 1979
- Provided play-by-play coverage of A&M Consolidated High School football
- Provided play-by-play coverage of A&M Consolidated boys’ basketball
Co-Host “Mire,” Muck & Mire Morning Show
WTAW-AM
Bryan–College Station, Texas
June 1976–August 1979
- Co-hosted one of the region’s most popular morning programs
- Broadcast Monday through Saturday from 6:00 to 8:30 a.m.
Disc Jockey
WTAW-AM
Bryan–College Station, Texas
November 1975–August 1979
- Hosted the morning air shift from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday
- Worked a production shift following the program
- Voiced advertiser commercials
Disc Jockey
KPET-AM
Lamesa, Texas
September 1975–November 1975
- Hosted the afternoon air shift from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday
- Worked a production shift voicing advertiser commercials and station promotions
Part-Time Disc Jockey
KLBJ-FM
Austin, Texas
December 1974–April 1975
- Hosted Saturdays from 7:00 a.m. to noon
- Hosted Sundays from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and again from 6:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.
Part-Time Disc Jockey
WTAW-AM
Bryan–College Station, Texas
June 1974–August 1974
- Hosted weekday evenings from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. during the summer before his senior year at the University of Texas
- Hosted weekend shifts from noon to 6:00 p.m.
Joyce King
Joyce King is a native Texan, a proud Fifth Ward Houstonian. She grew up spending summers there, and in Sunnyside, with “a thousand cousins” listening to Wash Allen on KYOK Radio. Later, her parents relocated to North Louisiana, where King, as a senior in high school, was chosen to help launch a pilot broadcast program as the first “teen reporter” for the city of Shreveport. It was a job she initially rejected. As an editor for her school newspaper, King wanted to be taken seriously as a writer. The only student recommended for the unique role of reporting on what was happening at the city's largest high school, King agreed to accept the challenge that changed the trajectory of her senior year and... her life.
Adopting the nickname, "Miss Strawberry Kool-Aid," King's voice was heard on the number one station in town, each day before school, with KOKA Radio’s legendary morning man "Gay Poppa.” While working on the air, King studied communications at Louisiana State University. Eventually, King would switch to news, becoming the first Black woman to work for KWKH, "The Radio Ranch," a country music giant that boasted a 24-hour fulltime news department. Under the tutelage of veteran newsman John Lee, she covered everything from crime to local government and was part of the weekly rotation to host the station's popular news program, "Party Line," a live, call-in show that allowed King to hone interview skills later credited for helping her stay in charge of tough interviews with newsmakers, including athletes, actors, politicians and everyday people.
Before leaving Louisiana for good, King was one of two broadcasters voted ‘best personalities’ in the state. The other was Frank Page, who also worked at KWKH Radio, years before King arrived there. Page hosted "The Louisiana Hayride," credited with introducing the world to a young man named Elvis Presley.
King returned to Houston, eager to put her skills to work. Some predicted she would never be able to land a job in the nation’s fourth largest market. King grabbed a couple of part-time gigs before being snatched up by KMJQ, "Majic 102," the number one rated station in Houston. She worked with the likes of Dee Anne Collins, Alvin "Boom-Boom" Jackson, Jim "Snowman" Snowden, Greg Mack, H. F. Stone, Ross Holland, and the World-Famous Dr. J. Thomas Smith. Her first year at KMJQ, King was youngest voice on the airwaves, and the station was named Marconi "Radio Station of the Year." King also spent four years with Westinghouse, Group W, in Houston, where KODA was the first FM station in the country to broadcast NFL games when it became home of the Houston Oilers.
After stints in Southern California, once again, Joyce King returned to Texas, vowing to find her place without knowing a single soul in a new market. She quickly came to the attention of Chuck Rhodes, then-program director for KVIL Radio in Dallas. At the interview, Rhodes told King that program manager, Ron Chapman, was a fan, to which King asked, "Who is that?" It did not take long to find out exactly how Chapman being a fan would impact King’s career.
In the KVIL News department, King worked with Peggy Sears, Mitch Carr, and her longtime co-anchor, Bob Morrison. She often snagged exclusives for KVIL, including one with actor Danny Glover, just before he boarded a plane to South Africa for the historic election of Nelson Mandela. Glover was one of 25 United States election monitors.
While King is remembered for doing everything at KVIL, from screaming louder than jackpot prize winners to her extemporaneous breaking news without a script, King is perhaps most remembered by Dallas fans, and across the country, for her work at CBS Radio, the network in New York, and at KRLD Radio (Dallas), where she worked with News Director, Jack Hines, and her longtime colleague from KVIL, Jody Dean. It was Hines who assigned King to cover the Jasper, Texas dragging trials, a case with which King’s name is forever synonymous. Hines allowed listeners to sample her “Reporter’s Notebook” about the people of Jasper along with the balanced, nuanced coverage that helped catapult ratings. Her intimate journey, and notes, morphed into a book, which was published by Penguin Random House in June 2002. Years later, Hate Crime: The Story of a Dragging in Jasper, Texas was made into an Audible book and read by the great Broadway actress, Jennifer Van Dyck. It was featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show in 2003.
King's last day on the air at KRLD was in early 2000. It would not be the last time Texas radio fans heard her voice. In 2004, King agreed to serve as a co-host for The Writers' Studio, an interview program recorded in front of a live studio audience, primarily at Theater Three in Dallas, then played back on public radio stations across Texas. KERA FM and Yolette Garcia, was lead producer for the program, which had several underwriters and supporters, most notably The Writer's Garret. King and co-host Randy Gordon interviewed bestselling authors who sold out every show, including Scott Turow, Bret Easton Ellis, Walter Mosley, Joan Didion, and James Ellroy, author of L. A. Confidential and one of the people who had endorsed King's book, Hate Crime.
The same teen reporter who insisted on merging voice and pen has proven that she was more than equipped to do both. In 2008, King became the first non-lawyer ever invited to serve on the Executive Board of Directors for the Innocence Project of Texas, invited by Jeff Blackburn, then-chief counsel. This great work allowed King to meet Barry Scheck, and labor alongside 12 "exonerees" when Dallas was the "DNA Exoneration Capital of America," as they fought valiantly to pass the most comprehensive compensation package in America—The Tim Cole Compensation Law. King was asked by Gov. Rick Perry to serve as his representative on CPRIT, the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, a grant machine dedicated to finding a cure. Her proudest moment at CPRIT was creating ideas to serve ordinary Texans dealing with cancer, by helping them obtain gift cards for transportation, medication, and doctors.
King's work has been featured on CNN, NPR, BET, MSNBC, Good Morning Texas, Book TV, and The Oprah Winfrey Show. Her writing is cherished across Texas in the Houston Chronicle, USA Today, Salon, Dallas Magazine, and for the popular "Hidden History" series published by The Dallas Morning News.
While working for KVIL Radio, King received two Katie Awards from the Dallas Press Club for writing and narrating pieces on the import of history for all ages. Being a broadcaster and using her voice has helped to open every door she has been blessed to walk through. Which is…the amazing power of radio. Joyce King lives in Texas.
Kevin Kline
I still remember the first time Kevin Kline and his radio partner, Tim Tuttle, walked into the KKBQ conference room to be introduced as the station’s new morning show. Tim was outgoing and confident, carrying most of the conversation, while Kevin seemed quiet and reserved. None of us could have imagined that the soft-spoken newcomer would go on to leave one of the biggest marks in Houston radio history—not only through his talent behind the microphone, but through his relentless work ethic, genuine heart, and unwavering passion for serving others.
Over the course of a remarkable 30-year broadcasting career, Kevin Kline entertained millions, helped build one of the nation’s most successful country radio brands, and, perhaps most importantly, changed countless lives through the work of the Snowdrop Foundation, the nonprofit he and his wife, Trish, founded to fight pediatric cancer.
Shortly after celebrating his 51st birthday, Kevin announced he would be stepping away from KKBQ after 15 unforgettable years on Houston’s airwaves. On his final Friday broadcast, he signed off for the last time, closing the chapter on a career that few in the industry could ever hope to match.
Early in his career, Kevin set a personal goal: to work in a Top 10 radio market before turning 40. Characteristically, he exceeded that dream, arriving in Houston—a Top Five market—at just 35 years old. During his tenure at KKBQ, the station captured three Country Music Association Awards, an Academy of Country Music Award, and four prestigious Marconi Awards, achievements that reflected not only exceptional talent but also the culture of excellence and teamwork Kevin helped create.
Yet, as Kevin reflects on his career, it is not the awards or ratings that mean the most to him. It is the opportunity radio gave him to make a difference.
That mission began on December 15, 2005, during a live broadcast from Texas Children’s Cancer Center, when Kevin met 15-year-old Chelsey Campbell. Chelsey had been given just a 10 percent chance of surviving long enough to celebrate her 16th birthday, yet her courage, optimism, and determination left an indelible impression on Kevin and Trish. Inspired by her extraordinary spirit, they created the Snowdrop Foundation in her honor.
After Chelsey passed away in December 2006 at the age of 16, Kevin ran his first marathon the following month in her memory. What started as one man running for one little girl grew into a worldwide movement. Today, Snowdrop has raised more than $5 million for pediatric cancer research and scholarships benefiting college-bound pediatric cancer patients and childhood cancer survivors. Fittingly, Chelsey would have celebrated her 36th birthday today, June 11—a reminder that one life can inspire thousands more.
“The most emotional part about walking away is the charity work that radio has allowed me to do,” Kevin says. “When I ran my first marathon, there was only one person in the world wearing a Snowdrop shirt that said, ‘I’m running for Chelsey.’ Now we have over 1,000 runners worldwide wearing Snowdrop shirts.”
