  Irvine_laird Member Username: Irvine_laird Post Number: 33 Registered: 02-2007 |
Let's say I was going to put together a list of the five greatest non-musical voices in the history of Detroit (public address, radio, television, etc.). Who would make the cut? Harwell...right, got that... | ||
Blueidone Member Username: Blueidone Post Number: 54 Registered: 03-2007 |
J. P. McCarthy! | ||
Professorscott Member Username: Professorscott Post Number: 316 Registered: 12-2006 |
Penhallow, Casey Kasem, in addition to those mentioned... | ||
65memories Member Username: 65memories Post Number: 392 Registered: 10-2003 |
Interesting question...after Harwell and McCarthy, the standards sorta drop...but lots of unique, above average voices, don't know though if they'd be in the top five...DJ's Lee Alan, Tom Clay, Martha Jean...Sports George Blaha, Ty Tyson, Bob Ufer...News Emeril King, Bill Bonds, many others. | ||
Mbr Member Username: Mbr Post Number: 142 Registered: 03-2005 |
Amy Miller | ||
Quozl Member Username: Quozl Post Number: 519 Registered: 07-2005 |
Tom Campbell - WJR | ||
Eric_w Member Username: Eric_w Post Number: 149 Registered: 02-2007 |
Billy Bonds would be in there-he was a news icon at channel 7. Carmen Harlan-she's been on the scene for a lot of years-a steady good news anchor & involved locally. Dick Purtan-he has a long long history in Detroit Radio often at the top. | ||
Spacemonkey Member Username: Spacemonkey Post Number: 192 Registered: 03-2006 |
Me | ||
Dodgemain Member Username: Dodgemain Post Number: 152 Registered: 04-2005 |
Sonny Elliot has to rate up there somewhere. | ||
Dodgemain Member Username: Dodgemain Post Number: 153 Registered: 04-2005 |
Who gets (or makes) as much press as Mitch Album? He surely is up there | ||
Jerome81 Member Username: Jerome81 Post Number: 1391 Registered: 11-2003 |
I would say Mitchy, unfortunately. He really bugs me for some reason. Maybe its his predictable, and overly obnoxious style. | ||
Cub Member Username: Cub Post Number: 36 Registered: 02-2007 |
John Mason | ||
Rbdetsport Member Username: Rbdetsport Post Number: 263 Registered: 11-2005 |
ERNIE HARWELL! | ||
Urbanize Member Username: Urbanize Post Number: 1052 Registered: 02-2007 |
"Emeril King" Who's Emeril? I' assuming you mean "Emery"? For Weather Forecasting, that sure is a toughie, but Sonny Eliot for his upbeat attitude. Anyway, can't forget these characters..... -John Mason -Frankie Darcell -Judge Greg Mathis (Message edited by Urbanize on May 01, 2007) (Message edited by Urbanize on May 01, 2007) | ||
Queensfinest Member Username: Queensfinest Post Number: 92 Registered: 08-2006 |
Diana Lewis. | ||
Tiorted Member Username: Tiorted Post Number: 92 Registered: 02-2006 |
Joe Donovan | ||
Lilpup Member Username: Lilpup Post Number: 2080 Registered: 06-2004 |
no great political orators in my time that I know of - Coleman Young was probably the best extemporaneous speaker - historically there are probably some Father Coughlin is probably the highest profile of the religious speakers, but others might be better any fiery union leaders that spoke well - was Reuther a good speaker? | ||
Burnsie Member Username: Burnsie Post Number: 970 Registered: 11-2003 |
Paul Carey-- sometimes called the "Voice of God" | ||
Citylover Member Username: Citylover Post Number: 2288 Registered: 07-2004 |
Thread like this reveal ages more than anything else. The undisputed voice of Detroit was J.P McCarthy.He was a national radio legend. For years he did the focus show in addition to his morning show.The list of people he had on that show was incredible. It measures against any of Carsons or Cavetts or any host of t.v. or radio now or back then. JP had a relaxed self effacing manner.He never let his own politics overshadow his personality_ too bad Beckman and Paul W don not seem capable of that. When he died I remember one of the WJR guys relating a story. The then commissioner of the NBA Larry O'brien was leaving the studio at the Fisher bldg after an interview with McCarthy.As he and a junior NBA exec and this particular person from WJR were waitng for the elevator the junior exec commented that McCarthy was .." pretty good"... O'Brien responded ..."Pretty good?... he is the best".. | ||
