News from Our Archives

Abell, Ben

Ben Abell – 2006

A professor of meteorology at St. Louis University’s Parks College in 1962 and later the College of Arts and Sciences, Ben Abell is known to the general public for his unique approach to weather forecasts on several St. Louis radio stations.

He volunteered his services for the local radio service for the blind on a continuous basis beginning in 1973.

His broadcast weather reports were heard on KWMU, KFUO-FM, KMOX, KHTR and KCFM. An experienced forensic meteorologist with a folksy approach to his broadcast work, Ben endeared himself to listeners with an acknowledgement that forecasting was an inexact science, using his catchphrase “I can’t rule out…”​.

 

By STLMHF, ago

Stevens, Steven B.

Steven B. Stevens – 2007

Steven B. Stevens was one of the deep-voiced news personalities at KXOK during its legendary run as one of St. Louis’ and the nation’s top stations.

He joined the staff there just prior to turning 20. In addition to his news duties, he was often called upon to act as a straight man in humorous bits with KXOK’s Johnny Rabbitt and Bruno J. Grunyon characters during the 7 – midnight slot, the station’s heavy listening time. He worked at KXOK for 7 years as one of master programmer Bud Connell’s “Voice of god” men, moving on to television news in Cincinnati.​

By STLMHF, ago

Otis, Ray

Ray Otis – 2007

​Shortly after Ray Otis took over as host of the KXOK morning show, it became the top morning show in the market. Another one of the deep-voiced guys on the Big 630’s airwaves during the heyday of the 60s, Otis began his eight-year stint here in 1962. His affable on-air approach led to regular appearances on his show by St. Louis Mayor A.J. Cervantes and many others.

​Schooled in programming by Myron Jones and the famed Storz men, Jack Thayer and Harvey Glasscock, Ray Otis became KXOK’s program director.

​Otis left St. Louis for a job at WNEW-AM in New York. He also hosted a network show.

By STLMHF, ago

Keefe, Anne

Anne Keefe – 2007

​Anne Keefe’s first work in broadcasting was performing bit parts in soap operas. She rose through the ranks to become a television news anchor in Rochester, NY.

In 1976, she was hired as a talk show host at KMOX where she stayed until her retirement in 1993. Her work there soon earned her the honorary title of “dean of women radio reporters” in the region. She was honored for that work by the Missouri Press Women and Missouri Bar Association. She was also the recipient of a Peabody Award and two Armstrong Awards.

By STLMHF, ago

Hopkins, William A.

William A. Hopkins – 2007

​William A. Hopkins came to KXOK in 1965. During his six-year run at the station his afternoon drive show, in which he counted down the market’s top hits, drew a larger audience than 50,000 watt competitor KMOX.

While in St. Louis, he was active in the Webster Groves Theater Guild.

For his work at KXOK, Bill was named Best Major Market Air Personality by “Billboard” Magazine and DJ of the Week by “Teen Life” Magazine. He left St. Louis for a job at WNBC in New York City.

By STLMHF, ago

Holder, Jim

Jim Holder – 2007

​Jim Holder came to KSD radio and TV from WDRQ in Detroit in October, 1971. His duties centered around the news and sports departments in radio and television. In May, 1979 Jim began an 18 year stint in the KMOX sports department, where he served as morning drive sports anchor and hosted a variety of local and national sports talk shows.

Jim moved to KTRS in February of 1996 and spent 10 years there as sports director.

He was honored by the Missouri Broadcasters in four different decades for his work.

By STLMHF, ago

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