San Francisco's LAST TOP 40 DISC JOCKEY: (Another One Bites the Dust)

Q. What inspired you to write this book? Was there a particular moment or event that sparked the idea?

Ans. Here's a polished, interview-friendly response: I wrote *San Francisco's LAST TOP 40 DISC JOCKEY* because I realized that an important chapter of radio history was disappearing. Many of the legendary personalities, stations, promotions, and behind-the-scenes stories that shaped Top 40 radio in San Francisco were fading from memory, and I wanted to preserve them before they were lost forever. The turning point came when friends, former listeners, and colleagues kept saying, "You ought to write a book." At first, I brushed the idea aside. But the more I reflected on my journey, from growing up in the segregated South to spending two decades at legendary KFRC and later teaching the next generation of journalists, the more I realized that my story was about much more than spinning records. It was about breaking barriers, embracing change, and witnessing the evolution of one of America's greatest radio markets. I also wanted readers to experience what radio was like during its golden era, when personalities connected with listeners in a deeply personal way, and a single voice on the air could become part of someone's daily life. My hope was to capture not only my own experiences, but also the excitement, creativity, and camaraderie that made Top 40 radio such a powerful cultural force.

Q. What research did you undertake to write this book? Were there any surprising or unexpected findings that you discovered during your research?

Ans. Unlike many historical books, I did not have to rely heavily on outside research because I lived much of the story. I kept personal notes, photographs, memorabilia, airchecks, promotional materials, and documents from my years in radio, 20 of which were at the legendary KFRC in San Francisco. I also reached out to former colleagues, friends, and industry veterans to verify dates, events, and memories. Whenever possible, I cross-checked details with newspaper archives, trade publications, and station records to ensure the book was as accurate as possible. One of the biggest surprises was realizing just how influential Top 40 radio had been on popular culture. Looking back through old promotions, contests, and community events reminded me that radio stations were once at the center of their communities in ways that are difficult to imagine today. Another unexpected discovery was how many remarkable stories had never been told publicly. Some involved the creativity and engineering that made legendary promotions possible, while others revealed the friendships, rivalries, and behind-the-scenes moments that listeners never knew existed. The research also reinforced something I had long believed: radio was never just about playing records. It was about building relationships with listeners, creating shared experiences, and becoming part of the soundtrack of people's lives. Preserving those stories was one of the most rewarding parts of writing the book.

Q. What was the biggest challenge you faced while writing this book? How did you overcome it?

Ans. Here is the revised ending with your preferred wording: The biggest challenge was deciding what to leave out. After spending decades in radio, especially during twenty years at KFRC, I had far more stories than I could possibly fit into one book. Every chapter seemed to open the door to another memorable promotion, personality, or behind-the-scenes moment that deserved to be told. Another challenge was balancing nostalgia with honesty. It would have been easy to present only the glamorous side of radio, but I wanted readers to see the full picture—the triumphs, the disappointments, the racial barriers I encountered, the changing industry, and the realities that eventually led to the decline of Top 40 radio as many of us knew it. I believed the story would be more meaningful if it was authentic. I overcame these challenges by constantly asking myself a simple question: "Does this story help explain the larger journey?" If the answer was yes, it stayed. If it did not move the narrative forward, no matter how much I liked it, I set it aside. I also revisited drafts many times, fact-checked memories, and relied on trusted friends and colleagues to help me maintain perspective. In the end, I realized I was not writing every story from my career—I was writing the stories that best captured **the Top 40 dominant years of radio** and the path that brought me through them.

Q. Can you share any interesting anecdotes or stories related to the writing of this book?

Ans. One of the stories I enjoy sharing is that one of the biggest decisions in my career was not made in a radio station. It was made at the kitchen table with my fiancée, Brenda, a legal pad, and two job offers. Just days after graduating from engineering school, I had offers from two respected stations: 1380/KWK in St. Louis and "Big Ways" WAYS in Charlotte. Rather than making an emotional decision, Brenda and I listed the advantages and disadvantages of each opportunity. We considered the market, ownership, career potential, and even which station would provide the greatest opportunity to be noticed by the people who shaped the broadcasting industry. KWK ultimately won for several reasons. St. Louis was a major crossroads for the radio business, giving me greater exposure to industry leaders. KWK also carried the prestige of a rare three-letter call sign, placing it among legendary stations such as KHJ and WLS. Just as important, it was a majority Black-owned station, where I believed I could grow professionally while helping shape its future. Looking back, that legal pad exercise became one of the most important moments of my career. Choosing KWK changed everything. My career moved at what I later described as "Indy car speed." I advanced from nighttime personality to Morning Drive host, Chief Announcer, Acting Chief Engineer, and eventually Program Director. Ironically, that story almost did not make it into the book. It is not about an on-air stunt or a celebrity interview. It is about the importance of careful decision-making and recognizing that one thoughtful choice can alter the entire course of a career. Sometimes the most fascinating stories happen long before the microphone is turned on.