Douglasm Member Username: Douglasm Post Number: 822 Registered: 10-2003 |
Van Patrick? | ||
Ordinary Member Username: Ordinary Post Number: 197 Registered: 06-2006 |
Amy Miller?! Tee hee, Nyuk Nyuk! | ||
Mackinaw Member Username: Mackinaw Post Number: 2743 Registered: 02-2005 |
Ernie Harwell is hard to match. Paul W. is okay, but what ever happened to David Newman?! That was a cool show. | ||
65memories Member Username: 65memories Post Number: 393 Registered: 10-2003 |
Urbanize...you're right..who the hell is "Emeril" King...I did mean Emery. Thanks for the correction. Too much watching Emeril Lagasse. | ||
65memories Member Username: 65memories Post Number: 394 Registered: 10-2003 |
Paul W. Smith and Frank Beckman aren't even in the top 100. I agree with Paul Carey as a choice. Great voice and nice person. | ||
Gary Member Username: Gary Post Number: 225 Registered: 02-2004 |
Ernie Durham, Ernie Harwell, J.P. McCarthy, Sonny Eliot, Dick Wolf, Jim Ingram, Jay Bell, Bill Bonds, Dick Purtan... Oh, and Jerry Buckley. | ||
Dodgemain Member Username: Dodgemain Post Number: 154 Registered: 04-2005 |
Lee Iococca had the crown for a while | ||
Detroitstar Member Username: Detroitstar Post Number: 581 Registered: 01-2006 |
Al Allen, Fox 2 News! lol | ||
Supersport Member Username: Supersport Post Number: 11544 Registered: 10-2003 |
Kid Rock | ||
Professorscott Member Username: Professorscott Post Number: 317 Registered: 12-2006 |
Kid Rock is an interesting choice... the very first post on this thread asked for the greatest non-musical voices... Supersport either didn't read message #1, or else he is voicing an opinion  | ||
Chitaku Member Username: Chitaku Post Number: 1329 Registered: 03-2006 |
the ghoul | ||
Jerome81 Member Username: Jerome81 Post Number: 1392 Registered: 11-2003 |
Bob Lutz? | ||
Crash_nyc Member Username: Crash_nyc Post Number: 857 Registered: 08-2004 |
Ernie Harwell, straight up. Much like Harry Caray is to Chicago, Ernie is to Detroit. He's probably the only local voice that's nationally recognized, and instantly associated with Detroit (at least among baseball fans). | ||
Redvetred Member Username: Redvetred Post Number: 10 Registered: 04-2007 |
Bud Lynch - voice of the Red Wings and former announcer - has been around longer than anyone and continues to work !!! | ||
56packman Member Username: 56packman Post Number: 1263 Registered: 12-2005 |
The Ghoul was from Cleveland originally, and his best shows were from that period. Hence the "Parma" references. OVERDAY! | ||
Defendbrooklyn Member Username: Defendbrooklyn Post Number: 122 Registered: 11-2005 |
I'm going with Ernie JP McHarwell | ||
Exmotowner Member Username: Exmotowner Post Number: 263 Registered: 06-2005 |
Arthur Penhallow BABY!!!! | ||
J_stone Member Username: J_stone Post Number: 368 Registered: 10-2003 |
Sid Monge | ||
Detourdetroit Member Username: Detourdetroit Post Number: 296 Registered: 10-2003 |
J_stone is the unequivocal VOCE D'DETROIT. The Stone's glory lies in wait for the second coming of the Strait... | ||
Livernoisyard Member Username: Livernoisyard Post Number: 3090 Registered: 10-2004 |
quote: Duh! Times have changed, especially for AM radio. Back twenty to forty years ago when AM ruled the airwaves, a drive-time jock was still that--a high-priced DJ playing pop music. The popularity of such a jock today would reach the altitude of a lead balloon. AM radio formats today are sports, man or woman talk, religious, ethnic, infomercials, and primarily political, especially with a conservative bent. Radiclibs on both AM and FM rarely acquire a critical mass of "paying customers" from a sponsor's point-of-view. That's why left-wing broadcasters fare so badly. It's that their messages somehow don't seem to attract many of the "right" kind of listeners. It's quite probable that many of the old-time "greats" mentioned in this thread might never have gotten anywhere in today's broadcasting environment. After all, good luck and proper placing and timing still account for the vast majority of any celebrity's success. (Message edited by Livernoisyard on May 02, 2007) | ||
