We all remember the great song by Don McLean called American Pie, which was about the plane crash that took the lives of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper (J.P. Richardson). As the lyrics go âI canât remember if I cried, when I read about his widowed bride, but something touched me deep inside, the day the music died.â
(Photo provided)
Why do I bring this up more than 45 years after the song was released, you ask? The day I started hosting on Huntley Community Radio – October 31, 2012, was the day the music came alive for me.
My story and opportunity are almost too random to believe. My career was due for a change. I couldnât make the grind of the 5-hour daily commute from Huntley to Chicago anymore. It was not fair to my wife and not fair to my children. I needed a new career; I needed a new passion in my life.
It was originally my son who brought up the idea to start a radio show. I am not sure why he suggested this, as my broadcasting experience was limited to a couple of stints at a college radio station in the 1980s.
On October 31, 2012, my radio career was born. It was not a great start, as Huntley Community Radio relegated the show to the 11:30 p.m. slot. But a few months into it, things started moving in the right direction. Today, the show â2 Dudes and The Duchessâ is in its 4th year with 625 episodes. We are now on twice a day 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. Also, I have had the opportunity to be the anchor of The Huntley Community Radio Evening News every night at 6 p.m. In addition to a 70s music show and color-coordinator of Huntley High School Football games, I have circled the wagons at the station.
Why is my story important? Maybe it is not, but I am telling it because there are 50 other people at Huntley Community Radio who also have stories. Stories that come out in their shows or just hanging around the studio. This station has been a golden opportunity for people to rekindle experiences from their youth and create magic that can be shared with an entire community.
In the words of Don McLean: âAnd I knew if I had my chance, that I could make those people dance and maybe theyâd be happy for a while.â
