Learn From Music Radio’s Top All-Time Personalities
Music radio has been profoundly shaped by several trailblazing personalities who took risks and introduced new approaches to high-profile shows. This list is based on the personalities who made the most national and cultural impact and are not currently hosting a radio show.
Incorporate the skills from these masters and put your signature on it to own it.
Wolfman Jack
If you weren’t fortunate enough to hear Wolfman Jack on the radio, you likely saw his iconic performance in George Lucas’ film American Graffiti. His gravelly voice and flamboyant personality pioneered the freewheeling rock-and-roll radio DJ.
• Wolfman Jack made listeners feel like he was speaking directly to them by making audio “eye contact” with them.
• He embraced theatrics, often howling and laughing maniacally, creating an engaging and unforgettable listening experience.
Casey Kasem
Casey Kasem innovated countdown shows. The creator and host of American Top 40 brought music charts to life with anecdotes and trivia, creating a format that remains a staple of radio programming worldwide.
• Kasem’s teasing is a master class for today’s music station talent in setting up and creating anticipation for music.
• His listener interactive storytelling in the popular Long Distance Dedicationssegments was a hallmark of the show.
Steve Dahl
Many credit Dahl for creating shock jock radio and paving the way for Howard Stern and others in that genre. He was the first genuinely authentic personality to share his life with listeners.
• Dahl’s outrageous on-air stunts, like the infamous Disco Demolition, opened the door for radio personalities to take risks to entertain, provoke, and engage audiences.
Tom Joyner
The Fly Jock’s combination of humor and cultural advocacy for the African American community made him one of the most beloved and impactful figures in the history of radio.
• He was an excellent storyteller, blending humor and authenticity to create memorable moments.
• The Tom Joyner Foundation has raised over 65 million dollars to keep students enrolled at HBCUs.
Kidd Kraddick
Kraddick introduced a conversational, personable style focused on relatable topics, vulnerability, and pop culture. I was fortunate to witness firsthand Kraddick’s creative and spontaneous genius.
• The show still thrives today after Kidd’s death because he gave the cast space to develop a deep and personal relationship with the audience.
• Kraddick founded Kidd’s Kids, a non-profit organization for children with terminal illnesses. He was the creator of radio shows owning one charity to become known for.
Wendy Williams
In the male-dominated world of radio, The Wendy Williams Experience shattered stereotypes and inspired other women to pursue careers in media. She took her show to television in 2008. Despite controversies, she has inspired a generation of entertainers to be bold, authentic, and vulnerable.
• Wendy is most known for her vulnerability and fearless interviewing style.
Rick Dees
The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 blended humor, skits, and hits, creating a lively and engaging countdown experience that was different and rivaled Casey Kasem’s American Top 40. His disco parody Disco Duck hit number one on Billboard’s Hot 100.
• Dees was one of the first contemporary talents to hire writers to keep his comedy and bits fresh and innovative at Kiss-FM Los Angeles. Writing is a key skill that’s making a comeback today.
Scott Shannon
Shannon’s “Morning Zoo” format in the early 1980s became a blueprint for morning radio shows for years to come.
• He was an innovator by being a democratic host who went to his cast of characters for much of the content.
• Shannon was a master planner, so the show could go off-script when something hot and spontaneous arose.
Mark and Brian
Mark and Brian’s blend of humor, storytelling, and listener interaction influenced a generation of morning radio shows, including The Kevin & Bean Show and The Bob & Tom Show. The Adventures of Mark & Brian feature propelled to an NBC TV sitcom in 1991.
• Their on-air chemistry and comedic timing were the show’s hallmarks and takeaways for talent today.
Bob Rivers
Like most people outside of Seattle, I considered The Bob Rivers Show as primarily about song parodies for his “Twisted Tunes” series. But when I started coaching the show, my first impression was, “This is NPR’s Morning Editon on steroids!”
• The show was a blend of witty and clever humor, insightful commentary, and sharp interviews that were conversations.
• One of Rivers’ cohosts, Downtown Joe, noted that he’s never met anyone with as much lifelong curiosity and drive to learn.
Innovative Personality Traits Takeaways
• Chemistry
• Vulnerability
• Comedic timing
• Creative risks
• Authenticity
• Audio eye contact
• Curiosity
• Own one charity/cause
• Writing
Photo by Samuel Regan-Asante on Unsplash