Mallory Member Username: Mallory Post Number: 107 Registered: 05-2006 |
TV: Bill Bonds. 'Nuff said. RADIO: Martha Jean "The Queen." While the city was in utter chaos during the riots of '67, she broadcast 'round the clock to try and calm a battered city and its people. I worked for her for three years and can tell you she truly was a remarkable woman who certainly deserves major props. RADIO runner up: How can you not mention the Electrifying Mojo? The original Mojo, the ONLY Mojo. The magic that he was able to work from the cheesy studios of WGPR back in the day, to the technologically blessed WJLB, et al. Some of my best radio memories from Detroit are from Mojo. (Mad love to the early line up on WJLB, including Mason, the late Kris McClendon, Doc Larry Elliot and John Mason) And yes, Arthur Penhallow is GOD! | ||
Mallory Member Username: Mallory Post Number: 108 Registered: 05-2006 |
Oops, I meant John "Smooth" Edwards. Sorry. | ||
Southwestmap Member Username: Southwestmap Post Number: 802 Registered: 01-2005 |
Before there was JP and Ernie there was Brace Beemer - an unforgettable voice of Detroit: "Brace Beemer (December 9, 1903 - March 1, 1965) was an American radio actor and announcer at radio station WXYZ, Detroit, Michigan. Born in Mount Carmel, Illinois, Beemer was six foot, three inches tall and was an expert horse rider. He served as the deep-voiced announcer for The Lone Ranger soon after its first broadcast in 1933. Beemer also appeared as the Ranger in public appearances because station owner George Trendle felt that Earl Graser, the actor who played the part on the radio, did not look right for the part." | ||
Swiburn Member Username: Swiburn Post Number: 113 Registered: 07-2006 |
Let's not forget Bob Talbert of the Free Press. Other great columnists: Doc Greene, Jud Arnett, Mark Beltaire | ||
Lafayette Member Username: Lafayette Post Number: 3 Registered: 03-2007 |
Do not diss Amy Miller. She's incredibly dedicated and a helluv an award-winning journalist. | ||
Oldestuff Member Username: Oldestuff Post Number: 18 Registered: 01-2007 |
maybe you need catagories, like voice of Detroit sports, talk radio, radio, tv, commercials etc- I vote for Van Patrick, still can hear his way of pronouncing Las Angeles and Philadelphia - and there's Mr. Belvedere for commercials, who does great work? Bob Allison for talk radio, who didn't ask their neighbor? You could probably compile an entire book on some of the great voices in Detroit | ||
Gtat44 Member Username: Gtat44 Post Number: 126 Registered: 02-2007 |
J.P Ernie Bruce Martyn-Red Wings before Ken Kall (unsure of the last name spelling) Paul Carey George Blaha | ||
Dan Member Username: Dan Post Number: 1395 Registered: 10-2003 |
Frank Murphy | ||
Waz Member Username: Waz Post Number: 24 Registered: 11-2006 |
Rockin' Robin Seymour, Mickey Schorr, Brian McGregor (adopted Canadian)for "The Americans",Lou Gordon, Mr. Belvedere Seriously, how about Thom Sharp? You may not know the name, but you've heard him in voice-overs and radio commercials for years. | ||
Chitaku Member Username: Chitaku Post Number: 1334 Registered: 03-2006 |
Frank Turner | ||
Iddude313 Member Username: Iddude313 Post Number: 74 Registered: 07-2005 |
Kwame Uh Kilpatrick | ||
Revolutionary Member Username: Revolutionary Post Number: 127 Registered: 09-2004 |
The Temptations | ||
Detroit_stylin Member Username: Detroit_stylin Post Number: 4009 Registered: 10-2003 |
I have to say currently John Mason as well... | ||
Norwalk Member Username: Norwalk Post Number: 72 Registered: 11-2006 |
John Sinclair | ||
Michmeister Member Username: Michmeister Post Number: 176 Registered: 10-2006 |
Sid Abel-great personality "You couldn`t blame Rogie on that one a`tall, Bruce". | ||
Bulletmagnet Member Username: Bulletmagnet Post Number: 410 Registered: 01-2007 |
