By way of introduction, this being my first blog entry, I thought I would provide a little background on myself and how I came to AM 740.
I began my radio career just outside of Philadelphia in the late sixties. My first paying radio job was in Allentown, midnight to 6 AM, Monday through Saturday. The big top forty hits at the time included “Hey Jude,” “MacArthur Park” and “Dock of the Bay,” as I recall. I loved the work instantly and I would hang around after my shift to observe the morning host. Joey was a veteran and I learned lots just by watching him.
Nomads are common in the radio business and I was no exception. One can become an expert on moving. I could have eventually become a consultant for United Van Lines. From Allentown, my travels took me to Reading, PA, Washington, DC, Memphis, TN, Windsor-Detroit, Los Angeles, back to Windsor, then Toronto, Cincinnati, OH, Greensboro, NC, Orlando, FL, back to Detroit and, finally, here again in Toronto as of 2002.
Radio people move mostly for two reasons: An increase in pay or termination of employment. The terminations are usually nothing personal and are brought on by either a change in management/ownership, lack of ratings (Think cancelled TV shows) or cost reductions. Thankfully, most of my moving was an effort to improve the quality of life for myself and family.
I think a time arrives, though, when having roots becomes more important than ever. I think that time has arrived, late as it is, for me. I like Toronto a lot. I’m a single man now and most of my career is behind me. I’m an American ex-pat and Canada first welcomed me in 1972 in Windsor. In total, I’ve now spent close to twenty years in Canada. Like my own, this country has blessed me with good friends, opportunity, receptive audiences and much more. I’m an immigrant, as so much of Canada and the US is. I’m thankful for the chance to be here in this great land. However, none of this would have been possible without you. Without a supportive audience, my vocation is meaningless. Without it, what employer would want me?
So, thank you for making this profession possible for me. I hope we’ll continue a long friendship via AM 740 and that we’ll keep getting to know one another.
Good morning Brother Bill, or should say Brother El Relaxo! -
You & Eva chatted this morning that Al Jardine’s celebrating his 67th birthday. Like to share a story on how I met Al. It was the mid-eighties & hung out at the Sheridan Buffalo East (in front of the Walden Galleria Mall). Beach Boys were performing at the Buffalo Aud & staying at the hotel. Entered the Yesterday’s Lounge, sat at the bar, & ordered a beer. Beach Boys music was playing & when I turned, Al walked up & sat next to me. Like any other fan I stared at him & exclaimed ‘You’re Al Jardine of the Beach Boys!!!’ He laughed & bought me a beer. Was never so excited & in turn, bought him one. That was one for the record books, eh!
Like yourself, I’m new at blogging & having a ball with meeting new friends thru Club Zoomer. Yes, we’ll continue our friendship, via AM740, but someday we’ll meet. Might be an American, but always dreamed of living in Canada, with Toronto being my home away from home.
I would just like to tell you how very much I enjoy listening to you every morning along with Eva D and John Gallagher. I cannot express in words how good your voice makes me feel. I hope you will always be with am740 my favorite radio station. I am unable to listen at work but when I get in to my car I feel so good to turn on my radio station, my music!
I love everyone at 740am and you don’t have to give me anything except keep broadcasting forever.
Hi to all and love you Bill Gable!