News from Our Archives

Pinion, Frank O.

Frank O. Pinion – 2009

Frank O. Pinion began his radio career as a college student working at WRTH and WSIE under his given name, John Craddock.

After a decade working in advertising agencies and his own company, he returned to St. Louis radio in 1982.

In the ensuing years he worked at KSD-FM, KUSA, WKKX, KTRS, and KFNS.

His shows featured ensembles of talent, some of whom were hired and paid out of his pocket, part of his unique arrangement of selling ads in his own shows rather than being salaried.

Pinion credited his coworkers for much of his success citing the group dynamic and creativity as one of the main reasons for his consistent high ratings.

By STLMHF, ago

McCarthy, Roy

Roy McCarthy – 2009

J. Roy McCarthy appeared on WTMV, WAMV, KXOK and KMOX using his real name and airnames Roger Bell and Byron Scott. During the early days of his career, McCarthy also taught English literature at McBride and CBC High Schools, but he became a full-time broadcaster when he joined KMOX in the late ‘50s.

It is believed that McCarthy, under the name Roger Bell, was the host of the market’s first call-in show on KXOK in the late ‘50s.

He appeared on the first broadcast of KMOX’s “At Your Service” and served as a host of the program from its inception until 1969. He continued to do volunteer work in the local drama community during his entire broadcast career.

Listen to J. Roy McCarthy on KMOX, in 1966

By STLMHF, ago

Brennan, Charles

Charles Brennan – 2009

Charles Brennan began working at KMOX in 1988, moving from the Boston market. He was a talk show host both alone and paired with others.

Brennan was named Media Person of the Year by the St. Louis Press Club in 1998 and also appeared as a panel member on the “Donnybrook” TV program on KETC.

During his KMOX career, Brennan founded a not-for-profit organization, “Rediscover St. Louis” which was responsible for placing 27 historic markers throughout the downtown area.

He received many local awards and citations for work done toward the betterment of the community, including being named one of St. Louis’ Most Valuable Volunteers by the St. Louis Business Journal.

By STLMHF, ago

Ulett, John

John Ulett – 2010

At the age of 16, John Ulett knew he wanted to be on the radio.

As a high school senior at Bishop DuBourg, he was hired at KEZK as an announcer, and during the summer he was also a jock at KIRL in St. Charles.

He spent a short time on the air in Jefferson City before being hired by KSHE in 1976, later serving as a personality on two of the Emmis stations.

In addition to his daily radio obligations, Ulett worked for many years as the P.A. announcer for the St. Louis Cardinals.

He was recognized with awards in the radio and music industries over the years.

By STLMHF, ago

Dalton, Rich

Rich Dalton – 2010

While “Radio” Rich Dalton worked in several different formats during his on-air career in St. Louis, he was most frequently associated with the musical format that showcased his seemingly endless knowledge of the artists and their songs.

While working at KSHE from 1983-1991, Dalton hosted the Sunday morning “KSHE Classics” program that spotlighted vintage classic rock, blending his conversation with the music that put KSHE on the map.

He started working at St. Louis University’s student station KBIL in 1969 and spent some time in Los Angeles and Kansas City before putting down roots in St. Louis.

After returning to the Emmis cluster, Dalton was called upon to create and program one of the company’s local digital stations.

 

By STLMHF, ago

Gregory, Columbus

Columbus Gregory – 2011

What began as a part-time job in 1959 turned into a lifetime career for Columbus Gregory. He began working as a remote engineer at KATZ while attending Hubbard Business School. His duties soon expanded to include work in the station’s promotions and marketing departments. Four years later he was hired as an announcer at KXLW, where he stayed for 19 years. Shortly after he moved to WGNU-FM, the station was sold to a national chain, and Gregory moved to KIRL in 1979. That station was sold in 2005, and Gregory was soon working for KXEN/WGNU as an announcer and senior account executive. He appeared as the announcer in the movie “Say Amen Somebody” and was named one of America’s Top 25 Disc Jockeys by Dollars and Sense magazine in 1986.

By STLMHF, ago

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