Kevin’s dedication to that mission has led him to accomplish feats that most would consider impossible. Over the years, he has:
- Completed 37 marathons and ultramarathons across 21 states, Europe, and South Africa.
- Twice run solo across the Grand Canyon, from the South Rim to the North Rim and back.
- Run 482 miles across Texas in just 13 days, raising $200,000 for pediatric cancer initiatives.
- Completed a grueling 24-hour treadmill run before immediately running another 13.1 miles to Texas Children’s Cancer Center, covering a total of 90.15 miles.
- Been featured in Runner’s World magazine and highlighted in the documentary film Dear Chelsey.
- Earned national recognition through honors including the Children’s Miracle Network National Radio Supporter of the Year Award, finalist distinctions from GQ and People magazines, and induction into the prestigious Energizer Keep Going Hall of Fame.
Perhaps no challenge better symbolizes Kevin’s determination than his 2019 journey across Alaska’s infamous Dalton Highway. Just eight days before his 50th birthday, he set out to become the first person ever to run the northernmost 300 miles of the highway in winter. Facing temperatures approaching 40 degrees below zero, endless darkness, and treacherous ice-covered roads, Kevin carried an eight-pound backpack filled with the names of children battling pediatric cancer—a powerful reminder that every step was taken for someone else.
Despite all of his accomplishments, Kevin’s advice to the next generation of broadcasters is remarkably simple:
"Don’t worry about the money. If you’re good enough, the money will come. Worry about the passion. Make sure it’s something you love doing—something you would get up every day and do for free.”
That philosophy has defined his career. Kevin Kline never simply worked in radio—he used it as a platform to inspire, to unite communities, and to give hope to families facing their darkest days.
Reflecting on his extraordinary journey, Kevin remains grateful for every opportunity the industry gave him:
“This 30-year ride has been a blast. It has been personally meaningful and gratifying, and the ride has changed our lives in ways we never imagined. Trish and I know how lucky and blessed we are to have had this long, incredible career. Many who are fortunate enough to get into this highly competitive industry don’t last 30 months. To have had an audience to entertain for 30 years is something I have never taken for granted.”
For those of us fortunate enough to have worked alongside him, Kevin’s legacy will not be measured solely by ratings, awards, or broadcasts. It will be measured by the lives he touched, the hope he created, and the enduring example he set of what can happen when talent is matched with humility, compassion, and purpose.
Tim McDermott
With more than 45 years in broadcasting and over 26 consecutive years as President and General Manager of KSBJ, Tim McDermott has built one of the most distinguished careers in Texas radio.
Before joining KSBJ, he served as Program Director and hosted afternoon drive programs in Waco (KBBW) and Austin (KIXL), establishing a reputation as a talented broadcaster and leader. His tenure at KSBJ ranks among the longest and most successful leadership runs in Houston radio history.
After becoming General Manager in 1992, Tim guided KSBJ through a remarkable era of growth and influence. Under his leadership, the station launched its well-known “God Listens” campaign and expanded its weekly audience from approximately 119,000 listeners to more than 800,000, at times surpassing one million. Annual revenue grew from $750,000 to more than $15 million, while staff size increased from 10 employees to more than 100. KSBJ became the nation’s largest non-commercial Christian radio station, earning numerous honors as Station of the Year from the Gospel Music Association, National Religious Broadcasters, and Christian Music Broadcasters. Tim also led the acquisition of additional FM signals serving Victoria, Lake Jackson, and Bay City, and 2016 spearheaded the purchase of a second major Houston FM station, resulting in the launch of NGEN Radio.
In 1999, Tim launched Enter His Gates, a Sunday morning worship program that became one of the most successful and influential radio features in Houston. For 19 years, the program consistently ranked among the city’s top-rated Sunday more broadcasts, with more than half of KSBJ’s weekly audience tuning in. Its popularity and impact led other stations across Texas to adopt similar formats, extending its influence far beyond Houston. Although the program is no longer broadcast on KSBJ, its legacy continues through KSWP in Lufkin, where it remains on the air today.
Tim believed radio could be more than a broadcast medium-it could be a catalyst for community transformation. Under his leadership, KSBJ intentionally expanded its presence throughout the Houston area, investing in staff, resources, and community engagement initiatives. Whether responding to times of crisis or supporting major community events, KSBJ became a trusted and visible force across the region. Through these efforts, the station evolved into a unifying hub for Houston’s Christian community.
To further strengthen KSBJ’s community impact, Tim established a President’s Council composed of civic, business, educational, and ministry leaders from across the Houston area. The council provided insight and partnership opportunities that helped the station better serve the city. Under Tim’s leadership, KSBJ developed meaningful relationships with numerous nonprofit organizations and community initiatives, including the MS150 and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, helping make a lasting difference throughout the region.
Tim’s commitment to collaboration extended beyond KSBJ. At a time when radio stations were often viewed as competitors, he brought Christian broadcasts together to serve a greater purpose. He established a fellowship of Houston-area Christian radio general managers, uniting leaders from KHCB, KTEK, KJIC, KKHT, and other stations for quarterly meetings. The group launched cooperative citywide initiatives that demonstrated the power of partnership over competition. This innovative model attracted national attention and was featured in a leading broadcasting industry publication.
Beyond his work with Christian broadcasts, Tim played an active role in Houston’s broader media community. He was a dedicated member of the Houston Association of Radio Broadcasters (HARB), supporting efforts to strengthen the industry and advance excellence in broadcasting. He also served on KPRC Channel 2’s selection panel for the prestigious Jefferson Awards, recognizing outstation community service and civic leadership.
Although officially retired from day-to-day station leadership, Tim’s influence on broadcasting continues today. He remains a trusted advisor to radio stations across Texas, has served on national broadcasting boards, and has mentored broadcasters throughout the United States and around the world. His career has been defined not only be remarkable growth and innovation, but by a lifelong commitment to serving listeners, strengthening communities, and investing in future generations of broadcasters.
Charlie McGregor
There are broadcasters—and then there are trust builders. Charlie McGregor belongs in that rarest category of all: the kind of voice a community doesn’t just recognize but relies on. For more than 65 years, across small towns, county lines, morning drives, school gymnasiums, and courthouse squares, Charlie McGregor has stood as a living definition of what Texas "smaller-market" radio is - when it is at its absolute best.
In that span, Charlie McGregor became more than a broadcaster—he became the most trusted man in his community, a constant presence whose voice has carried through generations of families who grew up with him, raised their children with him, and now hear him again through their grandchildren’s radios and now - their streaming devices!
In an industry that has changed formats, owners, technologies, and platforms constantly, Charlie has remained one of the most constant and trusted figures in the history of his market - in part, because he never confused radio with a "radio-show". To him, it has always about genuine and sincere service.
Attending Sam Houston with a major in Education, Charlie was drawn to broadcasting in the early 1960s, entering our industry not through glamour and a desire to be in "show-biz" - but through dedication to service and grit.
It all began at KMIL in Cameron, Texas, where he learned every single "nook-and-cranny" of our business - especially on-air communication, sports broadcasting, hosting, and street-level sales. In those early days, Charlie learned a lesson that has led to defining his entire career: smaller-market radio only works when the broadcaster understands one simple truth—you are not above the community, you are the critical part - the cog that can cohesively glue and hold a community together.
Those early years shaped him. They taught him that trust is not given by a station name or signal strength nor how large or small the population... trust it is earned daily, through consistency, honesty, and presence. Charlie continues to carry that philosophy forward in everything he touches and everyone he encounters.
In 1984, he assembled and headed the group that launched KRXT 98.5 in Rockdale, Texas (right next-door to Cameron, TX), expanding not just a station, but his core premise: that local radio truly matters, and is always owned entirely by the very people that it serves.
For 65 years, Charlie McGregor has perfectly exemplified what it means to serve a community as a broadcaster. His career has never been defined by distance from his audience, but by proximity to them. From Friday night high-school football in Milam and Lee Counties under stadium lights, to those county’s fairs, to the agricultural reports that mattered to working families, to breaking local news in the town square.
Charlie McGregor sets the standard for what a true Texas local radio station should be. In his world, radio was never just programming—it is about meaningful presence. It's also about showing up when it matters, and showing up even when it doesn’t make headlines.
After selling KRXT in Rockdale in early last year (2025), Charlie did not step away from his calling. Today, he continues delivering live morning local news and community segments on KMIL Cameron, TX, primarily serving Milam, Lee, and Williamson counties Charlie McGregor is the living embodiment of a small-town Texas broadcaster at their finest.
YES! Charlie McGregor is STILL going strong on the very same soil where his journey began, back in August of 1961. Sixty-five years later, he is still there. Still on the air. Still trusted. Still home.
For his unmatched lifelong longevity, his unwavering integrity, and his multi-generational impact on the community that he is still serving, it is with great respect and admiration that I submit this genuine and heartfelt (and passionate....can you tell?) testimonial.
Hank Moore
Hank Moore is one of the most innovative and influential figures in Texas radio history, a broadcaster whose work helped shape programming formats, preserve music history, and elevate the role of radio in public service.
Beginning in 1959 at KTBC in Austin, Moore pioneered one of Texas radio's earliest oldies programs, helping establish a format that would later become a staple of stations across America. He continued that tradition of innovation throughout his career, launching Texas' first soul oldies show at KMJQ/Houston in 1978, developing an oldies format at KULF/Houston in 1980, and introducing the state's first country oldies show at KENR/Houston in 1981. His programming vision demonstrated radio's unique ability to preserve musical heritage while attracting new generations of listeners.
