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Don Keyes is one of those people who means a great deal to
me. I’ll explain later in this column.
Don was another of those Gordon McLendon magnificent,
creative employees. A typical McLendon hire!!! He was a
wonderful air talent at KLIF, and eventually became National
Program Director of the McClendon Stations from 1957… for a
decade through 1966. And WHAT A NATIONAL PD!!!! He was
involved with the creation and execution of the following
formats: In 1959, KABL in San Francisco premiered as THE
beautiful music station in the country. Don spent many days
and nights in the Bay region of California perfecting it. In
1961, XTRA the first all news station (“all news all the
time”) required Don’s attention in southern California. And
in 1965, in Los Angeles, Don was involved with the creation
of K-ADS, the first all ads station (now music KOST-FM).
Talk about diversified creativity….Don had IT!!!!!!! Still
does!!! But what else would you expect from a McLendon
programmer????
After the McClendon days he became the owner of WNYN AM and
FM in Canton, Ohio, for fourteen years. He sold his FM
station to Susquehanna, and eventually his AM. He then
bought WTAL in Tallahassee, Florida, and brought the KABL
beautiful music format with him. While in Tallahassee he
asked me to come to speak to their Advertising Agency
association. I remember the trip well. I monitored WTAL…WOW!!!
San Francisco in Tallahassee!!! We had dinner at his club,
and he arranged sleeping accommodations for me there. The
next day he toured me around the city which is very
beautiful…and the tour included a drive by of Bobby Bowden’s
home (for the few of you who do not know Coach Bowden of
Florida State…he is one of the most successful college
football coaches of all time).
I next saw Don when he was visiting in Miami. I think it was
the early ‘70’s. He was there to watch his old boss, Gordon
McClendon, receive the Radio Broadcaster of the Year award
from the National Radio Broadcasters Association. (It was my
honor to introduce Gordon to the three thousand broadcasters
assembled).
While living in Tallahassee, Don got a phone call from Ron
Garay of Louisiana State University who wanted to come to
Florida to interview him about Gordon Mclendon’s
professional career. Mr. Garay wanted the information to
write a book. He interviewed Don for three days. You should
“google” to find a place to buy the book. It is outstanding,
and Don’s McLendon stories are perfectly reflected by Mr.
Garay’s writing skill. Read it and learn!!!
Within the last decade Don sold his Florida station and
moved back to Dallas where he established his own firm to do
voice overs (and consultation). His detailed, sharp
announcing skills are still evident. He has done a lot of
excellent local, regional, and national VO work
Don has recently been elected to the Texas Radio Hall of
Fame!!! I know, because I WAS THERE at the induction
ceremonies in Houston.
Don’s first wife, Sally, died (of cancer as I recall it)
early in life. She was a beautiful, wonderful woman…..as is
his current wife, Betty, to whom Don has been married for
three years.
As stated in my first sentence Don has been a person very
special to me. I had already been a program director in the
majors…in DFW and Miami.... before buying a station and
moving to a small Texas market. He didn’t know it, but Don
became my life line to the major markets!!! I would call him
every couple of weeks to see what was cooking with the big
boys…and visit him for lunch in Dallas once a month for an
in person report. Don was a busy guy, but he always had time
for me. I was in a small market and certainly could not
supply him any local programming ammunition, but it did not
seem to matter to him. Instead he was kind enough to spend
time with me discussing new programming/broadcasting ideas.
His assistant, Yolanda Salas, would always happily greet me
when I went to see Don. It made me feel terrific. Between
Don and Yolanda I felt as though Don and I were broadcasting
brothers!!!! How refreshing. People who care about people
(as opposed to “why spend time with this guy when he can
offer me zero”). Occasionally the big man…Mr. McLendon ..in
person.…would walk into Don’s office to talk broadcasting.
Thanks Don for your friendship!!!!! To me it was a perfect
example for of caring. I hope I have been able to reach out
a hand to others as you did for me!!! See you for lunch
soon!!!!
e-mail Kent
kent@kentburkhart.com
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