Nick Anthony remembers Bwana Johnny

When Bill Bailey telephoned the news that Bwana had passed away, I really didn't know what to do or say.

I assumed that Bwana's parents had died several years ago and was saddened at the thought that Bwana had died alone. Then I read Tom Murphy's tribute. I thought it might be a good thing to revisit how Bwana was a part my life.

I met Bwana in Cincinnati at WUBE in the mid 60's. He was easy to like, and it was obvious that no one loved what he did more than Richard Johnson. He was all radio, from promotion to preparation, he went about playing the role as only he could. He was always on. His preparation was the degree of response he elicited from whomever he spoke with and his jokes and comments off the air soon found their way into his content on the air. He was a genuine personality.

He loved his parents and spoke of them often. I don't remember if I had ever met Bwana's mother, 

but I think I did, and based on how much Bwana spoke about both of them, there was a familiarity.

 I didn't know Bwana as long as many of you did.  When I left the business, Bwana was still going strong. 

He would call on occasion and we would talk about promotion and "whatever happen to "so-and-so."

But, other than an occasional hello, our relationship was more one of remembering the stations we

worked together - WUBE Cincinnati, KJR Seattle,  and WWDJ, Hackensack, each exciting and fun in

their own Bwana Johnny way. WUBE and 97DJ was like a homecoming, with many of the same jocks

having worked together. He made a lasting friendship with Bill Bailey and together the pure joy of

being on the radio came through.

I remember Bwana coming over to the house during the holidays in Cincinnati and in Ridgewood,

New Jersey and of visiting Ben Scotti and his family in Long Branch, on the Fourth of July. 

I also remember other friends of Bwana, Ronnie Grant, Al Brady, Mike Phillips, Tom Murphy,

Gary Russell and a host of others.

Bwana will always be remembered with fondness. His talent he wore on his sleeve.

He was proud of all aspects of the business and the business will always remember him.

 Nick Anthony

Back to the Bwana Johnny Tribute Page