Beyond entertainment programming, Moore was a pioneer in public affairs broadcasting. He created and produced more than 150 radio documentaries exploring music, culture, history, and public issues. Several of these productions have been recognized by inclusion in the archives of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. As a music historian and educator, he also developed and taught one of the nation's first college-level courses on The History of Rock 'n' Roll, further documenting the vital relationship between radio and popular music.
The leadership, communication skills, and commitment to public service that defined his radio career later carried into a remarkable national and international career. He served as an advisor to President Lyndon B. Johnson, authored legislation, became a globally recognized business strategist, and wrote fourteen books, seven of which were nominated for the Pulitzer Prize. Yet throughout those achievements, Moore never left behind the industry that launched his career and remained one of radio's most enthusiastic ambassadors.
For more than six decades, Hank Moore has championed the power of broadcasting to inform, educate, entertain, and inspire. His groundbreaking programming innovations, contributions to radio history, commitment to public affairs broadcasting, and lifelong advocacy for the industry have earned him a lasting place among the pioneers of Texas radio.
John “The Lama” Oakes
I am so glad that The Texas Radio Hall Of Fame hcame up with a new category for small and medium market stations. This is the 4th year I have submitted this nomination and hopefully this is the year for The Lama. I understand that if you don’t live in the Waco listener area there is a good chance you have never had the pleasure of listening to The Lama. I guess to be honest that might have hurt his chances getting in, because when you stay at one station for 35 years, nobody outside the Waco listening area might be familiar with him.
But in Waco Texas everyone knows The Lama (John Oakes). He was on the air at KWTX 97.5 for 35 years. For 25 years he did afternoon drive, pulling strong numbers for the station during his time there. That just doesn't happen often. In Waco, he was the person you listened to in the afternoon for 25 years.
I had the privilege of working with him for a couple of years at KWTX. He was a perfectionist, that would make anything he was involved with come out perfect. A very generous man as well. Involved in a number of local charities including St Jude and many others. One of the most talented air personalities I ever worked with.
John Oakes started working at KWTX-FM in 1980 and became a Waco institution over the course of his 35 years there, the last 25 of which were in afternoon drive with double digit ratings. He also served as APD and MD for most of his tenure. Please consider voting for this great guy. He really deserves it. You may not know much about the Waco market, but The Lama is a legend in Waco. And he should be in the Texas Radio Hall Of Fame. Let’s make it happen this year.
Ray Odom
Ray Odom was a pioneering Texas radio personality and future station owner who made quite an impact throughout a long career in broadcasting.
He was born in Coleman, Texas and after serving in the Navy in World War 2 he went to broadcasting school and was hired by his hometown station---KSTA Coleman where he did everything on the air. He was a disc jockey who played country music. His love of all kinds of sports led him to host a popular sports show and did lots of local high school football and baseball play by play. At one point he would re-create major league baseball games in the studio and listeners thought they came from a major league stadium.
Ray's impact and popularity in Coleman radio caught the attention of the owner of KRBC in Abilene where he was hired on with more salary. Ray's popularity also soared in Abilene when he and the station started booking major country music acts from Nashville and Dallas. These shows kept KRBC very profitable. He began to expand booking major country music acts with a partner--A.V. "Bam" Bamford who represented singers like HANK WILLIAMS and other Grand Ole Opry stars of the day. Ray Odom continued to be a very popular personality at larger stations further west. He began owning radio stations in the mid-fifties and into the sixties including KHEY, El Paso. He wore many hats and was happy to do so.
By 1961 Ray continued to book major music acts such as Patsy Cline and even one of the first to book Elvis Presley and Duane Eddy in concert at the beginning of their careers and had his own local tv show--The Hillbilly Hit Parade. Ray and his wife Dolly had a huge side-hobby of thoroughbred horse racing and owned several horses that competed at various racetracks. He rode his prized "Black Magic" a gentle stallion in many parades and rodeos. Odom served on the Board of the CMA-- Country Music Association along with one time CMA President Gene Autry. Ray Odom was certainly a mover and shaker in broadcasting and concert promotion, and it all began on the radio in Coleman and Abilene, Texas where he was extremely popular.
In 2018 he wrote a book--RAY ODOM, A LIFETIME OF RADIO, RECORDS AND RACEHORSE available at Amazon or Barnes and Noble online. Mr. Odom lived a long productive life and passed away at age 96 in 2022.
I nominate Ray Odom for the TEXAS RADIO HALL OF FAME. He deserves to be honored as a real pioneer radio broadcaster from Texas.
Mona Parker
Mona Parker was a reserved and studious child, but her quiet exterior masked a personality adept at organizational skills and a mind attuned to math and engineering. During the 1930s, she and her family along with their friend, Ben Parker, moved to Pecos, Texas, where Mona began studying to obtain a First-Class Radiotelephone Operators License from the FCC.
In 1937, Ben and Mona traveled to Dallas, where Mona passed the exam for her First-Class ticket on March 10th — the first woman in the United States to do so. The following day, she and Ben were married and returned to Pecos as the operations team for KIUN Radio—Ben the station manager, Mona the station’s chief engineer.
In 1943, the couple moved to San Antonio where Mona took an engineering job at KABC Radio. The station was small, compared to its major competitors, but its owners had big ambitions…to make it as powerful as 50,000-watt WOAI. They purchased the 50,000-watt transmitter and towers of XENT Radio in Nuevo Laredo, disassembled the equipment, and shipped it to San Antonio.
Mona Parker and other members of the station’s engineering team reassembled the transmitter and configured new signal patterns at the transmitter site 10½ miles northwest of San Antonio. The FCC approved the upgraded broadcasting plant in May 1946 and KABC signed on at 680 kHz with a daytime power of 50,000 watts and a nighttime power of 10,000 watts.
The lower position on the AM dial, combined with the higher power, enabled KABC to cover 105 of Texas’ 254 counties during the day, giving it one of the largest daytime coverage areas in the U.S. Eventually the station would become KKYX, still using the transmitter that Mona helped to install.
After the KABC project, Mona began helping with the engineering necessary to put a new station on the air—KCOR, which would become the nation’s first full-time Spanish-language radio station.
In 1949, the Parkers began the process to open and operate legendary KBOP Radio in Pleasanton… where drawing from her experiences in the KABC upgrade and KCOR construction, Mona “single handedly” built the new station’s transmitter. Mona Parker passed away in 2005.
The Parker Historical Marker was dedicated June 2018 in Pleasanton Texas.
Willie Nelson was an employee and his radio license still hangs in Pleasanton at the Longhorn Museum where a KBOP radio display resides.
Mona was inducted into the San Antonio Radio Hall of Fame 2019.
Phil Parr
Faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Phil Parr’s talent, genius level intellect, and love of radio allow him to achieve greatness. Totally blind since birth. Radio was his “window on the world.” He considered his blindness an inconvenience, not a handicap. His world class voice and ability to “work around” his lack of vison, convinced me to hire him as a DJ in 1965 at KTLW in Texas City, Texas. He sounded great on-air, and his huge talent and radio “saavy” prompted me to promote him to Program Director in 1967. It was the start of a remarkable 50+ year “Hall of Fame” worth career. All while totally blind!
- 1966-1970: KTLW Texas City, DJ & Program Director
- 1971-1973: KIKK-FM , Houston
- 1973-1986: KSPL Diboll Tx, DJ, PD, Chief Engineer, production Director
- Over 200, one hour episodes of “The Blind Handyman, broadcast worldwide on the American Council for the Blind internet radio stations, produced in his home studio in Lufkin
Dave "Stone" Pinkston
Dave Stone (born Dave Pinkston, November 11, 1919, Post, TX) established the nation's first full-time Country music station.
Stone began in radio in 1946 at KSEL, Lubbock TX as a bookkeeper and traffic manager and became a Country DJ a year later as host of the Western Roundup show. He put KDAV, Lubbock, TX on the air in September 1953 and programmed it with only Country music, a revolutionary idea in a time when most stations were block programmed with various types of music. KDAV gave Buddy Holly his first radio exposure on its "Sunday Party", a live local show, and Stone later introduced him to Bill Haley, who would help Holly get his first recording contract. Waylon Jennings (KDAV) and Roger Miller (KZIP) were both disc jockeys for him.
In 1955 he booked Elvis Presley and paid a reputed $75 for one of his first headlining appearances. Stone later established KPEP, San Angelo TX and KZIP, Amarillo, TX also fulltime Country music stations.
He retired in 1999 and was inducted into the Country Music DJ Hall of Fame that same year.
Dave passed away on February 18, 2004.
His son went on to his own radio career and still goes by his radio name, "Charlie Brown."
Eric Raines
A Radio Broadcaster for 32 years in (all of them in TEXAS).
Half of those years with his Big-Voice in Small Markets - the other half with that Big-Voice of his - in many Larger Markets.
He has possibly worked (served) in more communities (markets) in Texas than anyone ever. (Yet, he's never once moved from the town he was born in?)
There are broadcasters who fill the airwaves, there are those who build them (in both small and medium sized markets), and then there is Eric Raines - a man who carries the airwaves on his back. For 32 years, Eric has dedicated 100% of his professional life to this great state of Texas. From the smallest rural signals to that pinnacle of station ownership in our state's capital, his career has been a masterclass in innovation, localism, and pure, unshakeable grit.
