Posted on 10/15/2015 4:06:49 PM PDT by Viking2002
Radio Hall of Fame host Ed Walker announced this week that he is retiring. His last show — a compilation of his favorite music and programs — will air Sunday, Oct. 25, at 7 p.m. Rob Bamberger, host of Hot Jazz Saturday Night, will take the mic as interim host of The Big Broadcast.
At 83, Ed has been host of WAMU’s longest-running program since 1990. About 70,000 fans tune in every Sunday night to hear the tales of Johnny Dollar, the witticisms of Our Miss Brooks, the Wild West stories of Gunsmoke and a variety of other shows.
People frequently tell us that they started listening to The Big Broadcast as children with their parents, and that now it is a tradition in their families. For 25 years, Ed has brought together generations of Washingtonians for a weekly trip to radio's past. We thank him for his commitment and welcome Rob, who will keep this tradition alive while we search for a permanent host.
Ed’s relationship with WAMU spans more than half a century. The first blind student admitted to American University, Ed was one of the founders of our station, WAMU-AM, in 1951. It is there that Ed met Willard Scott. A creative partnership sparked, and the two were a duo on Washington radio for 20 years, calling themselves "The Joy Boys." Ed went on to become a dominant figure in Washington radio.
(Excerpt) Read more at wamu.org ...
Ed Walker, a real pro and gentleman. Enjoy your retirement but keep the music playing in your heart.
Ehhha...
Going to need some time for this to sink in.
Prayers sent to Ed....
God be with you, Ed. Thanks for sharing yourself with us and the many hours of old radio now part of our memories.
Frankly, if this was more in line with my career I'd fight to get the job. I have 3 years of on air experience.
Oh, no! I’m so sorry to hear this, Vision.
Very sad. Thanks for the memories, Ed.
God speed, Ed, thanks for all the wonderful years.
For those who didn't know: The Joy Boys - Final Show at 4001 Neb Ave - 10/6/72
Viking, I’m still crying like a stupid baby. Oh, man!
I can remember the Joy Boys on WRC (980 kHz) as far back as 1957 or so, although I was only four at that time. King Kong Bird Seed—makes your parakeet look like a monkey, roar like a lion, and gentle as a bear.
from DCRTV
Ed Walker To Retire From WAMU Due To Health Issues - 10/15 - DC radio legend Ed Walker (right) is retiring from his Sunday night nostalgic radio show, “The Big Broadcast,” at WAMU, 88.5. According to wamu.org, Walker is leaving the public radio station due to health issues. He has been diagnosed with cancer. “He made the decision with his family to give his full attention to his health,” says a station statement. His last show - a compilation of his favorite music and programs - will air Sunday, October 25, at 7 PM. Rob Bamberger, host of “Hot Jazz Saturday Night,” will take the mic as interim host of “The Big Broadcast.” At 83, Walker has been host of WAMU’s longest-running program since 1990. About 70,000 fans tune in every Sunday night to hear the tales of “Johnny Dollar,” the witticisms of “Our Miss Brooks,” the Wild West stories of “Gunsmoke,” and a variety of other shows. Walker’s relationship with WAMU spans more than half a century. The first blind student admitted to American University, Walker was one of the founders of then-student-operated WAMU-AM in 1951. It is there that Walker met Willard Scott. A creative partnership sparked, and the two were a duo on Washington radio for 20 years, the mid-1950s through mid-1970s, calling themselves “The Joy Boys,” which aired on the old WRC radio. Over the years, Walker and Scott also worked at WMAL and WOL.....
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