“I Love My Country, I Fear My Government” became a motto to live by for me. It was Mark Scott on AM 760, at 9:00. I really liked to listen to Mark Scott. I even got on air with him once. He was radical for the time, and pulled no punches with his views on black Detroit leadership, or any other leadership for that matter. He was a real rebel and paved the way for the (far less radical) AM talkers that we enjoy today. I miss his grit and guts, a man who broke his own mold. EXCELSIOR! RIP Mark. | ||
Douglasm Member Username: Douglasm Post Number: 825 Registered: 10-2003 |
I'd go along with Bud Lynch, if you throw in Van's toupee..... | ||
Cambeaux Member Username: Cambeaux Post Number: 4 Registered: 10-2005 |
Michigan Citizen, baby!! | ||
Bulletmagnet Member Username: Bulletmagnet Post Number: 418 Registered: 01-2007 |
Cambeaux, do you mean Michigan Militia Radio? I only heard them once on the shortwave while camping in the summer. It wasn’t compelling enough for me to join. | ||
Ct4438 Member Username: Ct4438 Post Number: 38 Registered: 08-2005 |
Of course Ernie Harwell is a no-brainer. And yes Mason would be a contender. But what about Ken Kal?? I love listening to him broadcast the Red Wings.....he shoots, he scoooores!!!!! | ||
Smogboy Member Username: Smogboy Post Number: 5107 Registered: 11-2004 |
As much as I like Ken Kal, I think Bruce Martyn's was that much better for hockey. He's the classic Wings' announcer regardless whether he was teamed with Bud Lynch, Sid Abel or Paul Woods. The fact that he's in the Hockey Hall of Fame says it all. | ||
Detroitfats Member Username: Detroitfats Post Number: 1 Registered: 05-2007 |
The Famous Coachman | ||
Detroitstar Member Username: Detroitstar Post Number: 583 Registered: 01-2006 |
How about the "This is the...times square...station" lady? | ||
Jimg Member Username: Jimg Post Number: 838 Registered: 10-2003 |
Ernie D... | ||
Eastsidedame Member Username: Eastsidedame Post Number: 119 Registered: 12-2006 |
Excuse my ignorance, but what's Amy Miller's background? I Googled her and got nothing. Anyway, I vote for Ernie, Bud and Sid...with the Canadians in the honorable mention category. Dick Vitale comes to mind, too. We're a great sports town, what can I say? | ||
Lafayette Member Username: Lafayette Post Number: 4 Registered: 03-2007 |
Um, did you think of going to the Web site where she works, WDET? Here's what it says about her: "Amy Miller grew up in North Rosedale Park on Detroit’s west side. Her public radio career began in 1986 when she took an opportunity to be a reporter at Alaska Public Radio Network. During her 17 years in Alaska public radio, she served as reporter, news director, regional news director and program host. Some of Amy’s Alaskan news colleagues include NPR’s Corey Flintoff, Peter Kenyon, Elizabeth Arnold and Mark Moran. She was Regional News Director for CoastAlaska,Inc., a consortium of five public radio stations along Alaska’s panhandle." | ||
Noggin Member Username: Noggin Post Number: 88 Registered: 09-2004 |
Bill "Call Sam!" Bonds | ||
Marcnbyr Member Username: Marcnbyr Post Number: 679 Registered: 10-2003 |
Mort Crim | ||
Fareastsider Member Username: Fareastsider Post Number: 375 Registered: 08-2006 |
YOU! or Kasey Kasum...however it is spelled | ||
Lafayette Member Username: Lafayette Post Number: 5 Registered: 03-2007 |
Casey Kasem. | ||
Fareastsider Member Username: Fareastsider Post Number: 378 Registered: 08-2006 |
The voice on the People Mover! | ||
Eastsidedame Member Username: Eastsidedame Post Number: 121 Registered: 12-2006 |
Lafayette: Oh, public radio...don't listen to it, thanks. Not my cuppa. Any place in Alaska, particularly public radio is not what I'd consider a place to hone your chops for any great length of time; she should have moved up to some major market in 17 years, with an increase of listenership and name recognition as well. Who her associates were is merely a PR technique to fill up bio space. Thanks for the heads up, but she doesn't qualify for "the voice of Detroit", i.e. a local treasure, institution or irreplacable fixture in the city, in my book. Alaska, maybe. If she had spent all or most of those 17 years in Detroit, it might be a different story. I stand by my original choices, though Bill Bonds and Penhollow were good suggestions, too. | ||