Why Eric Raines Belongs in the Hall of Fame
1. The Most Acknowledged (and awarded) Voice of the unique Texas Country Music Format
Eric’s peers have repeatedly confirmed what his listeners have known for decades: he is the gold standard.
Multiple-time winner of the Broadcast Personality of the Year from the Texas Country Music Association (TCMA).
Five-time winner of the Radio Personality of the Year from the Texas Regional Radio Music Awards (TRRMA).
2. The Architect of the Texas Country Music Radio Format
Widely recognized as the definitive Architect of the Texas Music radio format, Eric took a localized grassroots movement in the mid-1990s and built a commercially viable, structured programming blueprint around it. When radio groups across the United States want to know how Texas is supposed to sound, Eric Raines is the authority they call.
3. A 32-Year Odyssey of Firsts
Eric’s 32-year timeline reads like a textbook on the evolution of modern Texas radio broadcasting:
1994 On a total dare, he walked into KLFX 107.3 in Killeen, tried out, and was hired on the spot, soon moving to host his own hit shows at "The FOX" - KPLE in Temple/Killeen for the next 17 years!
1995 (That Pioneer thing): Raines became the very first hire for Capstar Broadcasting’s revolutionary “Star System,” proving the concept of central-hub broadcasting that allowed small-market stations to secure major-market talent...(back then) he (and they) schooled themselves on all their communities until they were totally "dipped-and-vaccinated" in what made each of those towns and cities unique and proud - and he went there frequently.
The Boot-Camp Years: Mastered the absolute bedrock of local radio by programming and operating across 17 different stations, serving the localized heartbeats of mostly all TEXAS markets, like Victoria, McAllen, Corpus Christi, Lufkin, Texarkana, Waco, Belton, and Temple.
The Austin Titan: Moved to KASE 101 and KVET-FM to design and program their flagship Texas Music programming on KVET, eventually joining Sammy Allred and Bob Cole on Austin’s #1 in total 12+ audience morning talk and Texas Country music radio show.
ERIC "The Owner": In 2012, "ERAY" transitioned from elite talent (on and off-the-air) into a broadcast mogul ! - partnering with Cole to ultimately own 4 Austin FM and 2 AM signals. Under Eric's operational vision, he and Cole resurrected the legendary KOKE-FM, also launching classic-rocker The Bat 105.3, and then building sports-talk The HORN (KTXX-FM 104.9) into a dominate powerhouse of ratings and revenue.
Their little hometown owned-and-operated "ARN" - (Austin Radio Network) became the exclusive rights-holder of all University of Texas Athletics sports broadcasts ...all the while Eric was co-hosting that dominant morning show for 12 years.... and back on every afternoon - to host the 3-7p daypart... featuring Texas Country Music and live-in-studio performances from the big-name Texas music stars and giving the needed exposure to an untold number of hundreds of "up-and-comers".
The Present: Today, in addition to co-hosting the daily morning show (ERIC and BOB) and programmer of Audacy’s unique music-mix on Texas Country 95.9 (KKMJ HD3), he serves as the Audacy's premier National Texas Music expert and is still hosting the afternoon-drive 3-7p show every day! And, oh yeah..Eric Raines is also celebrating another true broadcasting passion of his: He is now - and has for over a decade - hosting a mega-Austin-rated, and now nationally syndicated Sunday Morning Gospel Show.
4. From the Drum Riser to the Radio Stage: True Credibility
Eric’s profound empathy for the Texas artist wasn't learned from a data spreadsheet—it was earned at 2:00 AM out there on the road. An accomplished stage drummer, Eric spent years touring in the bands of hitmakers like Rick Treviño and Ty England, and even sharing the stage to provide the beat for folks like the legendary Charlie Daniels. When Eric talks about a song on the radio, the artists know he understands the always broken bus-toilets, and everything else behind it!
And here's the kicker working these last 30 years working from the the heart of the city of Austin, Eric Raines has refused to uproot his himself and his family from the Central Texas soil that made them. He remains deeply, immovably anchored in the Belton, Temple, and Salado communities. He treasures the value of his deep-roots and blessed neighbors and their values.
Because he will never "phone it in," Eric Raines wakes up a few minutes after 3am - every single morning and drives an average of 60 miles (each way to the studio).
Finally - The Ultimate Measure: Heart, Grit, God and Grace
This past February, Eric faced the most devastating trial any man can endure when he lost his wife of nearly 30 years, Terri, to cancer. In the wake of an unfathomable heartbreak, Eric did not fold; he stood taller. As a newly single father, he is the dad who handles it all now for their two sons, Ben and Bryan—getting them set for their lives, keeping the household steady, and still getting into his truck in the pre-dawn dark for that 60-miles to get to do what it is -that he was blessed to find - on that strange dare some 32 years ago. (...and yes, it did involve alcohol!)
Summary Recommendation
The Texas Radio Hall of Fame was created to ensure that the men and women who treated the airwaves as a sacred community trust are never forgotten once the transmitter final-tube goes out. Eric Raines has given Texas radio his youth, his rhythm, his miles, his capital, and his heart. this guy, I promise you - is a Hall of Famer in the truest, most un-syndicated sense of the esteemed title.
Tom Richards
Tom has been a member of the Houston radio community for over 40 years. Currently, he is co-hosting “The R and R Show” middays on KPFT-FM in Houston with TRHOF inductee Ronnie Renfrow. The program is a wide-ranging one, “exploring new dimensions in free-form radio” with a mixture of rock, blues, jazz, and the occasional jaunt off the beaten trail.
Though he has worked in a number of different formats, Tom is perhaps best known as the voice of classical radio in Houston, starting his career with a Sunday morning shift at KLEF-FM while he was attending Rice University.
During his subsequent 16-year tenure at KRTS-FM (K-Arts) in Houston, Tom revolutionized the way classical music was presented on the radio. He took a format that many viewed as stuffy and boring and transformed it into something that was exciting and fun, garnering attention from Billboard, the Associated Press, and Newsweek.
In his role as general manager and morning drive host at K-Arts, Tom introduced a dynamic, contemporary style to classical radio, exemplified by the station’s award-winning “Bach Around the Clock” advertising campaign. During this period, Richards masterminded unique revenue and publicity generators like the Opera Karaoke competition and the Air Conducting contest.
In his role as a member of the non-profit Stella Nova Foundation’s Executive Board, Tom serves as Coordinator of Music Initiatives, combining his passions for music and mental health. He has played guitar for most of his life and has recently completed a master’s degree in psychology, leading to his certification as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC-A). The Stella Nova Foundation has relaunched the Houston chapter of Guitars 4 Vets, a program which provides instruments and lessons to military veterans who are being treated for PTSD and other mental health issues related to their service.
Clyde "Kooter" Roberson
For four decades, it was nearly impossible to avoid the deep, familiar voice of Clyde "Kooter" Roberson in Huntsville, Texas. His voice was everywhere. Kooter joined 101.7 KSAM in 1970 and spent forty years as the station's entertaining morning man — signing off each day just as most people were getting started. Huntsville woke up to "Kooter in your radio," and then followed that voice right into the stands.
Away from the studio, he was the soundtrack of local sports for nearly half a century. He called play-by-play for the Huntsville Hornets and the Sam Houston State Bearkats across football, basketball, and other sports. When broadcast rights moved to another station, Kooter simply moved to the P.A. booth — announcing Bearkat games and serving as the stadium voice for Sam Houston baseball for 15 years. That same voice filled the Walker County Fair and Rodeo grounds as well.
After 49 years behind the microphone, Kooter had become so intertwined with Bearkat Athletics and the Huntsville community that his name and the programs were inseparable. It was a legacy recognized by Sam Houston State University Alumni Association, which honored him with its prestigious Service Award — a fitting tribute to a man whose voice, for so many residents, was simply the sound of home. As a friend, former co-worker and current General Manager of 101.7 KSAM, I enthusiastically nominate our dear friend Clyde "Kooter" Roberson to the Texas Radio Hall of Fame.
Clyde Norris “Kooter” Roberson started at KSAM Radio when he was a student at Huntsville High School, and quickly became a staple at the local station for most of the next five decades. Kooter was the entertaining, deep voiced morning celebrity but also the play by play voice of the Sam Houston State Bearkats and Huntsville Hornets. He was deeply involved in the community, serving on the Walker County Fair Board, and serving as the master of ceremonies at the county fair rodeo. He sang in the choir at the Calvert Baptist Church for over 40 years and would regularly have community leaders on the air to promote local events and fundraisers. Even though health issues forced an early retirement several years ago, Kooter is still beloved in the Huntsville/Walker County area.
Chrissie Roberts
Small Market - Big Voices! Have I got a slam dunk for you!
Chrissie Roberts...27 years on air in Beaumont Texas at KKMY, KZZB, KYKR, KAYD/KD 97! She's held down every position you can think of! PD, APD, MD, Afternoon Drive, Morning show sidekick and Queen of Middays for 23 of her 27 years on air!
During her stint at B-95/KZZB she was recognized by R&R as one of the youngest Program Directors at a CHR reporter in the country, and the only female Program Director in the Southwest Region.
She created “Homegrown Country”, her passion project, a weekly feature to showcase local artists in the Beaumont area on both KYKR and KAYD.
Board of Directors for the American Cancer Society and raising money for St Jude’s, The Shorkey Center, Relay For Life, American Heart Association, MDA and many more!
Voice work for Lamar University, Market Basket and more. Plus Ad agency work in the Beaumont market.
Currently Program Director of The Classic Country Express!
It's time. You know it, I know it. Let's get her in the HALL this year!!!!
