Since its creation, radio has heard some truly memorable hosts. Whether you remember them purely for their personality, as someone who is controversial, or as someone you never wanted to hear on the air again, everyone can remember a radio host that meant something to them. Without further ado, here is the Top Most Influential Radio Hosts of all time.
10) Nikki Sixx
Most know Nikki Sixx as the bassist for the popular rock band Motley Crue. However, since 2008 Nikki has hosted the nationally syndicated “Sixx Sense” with Casey Kasem’s daughter, Kerri. Though he’s a newcomer to the radio game, Nikki has a great voice and personality and interacts well with his co-host Kerri Kasem. Like Eddie Trunk, Nikki’s personal rock musicians friends stop by his and Kerri’s show often and share great stories with the audience.
9) Full Metal Jackie
Jackie Kajze r is known as a pioneer when it comes to hard-rock and metal radio, because she’s the first female to become recognized nationally for airing such music. Beginning her career in college, Jackie was first a fan of hard-rock and heavy metal music and wanted simply to air her favorite tunes on the radio. Eventually she became the host of her own show, and is now nationally syndicated across 50 stations via Indie 103.1-FM in Los Angeles. I had the privledge of meeting her while I was intern at Rhino Records in the summer of 2010.
8) Dan Patrick
When it comes to sports radio, Dan Patrick also takes the cake when it comes to listeners and appeal. Patrick is knowledgeable when it comes to industry, due to his long standing time in the business (through ESPN). Dan’s show includes interviews with a variety of guests (actors, athletes, musicians, etc.) and isn’t completely dominated by sports news which I believe his audience likes and thus allows his appeal to spread.
7) Stoney Richards
In the country music radio world, Stoney Richards has to be the best host there is. I’ll admit I have a slight bias because I work for Y108 (the same station he does now) and have met Stoney several times, but I truly believe Stoney has a personality to remember. He knows country music and its audience very well, and makes humor an important part of his broadcasts. He too counts many country musicians as his personal friends, which makes for great broadcasts.
6) Casey Kasem
Remembered for his relation to audience also, Casey Kasem hosted the famous “American Top 40” program for many years, until Ryan Seacrest took over. I like Casey because he’s versatile when it comes to his voice also (he’s been the voice of “Shaggy” from Scooby-Doo, and several characters on Sesame Street). Casey also created one of the most famous sign offs in radio history, “Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars. And until you get the one you want, I hope you’ll stay with the station of the stars, KRLA.”.
5) Rush Limbaugh
Say what you will about Rush Limbaugh, but it’s hard to ignore the fact that the man does have the most listeners in radio currently. While I’m not keen on his views or announcing style, it is clear that most of the public likes him, when you look at his numbers. His opinions speak volumes to many, however rash they may be, and for that he lands the number 5 spot on this list.
4) Eddie Trunk
If you’re interested in a radio show host that truly resonates with his fans, and knows his audience, look no further than WAXQ-FM and “Ozzy’s Boneyard” (heard on XM Radio) host, Eddie Trunk. In addition to Eddie being a personal fan of the classic rock and heavy metal music he plays (which adds to his appeal), he works very hard at ensuring his show sounds as best as it possibly can (he produces, and programs his shows as well, and has since his beginning as a host). Also, Eddie’s personal friends include some of rock’s best musicians, and this relationship is shown as he interviews them, which his audience relates to.
3) Howard Stern
Howard Stern is on this list because he is recognized as the first “shock jock” radio had ever heard, although if you ask him, he’s not a fan of that label. Howard’s obscene antics during his program were discussed constantly after they aired, however he also landed the privilege of being nationally syndicated. Stern is also recognized as a savvy business man for obtaining at $500 million dollar deal to broadcast via satellite radio on Sirius XM, where his program remains today.
2) Orson Welles
Simply put, Orson Welles may have read the most controversial radio drama that was broadcast on rad io, of all time. His performance of “War of The Worlds” was read on October 30th, 1938 and broad cast over the Columbia Broadcasting Network. Because this broadcast included 60 minutes of news bu lletins referencing an alien invasion, the American public was sent into a state of chaos. They truly believed aliens had landed in New Jersey, all thanks to Orson’s convincing read.
1) Wolfman Jack
Who can forget the incredible voice and personality that was Wolfman Jack. Known for his signature raspy voice and constant howling during his program, Wolfman is remembered by many because he made radio fun and introduced the idea of a host becoming a “personality” all their own. Wolfman was heard on many radio stations throughout his career which began in 1960; including WYOU-AM, XERB-FM, KRTH-FM, and WABC-AM. He also held an extensive music and television career.
Who would you add or subtract from this list? Leave a comment below!
Val Palmieri |
A metal chick with eclectic taste, Val’s enthusiasm for music and celebrity newshas her excited about keeping up with the latest stories. Val Palmieri, Promotions Director of WPPJ E-mail: vipalmi@pointpark.edu Twitter: @WPPJ_ValPal. |
Images: Bumper Morgan, Wikipedia, Film.com, Zimbio, Stoney Richards’ Twitter, TV Listings, Hollywood Music Magazine
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