Program Director/DJ since 1988

“It all started with Johnny Winter. The year was 1969. I was a 4’10” junior at Lorain Admiral King, a sometimes tough high school with an enrollment of over 2,000. Being rather vertically challenged and more resembling Ernie than Chip of My Three Sons, I was often reminded that Charleston Elementary School was just down the street. In self defense and wanting to be accepted by the cool kids, I sought out every opportunity to raise my social status. One day a couple of upperclassmen were talking about music in study hall, and one of them asked me what kind of music I liked. Having just read a review in The Cleveland Plain Dealer about Johnny Winter’s new album, Second Winter, I responded boastfully, “I like progressive Blues.” I passed that test and figured I better buy the album. Many more of Johnny’s albums followed.

Years later while at BGSU, my roommate bought me the Muddy Waters album, I’m Ready. It was one of four of Muddy’s albums produced by Johnny. I now had my first Blues album. That was the real beginning of my love for the Blues. I was a regular listener to WBGU’s Blues Breakfast in the late 80’s. Jimmy Lee was the host at that time, and we shared a love for Johnny’s music. I often called in requests. When Jimmy announced that he was graduating and doing his last show, I thanked him for his work and asked who was taking over. He said that there was no one interested. I said that it would be a shame if the show ended, and Jimmy responded that one didn’t need to be a student to be on the air. The seed was planted. I convinced my good friend and great guitar player, Rod Graf, to alternate doing the show with me. So in June of 1988, Jimi King and McKinley Smith took the air for the first time.

I have had many great co hosts over the past 35 years. After Jimi King left, the Atomic Mama began her radio career. Willie G, Muddy Bogs, Little Wolf, Muddy Ray, and Free Wheelin’ Franklin hosted along with me over periods of time. Marv Bovia, a regular listener and caller, was convinced by the Atomic Mama to join the show and became known as Marv Olus. Marv was a great DJ and even greater friend. Later, Bowling Green’s Kenny Rogers was added, and now he and I are a two man crew.

I don’t really know a lot about the Blues, but I know what I like. I’ve often referred to myself as the laziest man in Blues radio as I think of preparation as a form of work. But regardless I have spanned five decades of playing music that makes you feel good about feeling bad. I’ve been blessed to have met the biggest names in Blues including BB King, Buddy Guy, Junior Wells, James Cotton, Albert Collins, Koko Taylor, my main man Johnny Winter, and many more. I’ve become friends with local Blues artists. I was a founding member and officer in The Black Swamp Blues Society. Hosting The Blues Breakfast is a privilege and an honor and the best hobby that I could wish for. Dead air and technical difficulties remain a hallmark of my shows, and drinking songs will always be the cornerstone of The Blues Breakfast. I am thankful for the opportunity to be on the air and for the many friends I’ve made along the way. From the beginning, there’s just been one rule on The Blues Breakfast, you can’t play too much Johnny Winter.”