Woody Roberts
Woody Roberts began his long and storied radio career in 1958 as a DJ at KILE Radio in Galveston, Texas. This first full-time radio job would last only one year but would lead to many years of broadcasting work…starting in 1961 when Woody moved to San Antonio to DJ at KTSA-AM 550. In 1963 he was hired for the start-up on-air staff when KENS Radio transitioned into KBAT-AM 680. The next year, he moved to KONO-AM 860, where he was a DJ and the Program Director for two years.
In 1966, Woody returned to KTSA as a consultant. After a short stint out of state, he returned to KTSA in 1968 this time as Vice-President and General Manager. At the age of 26, Woody had the distinction of being the youngest GM in the country. From 1970 to 1972 he simultaneously held the same position for KTFM. Nominated three times as Manager of the Year by the National Radio Programming Conference, he received that honor in 1971 at the age of 30.
During his 4 years as GM, Woody brought many innovations to KTSA including the first woman newscaster and the first Mexican-American program director in Anglo San Antonio radio. In 1971, Woody was one of the founders of San Antonio Community Radio helping to put 89.1 FM on the air. His continued involvement would ultimately change the frequency to NPR station KSTX in 1988.
In 1972 Woody left KTSA-KTFM and the next year began working as an independent media consultant. His first client was the legendary San Antonio station, KEXL-FM. The station’s rebellious and innovative format that Woody helped to create was an experience unlike any other on the San Antonio or Texas airwaves. He is known in local radio circles for telling station executives, “You have people of both sexes and all races and colors listening to your programs. Therefore, in staffing your stations, it’s only common sense to make them a replica in all respects of the audiences.”
In 1978, Woody created a Texas radio network to broadcast the first Texas Jam and World Music Festival which was carried in San Antonio by KISS-FM. In 1980 he created and produced Platinum Meltdown, a syndicated, 44-hour nonstop weekend radio special carried in San Antonio by KTFM.
In 1984, Woody moved to Austin where he continued to work as a broadcasting consultant until his retirement in 2016. In 2021 at age 80, he wrote a stunning memoir and insider’s history of the Texas music scene and its ties to radio broadcasting entitled Horse Racing & Rock 'N' Roll.
Woody Roberts passed away on June 20, 2023. He is considered by all who worked with him throughout his career as a true genius in broadcast programming, marketing strategy, media planning and promotion consultation. Among his final messages to a friend, he wrote about “the power of radio” and its effect on his life. Woody Roberts most assuredly deserves a place in the Texas Radio Hall of Fame.
Melchor (Mel) Rodriguez
Mel Rodriguez was born on March 31. 1946, in the State of Coahuila, Mexico, the youngest of eight children born to Melchor and Francisca Rodriguez. His early life was marked by both hardship and resilience. At just nine months old he lost his father. Six years later, his mother remarried Antonio Arreola of Del Rio, Texas, a border town that would become the backdrop for Mel’s lifelong commitment to Tejano music and the community that raised him.
Mel was educated in the San Felipe School District, graduating with the Class of 1966. He briefly pursued further studies in Chicago before returning to Del Rio in 1968, where a full-time job by day was followed by a passion project by night: a Tejano Radio Show that aired from 7pm to midnight. It was during those hours that Mel found his voice literally and figuratively-behind the microphone, spinning records and telling stories that resonated across the airwaves of South Texas.
In 1972, Mel married the love of his life, Hilde “Chacha” Rodriguez. Together, they built a life steeped in love, music, and service. Their two children, Mel Rodriguez, III and Selina Rodriguez Kuehnie and grandchildren, Luca and Hugo remain the heartbeat of their family.
But Mel’s legacy is far greater than a single radio show. In 1985, armed with a vision and the backing of five determined partners, Mel co-founded what would become a cornerstone of regional broadcasting: KTDR 96.3 FM, a100,000-watt radio station under the Grande Broadcasting Corporation. The station first hit the airwaves on March 31, 1986-Mel’s 40th birthday-with Mel serving as President. KTDR endures to this day, now owned by MBM Radio DelRio, and continues to influence audiences as a Hot Adult Contemporary station.
During his tenure in radio, Mel became not just a broadcaster, but a cultural ambassador. He promoted Tejano artists and organized legendary bailes grandes in Del Rio. The roster of talent he worked with reads like a who’s who of Tejano royalty: Sunny Ozuna and The Sunliners, Agustine Ramirez, Latin Breed, Little Joe Y La Familia, Joe Bravo, Tortilla Factory, Roberto Pulido, Carlos Guzman, Los Fabulosos Cuatro, Gilbert Rodriguez and The Blue Notes, and many more. Mel didn’t just play the music-he lived it, championed it, and helped preserve it for generations to come.
After retiring in 2021, Mel quickly discovered that retirement didn’t suit him. The mic kept calling. Today, he continues his work behind the boards and in front of the community as the host of the “Afternoon Drive Tejano Radio Show with Mel Rodriguez” on KWMC 1490 AM, airing weekdays from 4 to 6 PM. His mission remains the same: to keep Tejano Music alive and thriving.
Mel’s commitment extends beyond the airwaves. He has served two terms as commissioner of the Del Rio Housing Authority and six years as chairman of the City of Del Rio’s Board of Adjustment. He currently sits on the Board of Directors for the San Felipe Ex-Student Association. His public service mirrors the same values he brings to music-community, heritage, and pride.
Now, in their golden years-Mel semi-retired, Hilda fully-the couple enjoys life as empty nesters. But even in this quieter chapter, Mel Rodriguez remains a towering figure in Tejano music: a pioneer, promoter, broadcaster, and believer in the enduring power of culture through sound.
JD Rose
JD Rose, known as “The Voice of the Texas Hill Country”, began his 45 years in radio broadcasting in 1981 when he was a 16-year-old high school student in Fredericksburg, Texas. JD (Duane Weinheimer) began working in production at legendary pioneering radio station KNAF-AM 910 through a school work program.
Duane was a natural for radio. He soon began producing newscasts and was named News Director at the age of 17. Then he became the on-air personality for the station’s morning show quickly earning the moniker “Insane Duane” for his fun and different approach to broadcasting. His show grew a huge local and regional following and he was named KNAF Program Director at the age of 19.
Duane created several community service programs that still run on KNAF today. In 1988 he started the New Horizons "Radiothon" every Labor Day Weekend which has raised millions of dollars to provide individualized service for the developmentally delayed. He has also contributed his broadcast talents as emcee for major community events throughout the Hill Country.
In 1989 Duane started the Texas Music Hour on KNAF featuring Texas and Hill Country artists such as Garry P Nunn, Ray Benson and many others, all performing live. In 1990 Duane was invited to do the weekend shift on KFAN 101.1 in San Antonio with a format of Texas Music. That year, he took the on-air name JD Rose.
When that FM frequency was sold, Duane continued his career as Operations Manager at KNAF in Fredericksburg. In 1991 an FM license was granted for the 107.9 frequency and the owner acquired the KFAN call letters. JD Rose became the station’s Program Director and created a new format that centered on Texas music plus some Louisiana and Oklahoma sounds, Tejano, Blues, and Zydeco.
JD's philosophy was not to force-feed listeners newer eclectic music, so familiar artists were mixed in as well from Petty to Mellencamp and more. His programming soon caught the attention of stations throughout the country and garnered lots of press attention. JD and KFAN were written up in Texas Monthly, the New York Times, No Depression music journal, and in Austin and San Antonio news stories.
Copycats soon followed, but JD Rose was the one who paved the way to the current Texas/Red Dirt format. There were no charts then and he was the only program director dedicating an entire 24 hours to Texas music and this eclectic mix. His was one of three program directors’ playlists in the nation to help form Gavin Magazine’s "Americana" and Album Adult Alternative charts. JD’s playlist also helped Shane Media create the first Texas Music Chart.
JD Rose has received industry recognition for his work in radio broadcasting including Texas Radio Station of the Year, Texas On-Air Personality of the Year, and numerous Americana and Community Service Awards. He programmed numerous specialty shows including Texas Coffee Break, Local Lix at Six, Block Party Weekends, Traffic Jam, and Texas 6-Pack. Beyond his work at KFAN, JD Rose was an award-winning morning show personality at KRNH-FM 92.3 The Ranch, in Kerrville, Texas, where he was Operations Manager and Program Director for 8 years.
In addition, for the past 12 years JD has run his own online station, TexasRadio.Net. He and his partners created the state’s first high school sports YouTube channel with live play-by-play coverage of Fredericksburg Billies sports events. He also produces the Fredericksburg Texas Podcast with Sondra Phoenix.
His podcast, The Judge and JD Show, has been streaming weekly since early 2025 with impressive numbers during its first year; currently more than 7,000 YouTube subscribers, 300,000 views, and 10,000 views on several episodes. The podcast talks all things Fredericksburg.
JD Rose has spent his entire adult life dedicated to his career in radio and continues to be an innovative leader in the world of broadcasting. If anyone in this business deserves recognition by his peers and a place in the Texas Radio Hall of Fame, it’s JD Rose.
Buzz Russell
For more than 42 years, Buzz Russell has dedicated his life to broadcasting and to the communities he serves. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated the qualities that define great Texas radio: professionalism, community involvement, support for local artists, and an unwavering commitment to listeners.
Buzz began his radio career in 1983 at KBUK-AM in Baytown, Texas. Over the next four decades, he held positions at KTEK-AM, KIBL-AM/FM, KODK-FM, KIOX, KYYK-FM, and ultimately KNES-FM in Fairfield, where he has served since 1989 as Program Director and morning personality.
