I came across KTLA's morning weather dude Mark Kriski's blog and noticed he wrote a piece on Robert W. Morgan. I posted this clip on YouTube of Mark visiting the K-Earth 101 Studios shortly after Robert had announced he had lung cancer. I remember that day like it was yesterday!!!
You can see me in the background, trying to look busy!!
Here's what he wrote.....
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Good Morgan
5:30 AM March 11, 2008
Firstly, I'd like to thank all of our KTLA viewers who have taken the time to read and respond to our Blogs. The project has been a great success, and we want you to know that we're grateful for your time, and we value your opinions. Keep it coming!
This week let's shift gears a little. Direct from the Mark Kriski "film vaults" I found an interesting video clip that I'd like to share with you.
This was a KTLA location shoot during the morning news broadcast direct from the studios of K-Earth 101. I'm interviewing Los Angeles radio legend Robert W. Morgan. This was in 1997; just days after Robert W. announced that he was diagnosed with lung cancer. Here's a little background - and why this clip is particularly special for me.
As a young guy with an interest in broadcasting living in Nova Scotia, Canada several years ago - the audio reference material we used as the "gold standard" for a contemporary radio delivery were sound bytes from major US markets such as New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. By far, the one that impressed me the most was Los Angeles DJ Robert W. Morgan. I credit him as being my biggest inspiration for pursuing a career in broadcasting.
Robert W. Morgan hit the LA radio scene in 1965 and redefined the role of the American radio jock by combining his wit, timing and topical conversation with top 40 music on AM 93 KHJ. In a few short years, his show had an amazing 20 share in the Arbitron ratings. 20 out of every 100 radios in the Greater Los Angeles Area were tuned in to his show. His dynasty had begun.
With the shifting sands of station ownership, changing formats and competitive offers; Robert W. did a tour of duty on the FM dial at the new K-100 in the early 70's, but shortly after, accepted a key position at KMPC 710 and formed the "Good Morgan Team"; taking over for another Los Angeles radio legend Dick Whittinghill. For three decades Robert W. Morgan kept Angelenos company in their cars and in their homes. He was chosen as Billboard's Air Personality of the Year in 1967, he received a star on Hollywood's vaunted "Walk of Fame" in 1993, and was unanimously inducted into the National Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 1994. Reunited with fellow rock & roll radio legend The Real Don Steele in 1992 at K-Earth 101 in Los Angeles, the "Boss Jock" manned the mic at K-Earth, and even from his home studio as he battled cancer. On May 22nd 1998 Robert W. Morgan passed away. His voice, his personality and his command of the air will be remembered for a very long time to come.
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Thanks Mark for remembering the radio legend that Robert W was....
