Tom Murphy remembers Bwana Johnny
This morning when I checked my email, I saw the email from Danny that said
"Bwana" and I thought, as I had when I saw the "Jerry Kay" email a few
weeks ago, oh no.
I'm sure I knew Bwana longer than anyone except Wally Thornton aka
Beethoven. I first met Dick at KISN in July of 1959. I had been there about 3
weeks
and was called in to do the all night show. When I got there, Dick was sitting
in the newsroom having been there visiting Wally who at that time was on 9PM
to Midnight. I thought he was kind of a neat "little guy" ( I think he was 12
or 13 )
and he kept me company that night typing my news and generally helping out.
He and I became pals and remained so for years. He had gotten himself on
most of the record mailing lists and I remember him telling me about "Hits"
that he discovered including Harold Dorman's "Mountain Of Love" and Billy
Bland's "Let The Little Girl Dance" are two that come to mind.
I remember he invited me to have lunch at his Junior High and when I
showed up the Principal said, "What's he doing here?" I thought I was going to
speak about radio to his class and of course at that time I had well over 6
months experience but I WAS on KISN. Instead Dick just thought it would be cool
to have me come for lunch.
At least every few weeks Dick would invite me and Bill Howlett ( KISN
folks know Bill ) for lunch which his mom would cook for us.
We remained close for years until he graduated from High School, I still
have his graduation picture, and then he headed to Eugene, I believe, for his
first radio job. I didn't hear much from Dick for awhile until he came to
visit Connie and
I in Seattle. He had the whole "Bwana" personna going then and I thought it
was terrific.
When Dick was at KJR doing the Morning Show many evenings he would be with
Connie and me playing Monopoly until all hours. I'm sure poor Buzz had a hard
time keeping him awake.
I've kind of rambled on here but I just wanted to
share some "early
memories" of Dick with you folks. It kind of helps.
Sam and Danny I join Dick in thanking you for all you did to make Dick's last
days as good as possible. I am so glad that Danny arranged for us to visit him
at the care center
and to find out how much it meant to him. I meant a lot to me especially in
light of the news today.
I agree with Pat, that is enough departures for a few years with a slight
revision, for a lot of years.
Rest in peace Dick. I will always remember you and I've always been proud
of you.
Tom Murphy
http://www.realoldies1690.com/pages/tommurphy.html
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