At KNES, Buzz is best known as the host of the daily Dawn Patrol morning show, the daily Trading Post program, and the daily classic country feature Lunch with the Legends. He also hosts Totally Texas, a weekly two-hour Red Dirt and Texas music program dedicated to showcasing both established and emerging Texas artists. In addition, he has spent countless hours providing play-by-play coverage of local football and basketball games.
For more than 35 years, listeners throughout Freestone County and surrounding communities have started their mornings with Buzz on KNES. His consistency, authenticity, and connection with his audience have made him one of the most recognizable and respected voices in small-market Texas radio.
Under Buzz's leadership, KNES has become one of the state's most respected small-market radio stations. His individual honors include Texas Country Music Association Broadcast Personality of the Year in 2021 and 2025, and Texas Regional Radio Report Small Market On-Air Personality of the Year in 2025 and 2026. KNES was recognized as Texas Country Music Association Small Market Radio Station of the Year in 2023 and Texas Regional Radio Report Small Market Radio Station of the Year in 2024.
Awards alone, however, do not tell the story of Buzz Russell's career. Throughout more than four decades in broadcasting, he has informed communities during emergencies, promoted local businesses, supported charitable causes, celebrated Texas music, and provided a platform for both established and emerging Texas artists.
His commitment to his community has extended well beyond the radio station. From 1994 through 1998, Buzz served as a volunteer firefighter for the City of Fairfield, rising through the ranks of Lieutenant, Captain, and Assistant Chief. His willingness to serve both on the air and in the community reflects the character, leadership, and sense of responsibility that have defined his career.
Buzz has always understood that local radio is built on relationships. Whether interviewing artists, covering community events, broadcasting high school sports, or sharing stories with listeners each morning, he has consistently treated his audience as friends and neighbors.
One memorable highlight of his career came on May 8, 1988, when he flew with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi during the Naval Air Station Kingsville Air Show. The experience reflected the enthusiasm and dedication he has always brought to broadcasting and his desire to share unique experiences with his listeners.
Even after more than four decades behind the microphone, Buzz continues to mentor younger broadcasters, advocate for local radio, support Texas music, and serve the communities that have welcomed him into their homes each day.
His contributions extend far beyond ratings and awards. His impact can be measured in the generations of listeners he has entertained, informed, and inspired, the artists he has promoted, the broadcasters he has encouraged, and the communities he has faithfully served.
For these reasons, Buzz Russell is highly deserving of induction into the Texas Radio Hall of Fame.
Nathan Saffir
Nathan Safir was a trailblazer and nationally-recognized pioneer in Spanish-language radio broadcasting who was instrumental in the development of the first full-time Spanish-language radio station in the United States, KCOR-AM in San Antonio.
Although there were others who pioneered Spanish-language broadcasting in the United States, Nathan Safir generally is recognized as one of the individuals most responsible for its development. Industry leaders referred to Safir as the premier Spanish broadcaster in the U.S. who never wavered or doubted the ultimate success of the Spanish format.
Safir began his broadcast career as a news editor for WOAI-AM 1200 in San Antonio. He next worked at KABC-AM 680 before moving to KTSA-AM 550. In 1940 he suggested to KTSA management that a Spanish-language program could benefit both the station and the city’s large Hispanic community. Management agreed and Safir became the host and producer of the city’s first weekly all-Spanish language radio program.
In 1946, with founder Raoul Cortez, Safir helped develop the country’s first full-time Spanish-language radio station, KCOR-AM, in San Antonio, which would change the face of American radio broadcasting. With KCOR on the air full-time, Hispanic businesses and listeners throughout Texas had regular access to news, information, and entertainment of particular interest to them. Prior to this, Hispanics had been required to purchase blocks of time from mostly Anglo-owned stations in order to broadcast Spanish-language programs. Safir would be the station’s General Manager for 44 years.
Safir was named Chairman of the Texas Association of Broadcasters in 1975 and in 1982 received the TAB Pioneer Broadcaster of the Year Award. He was inducted into the NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame by the National Association of Broadcasters in 1989, acknowledging his “key role in the acceptance, growth and now explosion of Spanish-language broadcasting”. In his later career, he was elected president of the Spanish Radio Broadcasters of America and president of the Tichenor Spanish Media Group.
Today, due largely to the efforts of Nathan Safir throughout his career, there are hundreds of Spanish-language radio and TV stations in the U.S. In 1990 Mr. Safir retired after 44 years as General Manager of KCOR. He died in 1996 at the age of 83.
Gary Saunders
It is with profound respect and admiration that I formally nominate Mr. Gary Saunders for induction into the esteemed Texas Radio Hall of Fame. His exemplary contributions spanning 34 years in the realm of Urban radio exemplify not only longevity but a level of excellence that few achieve.
Starting his illustrious career straight out of high school in 1989 with Service Broadcasting on stations KKDA-FM/KKDA-AM, Gary showcased an uncanny aptitude for radio, producing shows for legendary blues artists such as Johnnie Taylor and Millie Jackson. His association and collaboration with other Texas Radio Hall of Fame inductees Hymen Childs, Willis Johnson, and Tom Joyner further illustrate his caliber and influence in the industry. He later transitioned to KJMZ as morning show producer for Russ Parr.
Gary’s impact didn't stop there. His role as the Director of Network Operations at ABC Radio Networks in Dallas for the groundbreaking Doug Banks Show with DeDe McGuire is noteworthy, especially given its wide-reaching influence in major cities like New York, Chicago, and Houston. Later, he took on the mantle as The Director of Syndication for Radio One for The Steve Harvey Morning Show, operating out of significant hubs like KBFB in Dallas and KKBT in Los Angeles.
It's not just his technical and managerial prowess that stands out. Gary is renowned for his work with high-level talent and is recognized in the industry as both a motivator and an incredibly hard worker. His dedication saw him being beckoned back to K104-FM in 2006 by yet another hall of fame inductee, Ken Down. Under this role, Gary worked as the Assistant Program Director and Morning Show Producer for the esteemed Skip Murphy & Company.
Furthermore, his innovative spirit led him to conceive the "DeDe in the Morning Show," which not only still resonates on K104 but also syndicates across 90 cities, testament to its immense popularity and reach.
While Gary's day-to-day involvement in radio may have culminated in May 2023, his passion for media remains undiminished. Now, as the Media and Promotions Manager at Witherite Law Group in Dallas, he supervises radio promotions across 14 stations spanning Dallas, Chicago, and Atlanta. His endeavors reflect a passion not just for radio, but for ensuring the power of the medium reaches and influences as many as possible.
Interesting Fact: In 1996 while serving as Morning Show Producer and Production Director at Infinity Broadcasting in Dallas, The General Manager asked if Gary could find a sound effect for a new initiative that local broadcasters and police departments were about to start called “The Amber Alert”. After going through production libraries for days, he found the alert sound.
On a personal note, Gary, alongside his devoted wife Frances, has successfully balanced a thriving family life: they have four children and cherish their two grandchildren.
-Given Gary Saunders' unparalleled contributions to the field of Urban Radio, his induction into the Texas Radio Hall of Fame would not only be fitting but also serve as an acknowledgment of the indelible mark he has left on the industry. I urge the committee to give his nomination the utmost consideration.
Jack Sellmeyer
J.S. “Jack” Sellmeyer (March 26, 1941 – November 2, 2023) was a highly respected American broadcast engineer, inventor, and consultant whose career spanned more than five decades in the radio industry.
Sellmeyer began his professional career as a chief engineer at radio stations while still in college, overseeing major upgrades including transmitter expansions and studio construction.
After graduation, he joined Collins Radio Company as a field engineer, later working in California for Bauer Electronics, where he contributed to broadcast equipment design. During his time with Collins Radio and the Gates Radio division, Sellmeyer played a key role in advancing FM broadcast technology.
His work included the development of FM exciters and modulation systems, improvements in frequency stability and transmitter performance.
He was widely recognized for his expertise in AM directional antenna systems, an area in which he became one of the industry’s leading authorities.
In 1980, Sellmeyer founded his own consulting firm, Sellmeyer Engineering, based in or around the Dallas/Fort Worth area of Texas. Over nearly 40 years, he designed and built radio transmitter facilities, specialized in AM broadcast allocations and antenna system, and worked with stations and organizations across the United States.
One of his notable achievements was helping relocate and engineer one of the most complicated directional arrays ever built for KLIF in Dallas.
Sellmeyer received some of the highest honors in broadcasting, including:
- NAB Radio Engineering Achievement Award (2009)
- Texas Association of Broadcasters George Marti Award (2014)
He was also a member of multiple professional engineering organizations and contributed to industry education through seminars and publications.
Jack Sellmeyer passed away on November 2, 2023, at the age of 82.
He is remembered as one of the most influential broadcast engineers of his era—an innovator, mentor, and problem-solver whose work helped shape modern radio engineering practices.
Dr. J. Thomas Smith
“The World Famous” Dr. J Thomas Smith stands as one of the most accomplished, influential, and community-centered broadcasters in Texas radio history. His extraordinary career spans more than five decades across major markets, legendary stations, public service broadcasting, education, journalism, counseling, and cultural preservation.
Dr. Smith’s Texas radio legacy is most closely associated with Houston broadcasting, where he became a trusted and recognizable voice through his groundbreaking work at KMJQ Majic 102, KCOH-AM, KNUZ, KRLY, and KPVU. His contributions helped shape the sound, identity, and community connection of Urban radio in Texas.