Lafayette Member Username: Lafayette Post Number: 6 Registered: 03-2007 |
Never said Amy Miller is necessarily the Voice of Detroit. Someone on this thread said they couldn't find any bio info on her online, so I posted it. That's all! Not sure how you would know about public radio and typical advancement trajectories within it if you "don't listen to it." What's your public radio experience? | ||
Eastsidedame Member Username: Eastsidedame Post Number: 132 Registered: 12-2006 |
I've listened to it. I don't like it. Mbr first mentioned her as a contender. My comments weren't directed specifically to you, Lafayette, other than you mentioning her position on the dial. After reading my previous post, I can see how it could be taken that way. Sorry about that, chief. I am a journalist, though. Degree from WSU. Print, not broadcast, though I served my internship as a television newswriter. Not that it should matter. Everyone's opinion matters. I was the one who mentioned that there was no information Amy Miller on the web. Thanks just the same for the data. And it's nice to know that Jerry Hodak is still kicking...... | ||
Sstashmoo Member Username: Sstashmoo Post Number: 99 Registered: 02-2007 |
Charles Pugh | ||
Yvette248 Member Username: Yvette248 Post Number: 507 Registered: 10-2006 |
I think the greatest voice definitely needs to be defined: News - Can't be any other than Bill Bonds Politics - Coleman Young Sports - I'd give it to Ernie Radio - My vote is John Mason. Half of Detroit grew up listening to him, and the "Deeeetroit Basketball" seals it. Business - Hmmmm......??? | ||
Gplimpton Member Username: Gplimpton Post Number: 4 Registered: 05-2007 |
News: Billy Politics: Romney Sports: Ernie Radio: JP | ||
Harpernottingham Member Username: Harpernottingham Post Number: 178 Registered: 04-2006 |
Paul W. Smith ... a sniveling sycophant if ever there was one. He claims he "writes" for DBusiness magazine, but that's hardly the case. It's just a radio interview that somebody else transcribes for him, I'm sure. Paul W. can't be bothered to type up his own interviews. In the recent the interview he did with Roger Penske, he kisses his feet ad nauseam, then just when you think it can't get any worse, Smith says, "Roger, I've always said you should be KING of Michigan." Where have you gone, Joe McCarthy? A station turns its lonely eyes to you. | ||
Larryinflorida Member Username: Larryinflorida Post Number: 83 Registered: 02-2007 |
news: Bill "raccoon glued on my Head" Bonds talk radio: JP sports: Saint Harwell politics: Albert E. Cobo And the "Pioneer in Controversy" award is posthumously awarded to : Lou Gordon Does 'The Ghoul" fit any category? I always like him, too. | ||
Larryinflorida Member Username: Larryinflorida Post Number: 86 Registered: 02-2007 |
" greatest non-musical voices in the history of Detroit " Do Kid Rock and Eminem count as non-musical voices? | ||
Eastsidedame Member Username: Eastsidedame Post Number: 138 Registered: 12-2006 |
TO: Larryinflorida RE: Politics What? No Hazen Pingree? Probably the best damn Detroit mayor ever. We could use his voice right about now. From Wiki: "During the depression of 1893, Pingree expanded the public welfare programs, initiated public works for the unemployed, built new schools, parks, and public baths. He gained national recognition through his "potato patch plan," a systematic use of vacant city land for gardens which would produce food for the city's poor. He was also an advocate of economist Henry George's single tax." | ||
Larryinflorida Member Username: Larryinflorida Post Number: 128 Registered: 02-2007 |
