Radio HOF

Bud Connell – Legacy

​Bud Connell’s name is not well-known among St. Louis radio listeners, but his influence was certainly felt. He came to KXOK in July 1961after working in other major markets. Storz Broadcasting brought him in to program its largest property, which was drawing only 4% of the market’s listeners.

Within three months he had changed the sound of KXOK with new announcers and a completely new image. By the time the November-December 1961 ratings were published, KXOK was tops in the market. In the mid-1960s, Pulse, Inc. placed KXOK in the top five stations in the country for its high ratings.

His influence was felt throughout the station, from his creation of the “Johnny Rabbitt” character popularized by deejay Don Pietromonaco, to his conception and organization of the station’s many contests and promotions. In 1966 the station was host for the Beatles’ concert at Busch Stadium.

It is a tribute to Connell that his staffers all credit him for the station’s success through the decade of the 60s.

Nick Charles – 2004

​Nick Charles was a recording artist on the Stax label when he was a disc jockey in Memphis. He joined KXOK in St. Louis in 1962 and brought with him a knowledge of the record and concert business.

Many credit him with being an integral part of the promotion team that brought the Beatles to town August 21, 1966.

During his 21 year tenure as a KXOK jock, Charles stayed connected to the black music scene. He started his own label, Arch Records, and is remembered for his many personal appearances for “hops” at Club Imperial.

Nick had a large following in the Illinois part of the market because of his Shindig appearances at Belleville’s Panarama Bowling Lanes.

His easygoing approach as a disc jockey made him a perfect fit for the KXOK overnight slot, which he held for many years, and he also served as the AFTRA shop steward at the station.

Mort Crowley – Legacy

Mort Crowley spent 14 years in St. Louis radio with stops at KWK, KXOK, KSD, KMOX and KMOX-FM. As with many disc jockeys, he moved around a lot, working first in Philadelphia.

After his job at KWK in 1958, Crowley was on stations in Cleveland, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Detroit, Flint and Chicago before returning to St. Louis.

His on-air creativity and sometimes acerbic wit endeared him to many of his listeners as he zeroed in on newsmakers with lampooning and mimicry. He was on the air on all five stations but also served as program director, operations manager and morning drive announcer. ​

Sheldon Grafman – 2004

​Sheldon “Shelley” Grafman was the driving force behind the success of KSHE from 1967 thru February 1984.

​Hired in late 1967 in sales he eventually rose to the position of General Manager. At one time he was in charge of running stations for Century Broadcasting in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Detroit from his home base in Crestwood.

​Known for his devotion to the Album Oriented Rock format of the 70’s he was instrumental in creating the “free form” sound that made KSHE an institution not only in St. Louis but on a national level.

​Throughout his 17 years at KSHE, Grafman was involved in all aspects of the station, operating out of his office, a 12×12 room in the cinder block building located at 9434 Watson Road.

​Grafman also took an occasional air-shift using the on-air name of Shelley Graham. ​Hundreds of bands that went on to achieve superstar status were given their first break by playing a KSHE-sponsored concert.

​Eventually Shelley was promoted to national programming director and executive vice-president of Century Broadcasting, KSHE’s parent company.

Russ David – Legacy

​Russ David will always be associated with his long-running music show, “Playhouse Party,” which was heard on KSD for 16 years and WEW an additional 10 years.

​But his career spanned much more. He worked briefly in the music department at KMOX and was a studio musician and program host on KSD prior to Playhouse Party. His live network music show on NBC originated from the KSD studios.

​Russ attended the St. Louis University School of Commerce for a couple years at the insistence of his parents but then left to become a professional musician.

​During his stint at KSD he hosted Alpen Brau Time, and he wrote all the scores and conducted the orchestra for the acclaimed Land We Live In program. He also served as music director for KSD even after most of the live music shows were dropped.

Rod “Dr. Jockenstein” King – 2004

Rod King began in the radio business as “Touché the D.J. – the jock that never stops.”

His first gig in the St. Louis area was on WESL, East St. Louis. His experience also included KATZ-AM and FM, St. Louis.

Many listeners remember his “roll call” segment each morning on WESL in which he invited his young audience to call in as part of his rap over a rhythmic music bed.

The famous musician George Clinton dubbed him “Dr. Jockenstein” after Rod emceed one of the Parliament-Funkadelic concerts in St. Louis.

Over the years King developed a large, loyal listenership.

Among his many awards: DJ of the Year from Black Radio Exclusive Magazine and the Black Achievement Award from the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. ​