Dr. Smith was part of the original launch era of KMJQ Majic 102, Houston’s pioneering Urban FM powerhouse. He served in both morning and afternoon drive positions and later became host of the widely respected “Saturday Morning Show” and “Sunday Morning Live.” Through these programs, he transformed radio into a platform for empowerment, information, inspiration, and civic engagement.
His “Saturday Morning Show” uniquely blended music with discussions on health, relationships, motivation, business, legal issues, entertainment, and spirituality. “Sunday Morning Live” became a trusted community forum where listeners engaged in meaningful conversations involving education, social concerns, politics, faith, family, and public affairs.
What distinguished Dr. Smith from many broadcasters was his ability to merge entertainment with purpose. His work consistently elevated community voices while informing and inspiring audiences throughout Houston and beyond.
Beyond commercial radio, Dr. Smith’s broadcasting experience reflects exceptional versatility. His Texas radio career includes:
- KMJQ Houston – AM Drive, PM Drive, Weekend Music Host, and Talk Show Host
- KCOH-AM – Talk Show Producer and Weekend DJ
- KNUZ-AM – Late Night Personality
- KRLY Houston – PM Drive Personality
- KPVU (NPR/Prairie View A&M University) – Talk Show Host
His influence extended beyond the studio through education and mentorship. Dr. Smith served as Associate Campus Director and Lead Communications Instructor at Houston Community College, where he taught Radio/TV Announcing, Journalism, Public Speaking, Voice & Diction, Public Relations, and Broadcasting courses. He mentored and influenced numerous future broadcasters, journalists, and communications professionals throughout Texas.
Dr. Smith’s accomplishments also include significant contributions to preserving Black radio history. He is the author of “Black Radio: An American History,” an important historical work documenting the evolution and cultural impact of Black broadcasting in America. His expertise as a media historian led to his role as producer and historian for the acclaimed documentary “Diamond Jubilee: A 75-Year Celebration of Carter Broadcast,” celebrating the historic Carter Broadcast Group and legendary KPRS radio station.
His broadcasting excellence has earned numerous honors and recognitions, including:
- Black Air Personality of the Year on Pop Radio – Black Radio Exclusive Magazine
- City of Houston Proclamation naming June 4 “Dr. J Thomas Smith Day”
- Sugar Land Space Cowboys “True Trailblazer” Award
- Houston Sun “Beacon of Light” Community Service Award
- Honorary Buffalo Soldier Induction by the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum
- Multiple Texas Radio Hall of Fame nominations
Dr. Smith’s impact reaches beyond ratings and entertainment. He used radio as a tool for education, empowerment, healing, and social connection. His unique background as an attorney, licensed counselor, educator, author, historian, and broadcaster allowed him to communicate with uncommon depth, intelligence, and authenticity.
Throughout his career, Dr. Smith consistently demonstrated professionalism, innovation, and commitment to community service. His voice informed listeners, uplifted neighborhoods, mentored future talent, and preserved the cultural history of Black radio broadcasting.
The World Famous” title reflects not ego, but global broadcasting significance. Dr. Smith’s voice was heard internationally through military broadcasting and major-market radio, yet his greatest legacy remains his enduring impact on Texas broadcasting and the communities he served.
Many people know Dr. J Thomas Smith for his commanding radio presence on KMJQ Majic 102 in Houston, KDAY in Los Angeles, and XERB/XPRS, where he famously succeeded Wolfman Jack. Others know him as a historian whose research and writing helped preserve the cultural importance of Black radio in America. However, long before he became known as “The World Famous” Dr. J Thomas Smith — the celebrated radio personality, media historian, transformational speaker, and mental-health professional — he was already making his mark in another arena: songwriting. Hidden within the grooves of rare soul records and the history of independent Black music entrepreneurship is the story of J Thomas Smith as a gifted songwriter whose collaborations helped shape a distinctive era of West Coast soul music.
For his extraordinary contributions to Texas radio, community leadership, media history, mentorship, and public service, “The World Famous” Dr. J Thomas Smith is highly deserving of induction into the Texas Radio Hall of Fame.
Ted Stecker
A native of Castroville, TX, Stecker was bitten by the radio bug while attending San Antonio College.
He first made waves in radio programming when he took on KHYS in Beaumont. That led to programming country stations in Atlanta and Washington DC before he landed back in Texas in 1987 to program KSCS and WBAP. There he oversaw the acquisition of market leader Terry Dorsey and paired him with Hawkeye, both now members of the TRHOF. He led KSCS to an unprecedented 14 #1 books in a row, and saw the station score the highest ratings the market had seen since KLIF in the 1960s.
Stecker went on to program in New Orleans and Chicago, as well as run his own consultancy, before returning to KSCS for a second stint before his untimely passing in 2004.
Gary Stelly
Through his more than 40 years of experience, Mr. Stelly has served in every capacity at the station, all to ensure that the best programing and information is provided to his listeners.
Mr. Gary Stelly began working in radio in his teenage years with a love of sports broadcasting although he learned many other duties as well. Mr. Stelly completed his mass communications degree from Lamar University while interning at KOGT.
Twice during his time at KOGT in Orange he was let go because when management needed to cut to make weight, they got rid of people in the news and sports department. Stelly never understood that because it was news and sports that made the station unique. He said if he ever had the chance to own the station, he would change that.
At the young age of 26 he purchased KOGT in 1992. They had a contest with the listeners to give the station an acronym for KOGT (Keeping Orange Great Together) and it started a community appreciation of the station. Something that had definitely been missing with previous ownership. With the family of local talent and local people and local businesses KOGT became "our station" to the people of Orange County because that's who they served. Stelly not only owned the station but managed it. He was on the air every morning with longtime DJ Richard Corder until his passing in 2013 and then he took over the Morning Show. He filled in shifts, worked weekends, and was renowned for providing the play-by-play broadcast of more than 100 sporting events each school year. The Orange Community served by KOGT covered six school districts (West Orange-Stark, Little Cypress-Mauriceville, Orangefield, Vidor, Bridge City, and Deweyville).
Stelly employed Terry Lyons, a blind disc jockey, and provided the braille equipment that allowed Mr. Lyons to do his job that included being the fantastic host of the Trading Post. His commitment earned him praise and awards from the Texas Federation for the Blind. At one time he had two visually impaired DJ's with John Lee being the other. At one time Stelly served on eight community or non-profit boards. He's a Rotarian and a two-time Paul Harris Fellow. He's a "life-er” with the Orange Chamber of Commerce for time served as well as the only two-time Citizen of the Year. And recently he received a Key to the City. KOGT has been a part of hundreds of fundraisers but has partnered with Granger Chevrolet the last 10 years with "The fastest fundraiser in Texas" producing an average of 15,000 pounds of canned goods in a three-hour morning broadcast that are split between the Salvation Army and Orange Christian Services at Christmas time.
Stelly took himself and the station to new heights in 2005 with his extensive coverage of Hurricane Rita. Being one of the few people and only media to stay behind when mandatory evacuation was called, Stelly provided thousands of photos and posted information by the hour on their website until dedicated listeners brought them a 13KW generator from Mississippi to get back on the air as well as streaming information. Unfortunately, Orange County would go through a dozen severe weather incidents in a short time with more hurricanes, two rare tornadoes, even rarer was the ice/snowstorm, and several floods as the county sits between the Sabine and the Neches River. Stelly was the eyes and voice of the county during each of these events.
Stelly's home and radio station were both devastated by Hurricane Harvey in 2017. He suffered a severe leg injury while covering Hurricane Laura in 2020 and then had to spend over a week in a Houston hospital, suffering from Covid-19 in late 2020. In December 2021 KOGT said goodbye to the airwaves, refusing to go into automation after broadcasting live all day for the previous 30 years. Stelly still runs the KOGT website as the only daily news/sports/weather source in the county. Continuing to provide facts and insight about many key figures in local history and current time through his Pod Casts, Mr. Stelly exemplifies the quality of media content being sought by viewers today.
Please honor Gary Stelly as a member of the Texas Radio Hall of Fame, Class of 2026.
Gary “Blue Eyes” Walker
Gary Walker attended Ellen’s Institute Broadcast School in Dallas, Texas. He wanted to be an architect when he was younger, however, his love for music led him to radio! Walker said in a Billboard Magazine interview that his style is to tie the music and elements together in a friendly and happy way while having a good time. Gary said “I love being on the air. I get a real spark out of it — the spontaneity and 'roll with the flow, never know what's going to happen next.” That was over 35 years ago, and he is still doing that today on the radio.
Gary started his radio career in Wichita Falls at KLUR in 1973. He later moved to a Program Director position at KCBI in Dallas and it was on to Denison in 1976 at automated rocket KSDX. Gary moved briefly to Colorado in 1978 to KUBC. While there he missed his family and friends in Texas and moved back to KADY Country in Beaumont. Then it was off to Dallas to become an air personality at KNUS. Gary signed off that station on October 18th, 1981, with, “ KNUS has left the building. Goodbye old friend”. Then KLIF called, where he kicked for a year. Gary then moved to “flex his plex” for 99.5 KPLX for two years.
In 1985, Gary received a call from Longview, Texas. It was KYKX where he started as an air personality in May 1985. Gary went on to win The CMA Small Market Air Personality of the Year Award in 1987 while on KYKX 105.7 FM and KYKX would go on to win Station of The Year in 1988 from the CMA while Walker, known as Gary P “Blu Eyes” Walker was holding down the 2 to 7 PM shift. Gary would later move to KNUE and KOOI before receiving the call to come work with Country Radio Hall of Fame legend Tom Perryman on the KKUS, The Ranch Morning Show. Gary and Tom made quite the radio pair. The show highlighted stories from Perryman. Gary once said that going to work every day was like school. Gary co-hosted the show until Perryman passed in 2018. Walker is still on the radio working on his 51st year in the industry! He is currently an air personality at Westwood One’s Real Country. A position he has held over 5 years!
