Slated by his parents to be a Baptist minister, Gil Newsome, after a year’s study in that direction, switched his course to a career that was one day to bring him the greatest tribute ever paid to any disc jockey in America. That tribute, given to Gil on his fifth anniversary with Station KWK, St. Louis, in May of 1950, brought Gil such honors as a loving cup presented on behalf of St. Louis’ 100,000 teenagers, a cake huge enough to feed the 200 studio guests present, a special citation from the Mayor, and congratulations from sixty-five great names in the music business.
Such giving has not been one-sided, however. Every night, Monday through Saturday at 6:00. Gil brings to his audience the five top-selling tunes of the day in the St. Louis area. The First Five has earned a higher Hooper rating than any other disc jockey show in any other major city. Besides being able to hear a capsule hit parade each day, Gil’s numerous fans tune to the First Five to hear Gil and his “in-the-
know” comments about the featured artists as well.
If ever a man knew what he was talking about when he introduces a recording, Newsome does. One of the highlights in Gil’s career was his selection by Glenn Miller himself to announce the Glenn Miller show. This was followed by a four-year contract to do the Spotlight Bands program. As a result, among Gil’s closest friends are such entertainers as Tommy Dorsey, Charlie Spivak, Tony Pastor, Skitch Henderson, and Sammy Kaye.
Gil came to St. Louis in October, 1945, after two and one-half years in the service. Immediately his presence was felt as he began the first of over a thousand appearances in teen-age clubs and high schools. This interest in the city’s “younger set” made Gil ideal for the popular High School Revue (Sun. 6:30 P.M.) programs which feature the talent of high schools in the greater St. Louis area.
Gil’s appeal, however, is not limited to any particular age group. His daily two-hour morning show, Bandstand Revue at 9:30 in the morning is a favorite with St. Louis housewives, who enjoy his easy music, his interesting comments on world events and personalities, and the “relax-full” mood Gil always creates.
The basis for that limitless appeal is Gil’s own brand of sophistication. He’s the radio counterpart of the gallant man-about-town, who knows the right thing to say, and the right time to say it.
(Originally published in Radio Television Mirror June 1951)
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