According to my copy of "Yesterday's Detroit" by Frank Angelo, This Pingree cat was a Republican who won by 2300 votes in '89. "He helped to put some officials in jail, took on the utilities, but primarily fought the streetcar line which introduced the three cent fare.(!) In 1896, he was elected governor and for a few months served as top city and state official. The Supreme Court ruled he couldn't do that, so he chose governorship." Haha, yes, I believe you're right! And he has a wackier name than Zolton Ferency, too! well almost. (Message edited by Larryinflorida on May 15, 2007) | ||
Eastsidedame Member Username: Eastsidedame Post Number: 146 Registered: 12-2006 |
"The idol of the people". A simple shoemaker. Using vacant land to feed the poor? Duh, what a concept!  | ||
Jrvass Member Username: Jrvass Post Number: 84 Registered: 01-2007 |
My choices (#1, then #2, #3): Sports... Tigers: Harwell and Carey Lions: Van Patrick, Frank Beckman Wings: Bruce Martyn, Bud Lynch Pistons: George Blaha, Dickie "V" Vitale U of M: Bob Ufer, Jim Brandstatter Thorns: Rick Rizz & Bob Rathbone or whatever replaced Harwell & Carey. They blew. I never knew who was talking. Tweedle-Dee or Tweedle-Dum. TV News... Interview: Lou Gordon, Bonds Anchor: Harlan, Crim Weather: Elliot, Hodak Sports: Al Ackerman, past sports anchors who simply read the scores quickly. Reporting: Bob Bennett Thorns: Smilovitz. The schtick is old. Radio News... Interview: JP McCarthy, PW Smith. 1/2 a thorn: Albom can rub me the wrong way too. He'll put on dissenting voices, then criticize them with his studio pals after the caller is dismissed. Not fair. Music/Sports... Rock: Penhallow, Kasem R&B/Funk/New Wave: The Electrifying Mojo Jazz: We haven't had any jazz stations since WJZZ. News/Traffic/Weather: WWJ Thorns: WXYT-1270... Do they need listeners to contribute to an amplifier/antennae fund? PATHETIC! | ||
Ja1mz Member Username: Ja1mz Post Number: 40 Registered: 02-2007 |
Bulletmagnet, I agree... Mark Scott was a true patriot, he was great. Clinton and Mark in the early '90's ahhhh...the memories....Mark from 9-12 and Rush from 12-3..made good company because I was in a vehicle all day back then.... | ||
Jrvass Member Username: Jrvass Post Number: 85 Registered: 01-2007 |
Wow! I forgot Mark Scott! The first time I listened to him was 4/19/85. The Oklahoma Fed. Bldg. was just bombed and he was speculating on the wire reports. BOHICA! James | ||
Dodgemain Member Username: Dodgemain Post Number: 158 Registered: 04-2005 |
Jrvass, your a decade off. Must have been a typo. | ||
Jrvass Member Username: Jrvass Post Number: 86 Registered: 01-2007 |
Yep. | ||
Newport1128 Member Username: Newport1128 Post Number: 9 Registered: 05-2007 |
I didn't like JP because he was too much of a suckup to the fat cats. I also heard that he got driven to and from the radio station by MetroCars every day, at the station's expense. After he died, WJR tried giving radio shows to his son (Jamie) and his wife, but neither lasted more than one or two airings. The son was especially awful; couldn't put two coherent sentences together. Paul W. just seems to be following in JP's footsteps. Good voice, but way too in love with himself. My vote goes to Dick Purtan. He seems like a genuinely nice guy who hasn't let his celebrity go to his head. | ||
Eastsidedame Member Username: Eastsidedame Post Number: 160 Registered: 12-2006 |
Since he's ALIVE, which I think would be a prerequisite, Dick Purtan might be the best choice radio-wise. He's the guy who got me interested in talk radio way back in the 70s. One of the grand-dads of the genre, to be sure. He pre-dates Rush. He's got the history and the strong Detroit ties. "Young crumb, don't test the boss...." | ||
Larryinflorida Member Username: Larryinflorida Post Number: 270 Registered: 02-2007 |
http://www.keener13.com/airche x/dickpurtan0565.mp3 The young Dick Purtain, circa '65. Who btw, kinda invented calling people live on the air and making them punk'ed. (Message edited by Larryinflorida on May 24, 2007) | ||
Orange_barrel Member Username: Orange_barrel Post Number: 8 Registered: 02-2008 |
It's got to be Big Daddy Arthur P! |