Wherever Gary is at, you are treated like family. He says he enjoys learning from other on air personalities. Gary has done so much to help the East Texas community by volunteering with Tommy Perryman at Meals on Wheels and Gary even once had a child shadow him at the radio station as part of a wish that she had. His giving nature has helped many at St. Jude and beyond. Thank you, Gary, for all you have done and all that’s ahead for you!
RADIO STATION CAREER:
- KLUR Country - Wichita Falls, TX 1973 to 1975
- KCBI Christian - Dallas, TX 1975 to 1976
- KSDX AM&M Rock - Denison, TX 1976 to 1978
- KUBC AC - Montrose, CO 1978 to 1979
- KADY Country - Beaumont, TX 1979 - 1980
- KNUS Rock - Dallas, TX 1980- 10/18/1981
- KLIF AC - Dallas, TX 1982 - 1983
- KPLX Country - Dallas, TX 1983 - 1985
- KYKX Country - Longview, TX 5/1985 - 1998
- KNUE Country - Tyler, TX 1998 - 2009
- KOOI AC - Longview, TX 2009 - 2010
- KKUS Classic Country - Longview, Texas 2010 - 2018
- WESTWOOD ONE Real Country - Dallas, Texas 2018 - present
Pam Wells
A trailblazer, music historian, and revered on-air talent, Pam Wells—affectionately known as “The Vivacious One”—has spent decades captivating audiences and breaking barriers in radio. Her remarkable career spans major markets including Houston, Chicago, Memphis, and Los Angeles, where she held pivotal roles such as Program Director at WHRK-FM (Memphis) and KACE-FM (Los Angeles), and Music Director/on-air personality at legendary stations like KMJQ-FM Majic 102, WGCI, WBMX, and Amazing 102.5FM.
Pam’s influence reached national heights as National Music Director for the Amaturo Group, where she shaped the sound of multiple stations. In 1987, she was honored with a Billboard Radio Award, a testament to her impact and excellence in the industry.
Known for challenging outdated norms, Pam redefined the role of women in broadcasting, refusing to be cast as the stereotypical “giggling sidekick.” Her sharp interviewing skills, warm wit, deep musical knowledge, and sincere connection with listeners have made her a beloved figure across generations.
After hosting MAJIC Classics on KMJQ-FM through 2015, Pam returned to the airwaves in 2016 at KMAZ-FM. In 2024, she joined KTSU-FM’s Vintage Classics (Fridays, 9am–1pm), reigniting her passion for R&B storytelling and musical preservation. “Radio always preserved the music,” Pam says. “I just refused to let us abandon our legacy.”
Pam Wells’ unwavering dedication to honoring Black music history, empowering women in media, and uplifting communities through radio makes her a standout candidate for the Texas Radio Hall of Fame.
- Vintage Classics KTSU-FM The Choice Fridays 9am1pm
- Music Director/on-air personality KMJQ-FM Majic 102 Houston-Amaturo Group
- National Music Director – Amaturo Group chain
- Music Director and on-air personality Amazing 102.5FM
- Music Director/on-air personality WBMX & WGCI Chicago, IL
- Program Director. WHRK-FM Memphis TN
- Program Director/KACE-FM Los Angeles, CA 1987-89
- 1987 Billboard Magazine Radio Award winner.
As an on-air personality, her diligence in combating the stereotype of a female as 'the giggling sidekick' set new standards for women in radio. She captures the hearts and minds of listeners with her talent, wealth of knowledge, piercing interviewing skills, wit, compassion and relatability.
“The Vivacious One” returned to KMJQ-FM in 1997 as the host of Sunday’s MAJIC Classics through 2015 until a family illness forced her to take a leave of absence. In 2016 she joined KMAZ-FM as Music Director and air personality. In 2024, Pam joined KTSU-FM to revive her passion of R&B history and storytelling, connecting with listeners with of the Vintage Classics, Fridays 9a-1p. It’s Pam’s way to continue to “celebrate R&B and radio is our way of feeling it.” Radio always preserved the music, and then after being in radio for a while, what I recognized was that we were so focused on playing the number one hits and on playing the billboard top charts that we abandoned our legacy. I just refused to allow that to happen. It was and still is so important to me because I’m a firm believer that if you don’t know where you came from, you don’t know where you’re going.
Pam Wells grew up in an era of music in the 60’ & 70’s where R&B artists and R&B music was elevated and revered.
“The genre of music was protected, you know, our music was our culture, and we embraced it. every phase of it from early Johnny Mathis, Louis Armstrong, Ray Charles Ella Fitzgerald, Nancy Wilson, Sarah Vaughan, oh my goodness, I could go down a list of a million artists to the from the 60s to the 70s! We celebrated it and radio was our way of feeling it. Radio always preserved the music, and then after being in radio for a while, what I recognized was that we were so focused on playing the number one hits and on playing the billboard top charts that we abandoned our legacy. I just refused to allow that to happen. It was and still is so important to me because I’m a firm believer that if you don’t know where you came from, you don’t know where you’re going.
“I’ve watched students no longer know how to play instruments. I’ve watched everything move to digital, and even though you can emulate that artistry of long ago, you really can’t duplicate that sound. When you listen, you have a higher appreciation for what that artistry is, so when I hear young people say, oh, you know, I heard that song by LL Cool J– No, LL didn’t do it, James Brown did the lick.
“So, it’s important to me to lay that foundation and really tell the history. That’s what inspired me to start the show. What motivates me to continue hosting every week is that I’m listening to music and flashing back every week or having discussions with some of my friends or my listeners. Well, let me say this– what motivates me is the listeners, so let’s start there, because the listeners are calling in and going, ‘Oh my goodness, Pam, do you remember this song?’ and ‘Girl I was this age when this song came out!’ and, ‘Do you remember this cut?’ and ‘Oh my God, do you have it?’
“This is what motivates me to go dig it up to dig deep. I’m telling you for many years when I was off the air, I was kind of abandoning my collection. Now I’m like rejuvenated and I am out here hunting for music, not just streaming. I’m dedicated to restoring my collection of music and reviving that music and my soul. So, it is a revival for my spirit and prayerfully it is a revival for the soul of those people that appreciate this genre.”
Scott West
Scott West began his radio career as "Wayne Scott" in New York City in February, 1979.
In early 1981, he took a job with Ft Worth's KNOK-FM and headed to Texas. KNOK already had a "Wayne" on the air, in the form of Dewayne Dancer, so Wayne became "Scott West" (West, for heading west from NYC!) At KNOK, he hosted the "Wild Wild Scott West Morning Show" for two years, then moved to competitor KKDA-FM (K-104) in 1983 and stayed five years there.
Then it was on to KVIL in 1989 as sports director and sportscaster, which included coordinating the complicated move of the Dallas Cowboys radio flagship from KRLD-AM to KVIL. Later, Scott joined KLIF-570 in 1995 as a sports talk show host, then worked concurrently for DFW's KRNB-105.7 starting in 1996. He left KLIF in 1997, and replaced his KRNB job with concurrent gigs at DFW's new KTXQ-"Magic 102," plus KRBV-100.3, and Dallas-based ABC Radio Networks, in 1998.
While the other stations fell by the wayside a year later, Scott continued for several years with ABCRN, on the air and doing production for their Hot AC and Classic R&B formats. By the 2000s, West was holding down mornings at Dallas-based USA Radio Network; then the 2010s brought a multitude of responsibilities with Clear Channel/iHeart/Total Traffic...where he had a regular (remote) gig co-hosting the afternoon show at KMJQ-Majic 102 in Houston, along with regular newscasting duties back in Dallas with KRLD and KSKY. During his career, Scott also handled hosting and/or reporting duties on DFW television, including the syndicated music video show "The Beam;" sports program "Cowboys Special Edition;" and KDFW-TV's public affairs program, "Insights."
West was a voiceover pro, too, handling local and national commercials, and even providing narration for the audiobook version of Colin Powell's autobiography in 1995.
Scott West left us on June 27, 2021 at 67 yrs old after a brief illness.
Barry Wolverton
Celebrating over 40 years in radio, Barry Wolverton is a multi-talented radio professional. Not only is he a favorite with his humor and wit on the KBEC morning show in Waxahachie, he is also widely recognized as one of the best radio salesmen in Texas. Barry was voted the favorite DJ in a poll by the Waxahachie Daily Light beating out a DFW Metroplex personality. Also, the last two owners of KBEC have made sure that Barry would stay upon sale of the station. Whether on the air or securing revenue, Barry Wolverton is essential to the success of KBEC and the reason KBEC is one of the most successful radio stations in Texas.
Barry started his radio career in 1984 at the age of 16 at KCLE in Cleburne by working weekends. After he graduated high school, Barry started doing afternoon drive and selling. He started at KBEC in Waxahachie in 1993. He has been doing the morning show, hosting the 1-4 afternoon show, as well as live remote broadcasts.
The remarkable thing about Barry is that even though he has been legally blind since birth, his handicap has not prevented him from pursuing his dream of a career in radio and being so successful at what he loves…..from being a popular radio personality to his ability to “sell refrigerators to Eskimos”!
The “Bear on the Air” is an innovative and creative radio professional who is definitely worthy of being inducted into the Texas Radio Hall of Fame!